Leather Clip-On Tool Pouch
When you only need a few tools for the job, this small holder is more relable than a back pocket.
Framing work is hard enough—if I can dodge wearing my framing rig for a day, my shoulders appreciate it. For most of my tasks, I only need a handful of tools. I’ve tried using my back pocket, but it takes too long to fumble for the right tool for production work, so I decided to try a small tool pouch hung from my regular belt.
I bought the Occidental Leather 5523 four-in-one clip-on tool holder. It holds a tape, a pencil, a small tool such as a screwdriver, and snips or pliers. The belt clip is great because I don’t have to drop my pants to take it on and off. The tape holder can accommodate a pro-scale 25-ft. tape, albeit with a little initial stretching. The main compartment comes with a plastic protector for sharp tools, but I removed it to get my snips to sit a little lower; it would take a lifetime of use to wear through the thick leather pouch anyway. I stow my utility knife in what I think is a belt loop. I use the side sleeves for a pencil and my 4-in. combo square, and that’s everything I like to carry. At the end of the day, I unclip the whole thing and throw it in the truck for the next morning.
The $40 Occidental 5523 keeps everything at hand without the raw shoulders. I should have bought it a decade ago. And with its stout construction, I’m wondering who I’m going to leave it to in my will.
Andrew Grace, a remodeler in Ligonier, Pa.
From Fine Homebuilding #309
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