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Keep All the Essentials at Hand With the Best Tool Belts

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By Old House Journal Review Team
Last updated: 28 Feb 2023

How many times have you had to make several trips to your garage to get a particular tool when working on something at home? It can become annoying and tiring. Not to mention, it breaks your focus, and what should have been a fifteen-minute job ends up taking an hour or more to finish. Well, what if we tell you that you can have all your essential tools on hand? Sure enough, the premier tool belts of 2023 will help you stay on task and keep all your tools at the ready!

The most prized possession of construction workers and handymen alike, a tool belt is worn around the waist or around the shoulders and boasts pockets, pouches, and loops that help you properly arrange your tools so they are within arm’s reach every time you need one. We’ll be telling you all about these amazing products and showing you how you can buy one for yourself. 

So, are you ready to hit your workbench in style? Well, then let’s dive right in!

Best Overall
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Dickies Tool Belt
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Runner Up
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Custom Leathercraft Tool Belt
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Honorable Mention
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GlossyEnd Tool Belt
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Also Consider
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DEWALT Tool Belt
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Another Option
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Baffect Tool Belt
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Finding Your Next Tool Belt: A Buyer's Guide

Now, we will explain the benefits of using a toolbelt, the different types of tool belts, and give you other tips and tricks for finding a high-quality tool belt.

The Benefits of Buying a Tool Belt

Aside from giving making you look like a seasoned handyman, wearing a tool belt provides you with these two additional benefits:

Work more efficiently

Since you’ll know where each of your tools is, you won’t have to fumble around and waste time trying to find the right tool. Additionally, you won’t have to take hundreds of trips up and down a ladder or to and from the garage in order to grab the necessary tools. In this way, a tool belt will help you work faster and concentrate on the job at hand. 

No more misplaced tools

Because a tool belt allows you to keep all the necessary tools for a project around your waist and organized in pockets, you are a lot less likely to set down a tool somewhere between your toolbox and your project and misplace it. So, you will no longer have to waste precious time trying to find that annoying little bolt that rolled away somewhere, because everything you need will be conveniently organized right around your waist.

What Are the Different Types of Tool Belts? 

Tool belts primarily come in two types. These two types are:

  • Waist tool belt
  • Suspender tool belt

The difference between the two stems from the belt’s design. Let’s look at the two types in a little more detail, now, shall we?

Waist tool belt

As its name suggests, a waist tool belt is worn around the waist, just like a regular belt. Throughout the belt’s strap are various types of pockets and compartments for you to store your tools. 

The general rule of thumb is that these types of tool belts are typically cheaper as compared to suspender tool belts. On the flip side, a waist tool belt can cause strain on your lower back when its pockets are full, or when you’re carrying bulky tools.

Suspender tool belt

Suspender belts boast straps that allow you to suspend your tool belt by redistributing its weight to your shoulders and back. This works wonders for the overall fit and comfort of carrying the tool belt. Suspender tool belts may be a better option for people who tend to experience back pain, as the redistribution of weight can help eliminate any unnecessary strain on the back. Additionally, because suspender tool belts are larger by nature, they can usually fit more tools than a waist belt.

Tips for Purchasing the Best Tool Belts

Before you dive into the tool belt market, you must equip yourself with these two killer buying tips:

Weight

Okay, so we all know that a tool belt with heavy tools will be… well, heavy. However, some belts are bulky and awkward even when they are empty. So, make sure that the tool belt you end up buying has a lightweight design. You can check out its weight on the product page, or check out the customer reviews to get a better picture.

Moreover, you should always remember that a tool belt should be designed in a way that ergonomically reduces the overall strain on your back and waist. If it is going to put a strain on your hips and back, avoid the bag at all costs in order to prevent injury.

Adjustability & versatility

Long gone are the days when tool belts came in single sizes. Nowadays, thanks to adjustable buckles, you can get a tool belt that offers one size that fits all capabilities. This is great if you’d like to lend out your belt to family and friends, or even gift one to someone.

Factors You Should Consider When Buying a Tool Belt

The entire tool belt buying process can become rather arduous if you don’t know what exactly you’re looking for. So, to help clarify things, here are two factors that must be considered when in the market for a new tool belt:

The number & size of pockets

Trust us when we say that more pockets do not necessarily mean that a tool belt is better. So, how should you determine the perfect tool belt for you, then? Well, you should count the number of tools that you normally use for the handyman jobs in your house. This number will be more if you work at a construction site. You should then opt for a belt that offers a similar number of pockets and pouches. A word of advice is to go through the customer reviews and see if the pockets are also adequately sized to hold the particular tool it is made for. 

Material & durability

Tool belts are usually made from either leather, suede, or a synthetic material like nylon or canvas blends. While leather is the most durable and is also water-resistant, it usually comes with a premium price tag attached.

Suede is a bit hard to maintain but looks extremely classy. Synthetic fibers, on the other hand, are usually cheap and lightweight. If blended with the right polymers, synthetic tool belts can also possess enhanced durability and water resistance.

So, regardless of the material you opt for, make sure that you read the product’s customer reviews and see what buyers have to say about the overall build quality of the belt. If the manufacturer provides some sort of a warranty package on the belt, then that’s a cherry on top of the cake.

