Coleman Cosby, project manager at Yardzen, remarks, “When it comes to buying a tool belt, there are a number of styles and materials to choose from, so consider the type of work you’ll be doing and what specific tools will be typically carried. While you want your most-used tools to be easily within reach, consider a lighter model if it’ll be worn all day.” From the bargain rack to designs that take it up a notch, we geared up to look for tool belts that offer the most comfort and convenience. Keep reading for the top tool belts available today. You may think a traditional tool belt is nothing more than a few pockets hanging off of a belt, but this top pick is anything but traditional. Taking a modular approach to its design, the Bucket Boss Mullet Buster is loaded with storage opportunities, starting with three bags that attach to the belt. Each bag has additional pockets, clips, and dividers, making it easy and effective to store all the tools you’ll need for the day right at your waist where you can grab them as needed. The padded suspenders have just enough stretch for comfort without sagging or slipping, and they help balance the weight of the loaded belt, which takes strain off your back and hips. You can adjust or remove the suspenders and the bags if desired, or go ahead and load it all up. An adjustable chest strap connects to the suspenders for extra stability and support. The barrel-bottom, large-capacity, reinforced pouches hold an amazing amount of gear, and there are a variety of clips and loops for holding larger tools like hammers, as well. There’s even a spot for your cell phone. The heavy-duty polyester canvas belt fits waists up to 52 inches and has oversize, steel grommets and a steel buckle, so no worries about the grommets tearing or stretching over time. All in all, this is a tool belt that makes going to work at the jobsite, in your workshop, or on your property a pleasure, not a pain. Price at time of publish: $84 The pouch also includes several convenient loops and sleeve pockets to place around the main bag. The loops will hold large hand tools like hammers and screwdrivers, while the smaller pockets are perfect for nuts and bolts that are easy to lose. This tool bag is made of heavy-duty polyester, and it clips to your belt, pocket, or the waistband of your pants, meaning it’s one-size-fits-all. Price at time of publish: $21 Despite the low price, this is no flimsy tool belt. The waistband is made of webbing that secures the weight around your hips for comfortable support. The plastic buckle is designed to take high impacts so you won’t have to worry about damaging the belt with unintended bumps. The bag itself is heavy-duty canvas. This tool belt fits waists from 32 to 52 inches. Price at time of publish: $20 Three pockets provide you enough space for small tools and parts like nails, pliers, or pencils. A pair of leather side loops will hold a single hammer and a tape measure. The entire belt is made of suede leather, which makes it durable for normal uses. For something that won’t weigh you down, this is a great option, especially when tackling projects such as framing, fence repair, or other repetitive but straightforward projects. The belt fits waists from 29 to 43 inches. Price at time of publish: $17 The bag has five larger pockets for carrying screwdrivers, levels, wrenches, or many other things, as well as six smaller pockets for holding nails and screws, pliers, pencils, and other necessities. Two sturdy loops hold hammers or other larger tools, while the center flat portion is the perfect spot to clip your tape measure. The price is very reasonable, as well. Price at time of publish: $20 Made from polyester fabric, the tool belt is strong enough to hold the weight of many common types of power drills. A safety strap fits above the holster to secure the drill when not in use. Unhook the strap for instant access to the holder. The holster attaches to your belt, so you can position it right where you want it. It fits most standard cordless drills. Price at time of publish: $18 The design of the belt is customizable, offering 29 organization pockets of various sizes, including a pocket for your phone and a plastic-lined, puncture-resistant pocket to hold sharper objects like knives safely while you work. The belt and harness are breathable, heavy-duty 1,680 denier nylon with riveted seams and metal hardware. The belt fits waists from 30 to 53 inches. Price at time of publish: $100 Kyle Shirley, owner of Sol Vista Roofing, adds, “Our team is nearly all fitted with tool belts when on our roofing jobsites. What we tell our roofers to wear are tool belts that are comfortable and compact enough for all-day work, while also tough enough to survive the jobsite. We prefer leather tool belts, but there are great nylon options available also.”
Capacity
Consider the types of jobs where you are most likely to need your tools close at hand. Choose a tool belt with a design that’s adequate to store them all within easy reach, but don’t automatically assume that you need the largest tool belt possible. Different projects often call for different kinds of tools, and you can find belts specifically styled for professional electricians, carpenters, plumbers, and other trades. A tool belt that includes detachable pockets, pouches, and loops will give you more versatility to organize the belt for a specific job.
Mobility
A tool belt should save you steps by eliminating the need to return to your toolbox every time you require a different item. It’s likely, though, that you will still have to do some moving around, no matter what project you’re working on. You need a tool belt that allows you to walk, climb a ladder, or maneuver into a tight space. The ability to reposition the pockets on the belt allows for more freedom of movement; this is especially important if your projects involve a lot of climbing on ladders.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Michelle Ullman is the home improvement/tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs around the house and yard. Tool belts can also be named for specific types of construction, as with an electrician’s tool belt, a carpenter’s tool belt, or a plumber’s tool belt. Many tool manufacturers include a brand-name tool belt that’s styled to work with their products, so you can also try searching under the brand name of your preferred tool company. For this roundup, she considered dozens of tool belts, evaluating each for durability, capacity, and organizing options, as well as comfort. She also considered feedback from customers, both positive and negative, and received further input and advice from Kyle Shirley, the owner of Sol Vista Roofing, as well as Coleman Cosby, project manager at Yardzen. Barbara Gillette is a Master Gardener, herbalist, and beekeeper who maintains numerous organic gardens along with five out-buildings and a large country home. She contributed additional research to this article.
