Are you struggling to make the best out of your newly bought tool belt? Do you always feel like there is never enough space for your essential gear, even though the belt has plenty of pockets? If yes, then well, you are at the right place.
A well-organized bag makes it easier to carry and to perform, especially in urgent situations. So, dig in to find out the most helpful tips on How to wear a tool belt properly.
Table of Contents
First Step: Choose a Suitable Tool Belt
- Durability and comfort: These are the essential criteria when choosing a tool belt. These factors can be shown in the materials used to manufacture the products.
Many buyers go for leather belts because of their superior construction that withstands changing weather and outer elements. In detail, suede leather products are the most popular option, as they stand up to wear and tear.
Top-grain and full-grain leather ones are top-notch products from various brands, too. Meanwhile, nylon fabric is a strong companion that promises sturdy yet lightweight construction. If you prefer flexible and soft materials, nylon belts should be the right pick.
- Pouch quantity and size: If your tool assortment has multiple large pieces, pick a belt with huge containers. Most loved tool belt configurations feature two large pouches on two sides, sparing a space in between for your free movements.
Small pouches are essential to store nails and other tiny accessories. Make sure they are located at an easy-to-reach space and have closures to avoid spilling.
- Tool belt designs: In the market, you can come across tool belts with one large pouch and small departments. Those items are ideal if you have a few large gears and multiple medium-sized and small tools.
Also, some belts feature suspenders that offer an extra place to house your phones and small parts for each reach. If you intend to bring heavy tools to climb a great height, it is your go-to belt.
Second Step: Organize Your Tools With These Helpful Tips
It will be a breeze when you have in hand an ideal tool belt for storing essential gear for work. The next step would be organizing those tools neatly, getting ready to put them into the belt. Here’re some pro tips that level up your packing game:
- Pack essential tools according to your dominant hand.
In detail, in common tool belt configurations, there are often two largest pouches at both sides for balance. Hence, you should put the most-needed tools on the left if you are a lefty and vice versa.
For instance, carpenters will often use pencils, pliers, and box cutters, so they should put them into the dominant pouch. In another case, electricians will put a voltmeter and other essentials tools on the dominant side for tasks at hand.
- Pack large tools in the other large-sized pouch.
If you have any big gear left, put them in the other largest pouch to balance the weight. If your belt has a hammer sleeve, store the heavy tool there. Otherwise, organizing it neatly on the other side would be a great idea.
- Put the same kinds of tools in separate spaces.
The secondary pouches are in a smaller size yet in a larger number. That means you have multiple medium-sized pockets for putting other frequently-used gear. Most workers consider these ones as a “helping hand” for the tools in the dominant pouch.
Make sure you separate them into different categories for quick retrieval in case strong movements mix up all the tools. Also, keep in mind that you need to balance your tools’ weight on both sides to avoid fatigue.
Third Step: Wear the Tool Belt In the Right Way
After packing all your tools in neat order, what’s left is wearing the tool belt properly. You might wonder why this is important, as what’s tricky about wearing a belt full of nicely organized gear? Yet, it is recommendable that you follow these tips:
- Choose the right orientation
In numerous cool movies, a handsome carpenter or electrician will wear their tool belt in front. Yet, in contrast to that popular image, most real-life workers prefer putting their belts backward.
This way of wearing the tool belt offers you much space for movements, especially bending forwards. You would not want your sharp gear hurting your thighs or the large hammer hindering your tasks, right? Then wear the belt on the back!
- Wear the suspenders
Well, the most weight we carry is not from the pouch but the heavy tools. However, your work requires constant movements like climbing, bending, even jumping, etc. So what additional accessories will support your heavy tools better? The answer is suspenders.
If your current tool belt does not come with the accessory, you can purchase it from the same brand. And wearing the suspenders is a no-brainer, as you should put on the belt first, then lock the suspenders and adjust it to embrace your shoulders nicely.
Conclusion
A tool belt brings enormous benefits for numerous workers, either you work as a craftsman, technician, mechanic, carpenter, electrician, etc. As long as you need a convenient, comfortable, and durable piece to carry all your gear, it offers all the help.
After choosing the best tool belt, the only thing is to make use of all the rooms provided. So hopefully, our tips on how to wear a tool belt will allow you to pack and work with less hassle.
Hi, I am Alexander, forty-seven years old this year. I have been in the construction industry for twenty-five years and have provided a wide range of services. When it comes to expert guidance on site safety gear, you can put your trust in me.