Elite Tool Belt Worth Considering for 2023

1

Dickies Tool Belt

– Best Overall
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Crafted from heavy-duty canvas material, this single-sided tool belt features a lightweight and easy-to-wear design. It is equipped with five pockets – two for carrying large tools, one for holding a pair of pliers, and two for fitting smaller tools, such as a screwdriver or pencil. Compared to other tool belts, this one may have less storage capacity, but it is ideal for performing small domestic tasks at an economical cost.

The Dickies tool bag is designed to add comfort to these menial tasks by securing the tools and provides easy accessibility and functionality. It comes with adjustable plastic buckles so you can fasten the belt from 32 inches all the way to 52 inches around the waist. Also, this belt is backed up by a one-year guarantee in case you are not happy with the purchase. 

Pros
  • Easy to wear
  • Durable construction for extended use
  • Adjustable sizing thanks to its buckle design
  • Reasonable price
Cons
  • Offers less, yet efficient, carrying space
2

Custom Leathercraft Tool Belt

– Runner Up
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Built from a thick suede leather fabric, the Custom Leathercraft tool bag is sure to last and will provide you with easy access to your tools for many years. It has three multi-sized pockets: two large pockets for carrying items such as nails, wrenches, or tape measures, and one small pocket for holding thin tools like screwdrivers, pencils, pliers, and blades.

This versatile tool belt also features a side loop for holding a hammer and a clip for measuring tape. It incorporates a polyester-made belt that can be adjusted from 29 to 46 inches in length. The rapid-release construction of the buckle makes it easy to put it on and take off. CLC promises exceptional service with this budget-friendly tool belt and offers a one-year money-back guarantee. 

Pros
  • Sturdy build quality so it lasts a long time
  • Lightweight design for easy carrying 
  • Multi-size pockets to hold a wide range of tools
  • Highly affordable
Cons
  • Isn’t particularly great at holding very large-sized tools
3

GlossyEnd Tool Belt

– Honorable Mention
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Manufactured using premium-quality polyester, this tool belt by GlossyEnd is one of the sturdiest options money can buy. Due to the five large-sized and six small-sized built-in pockets, this versatile product has room for securing most types of tools. Additionally, it comes with two hammer loops, which not only makes it great for small domestic tasks but also for construction site work.

With an adjustment capacity ranging from 33 to 52 inches, this tool belt will suit most waist sizes. The quick-release feature of the buckle contributes to its user-friendly design. Also, GlossyEnd offers their tool belt in two classic shades- black and brown, so you can choose either of them to match your attire or mood.

Pros
  • Extremely durable and lightweight for years of use
  • High storage capacity to fit almost any tool
  • Adjustable belt to fit most waist sizes
  • 2 color options for style
Cons
  • Side pockets are a little narrow
4

DEWALT Tool Belt

– Also Consider
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Buy on Amazon

This top-notch tool belt by Dewalt features 20 pockets to provide quick access to your tools so that you can speed up your work. One of the many things that set this belt apart from the others is its exceptional storage capacity. No matter the size of your tools, this amazing product, with its large pockets, can hold them all.

Dewalt has ergonomically designed this product with a 5-inch long belt that can be fastened from 29 to 46 inches, and adjustable suspenders for enhanced comfort and fit. This innovative tool belt also consists of a separate compartment for holding your phone. Inexpensive and versatile, the Custom Leathercraft Dewalt’s tool belt is an all-in-one package that has everything you could ever wish for.

Pros
  • Easy to adjust to fit most waist sizes
  • Large storage space for a myriad of tools
  • Comfortable to wear for extended use
  • Phenomenal price-to-performance ratio
Cons
  • Some customers have complained about suspenders being a bit loose
5

Baffect Tool Belt

– Another Option
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Buy on Amazon

This tool belt is constructed from high-quality canvas for a robust and long-lasting lifespan. The material is stitched to perfection and is very unlikely to fall apart due to normal wear and tear. There are several compartments for holding and organizing different tools for maximum ease and efficiency.

The Baffect tool belt comes with a stretchable belt that is designed to be an appropriate fit for almost all waist sizes. Due to the heavy-duty construction, it is ideal for use at home as well as for professional work. This tool belt is very easy to clean and care for. Usually, the fabric won’t catch dust, but in case it does, you can simply wash it with soap and water. The Baffect tool belt definitely offers great value and versatility for a very low cost!

Pros
  • Multiple compartments for storing multiple tools
  • Durable construction for a long life
  • Stretchable strap to fit most waists
  • Easy to clean and care for
Cons
  • It may be considered a bit too small by some

People Also Asked

Q: What do I carry in a tool belt?

A: The answer to this question will vary from individual to individual. You're supposed to carry anything and everything that you'll be needing for the job at hand. Most domestic handyman tasks will include the use of a claw hammer, utility knife, chalk line, pliers, screwdrivers, and nuts and bolts.

Q: How do I choose a tool belt?

A: Your tool belt must be durable and able to withstand the wear and tear that is expected at worksites. It should also be lightweight and super comfortable to wear. 

Q: Can I wash my tool belt?

A: Yes, the best tool belts, like the Baffect Canvas Tool Belt, can be easily washed using soap and water. Always make sure that you read the guidelines from the manufacturer before bringing out the soap near your new tool belt.

Garage Tools
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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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