Replies

1. 
   mycarwood | Oct 06, 2006 02:11pm | #1

   Duluth Trading Co. has quite a few. Try their web site.

1. 
   ubc | Oct 17, 2006 12:07am | #31

   Occidental Leather makes quality bags both leather and nylon. I have one of each and like 'em both.

2. 
   renosteinke | Oct 07, 2006 02:34am | #2

   For a different take, visit http://www.skillers.com. In addition to their proven vests, they have an interesting tool blet arrangement.

3. 
   davidmeiland | Oct 07, 2006 04:30am | #3

   Occidental Leather is one of the big players. I have a set of their leather framing bags with suspenders that I got about 20 years ago. Not so good in the rain but I try to stay out of the rain anyway. They have a lot of nylon also.

   http://www.bestbelt.com/

   I've heard good things about Diamondback bags. They don't seem to have suspenders and might not fit your budget

   http://toolbelts.com/products.php

1. 
   Stilletto | Oct 07, 2006 01:01pm | #4

   I was in Lowes yesterday and they had the Dewalt leather nail bags on sale for around $70.  Padded belt and hammer loop with two framing bags. 

   You might want to check them out,  if you have a Lowe's around.   

    

1. 
   toolbear | Oct 08, 2006 06:44am | #9

   ##  I was in Lowes yesterday and they had the Dewalt leather nail bags on sale for around $70.  Padded belt and hammer loop with two framing bags. 

   Seriously?  That is a good deal.  They normally go for a lot more.  The Semi El Cheapo rigs are around $70.  My last set of Oxy Lite framers cost around $140.The ToolBear

   "Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.

1. 
   diamond_dodes | Oct 08, 2006 07:19am | #10

   A few months ago I bought the ToolRider GSR Gel Suspension Rig made by "The Brown Bag co." They are a new company, I've never found the on the net.
   I first seen them with a booth at a builders show. The guy who makes them used to work for another big tool belt co. but went off on his own. They are awesome.-Constructed from ballistic nylon
   -They have gel in the belt and suspenders, very very comfertable. Drilex lined.
   -2 built in neoprene cell phone holders, one of which is on the suspenders which is very handy.
   - Great range of pockets, tough lined knife pocket.The actrual belt was a cheesey nylon one whoch I replaced with a high quality leather one.I really really like these bags. Great quality, features and comfort.

   Edited 10/8/2006 10:20 am ET by diamond_dodes

1. 
   mikekerry | Oct 08, 2006 06:04pm | #11

   I loved my Oxy. pro framers, but now I am into everything, everything that pays will. This has been a rough year,  I went out on my own this year and it has been a learning experience. I can do all the work, but am very weak in the business side. This year my Pro framers were borrowed and not returned, my truck died,my old rig is being held together with staples, and to make everything better my customer for my last three jobs are waiting to pay, they will pay just not on my time table.

2. 
   rasconc | Oct 12, 2006 04:24pm | #26

   Not offering it up as best but the price is fair.  I bought one on eBay but have not used it.  Got the single bag at Lowes for under $9 on closeout. 

    

   http://www.toolking.com/productinfo.aspx?productid=378

1. 
   Stilletto | Oct 12, 2006 11:29pm | #29

   I agree not the best, but for the money not a bad deal.   

    

4. 
   vanderpooch | Oct 07, 2006 05:40pm | #5

   Mike,

   I know a lot of people will recommend the Occi's.

   I like my Mendozas: good bags and a very comfy belt.

   http://www.mtmbags.com/

   They have held up for a lot of years.

   -Kit

   Technique is proof of your seriousness. - Wallace Stevens
1. 
   PaulBinCT | Oct 07, 2006 05:45pm | #6

   I have a couple of belts depending on what I'm going to be doing: the Occidental leather framer is very nice but bulky and a a bit restrictive. I also have a Klein for when I'm doing lots of elec, the pouches are perfect for holding testers, pliers, etc and a smaller Occi for doing trim and punchlist stuff.

5. 
   IdahoDon | Oct 08, 2006 05:31am | #7

   The oxy bags are very hard to beat for durability.  It's good leather and well built.  It's also heavy. 

    

   Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.

1. 
   Piffin | Oct 08, 2006 06:24pm | #12

   Perfect brief summation on the oxy leather.I was tired of wearing out a bag every year or two and dug deep in my pocket to buy them 9-10 years ago.After about two years ( took almost that long to get them broken in, LOL) I came to the conclusion tha they were too heavy for me and that I would trade back down after they wore out.Looks I will wear out from carrying them before the bags wear out now. I still wear them for framing but most work gets me in the skillers vest - easier on my back 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

6. 
   averagejoe | Oct 08, 2006 06:23am | #8

   check out the oxy tool chest...picked it up 4 mos. ago and became a true believer...I'll never go back to a belt system.

   I'm a general contractor/carpenter and wear a lot of hats... some days framing, some days hangin' board, some days trim work, some days custom kitchen cabinet installs. Probably half the time I'm only wearin' the vest with no side bags and it's just perfect. With my stilleto hangin' in the back, I hardly know it's there. My standard tool set (95% of what I use on a daily basis) all fits nicely on or in the vest.

   I clipped a monster hook on the pocket next to the front hammer holder for hangin' drills, nail guns, sometimes even my little 6 1/2" bumblebee. Other than that, no modifications needed.

1. 
   Piffin | Oct 08, 2006 06:39pm | #13

   http://www.bestbelt.com/product/belt-free/oxy-toolchest.htmlI hadn't heard of that set yet. Looks good. How does it adapt to changing your chest size as yuou go through seasons and changing clothes for different weather? 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   davidmeiland | Oct 08, 2006 08:13pm | #14

   You solve that problem by moving to a mild climate. Every time I hear you guys talk about scraping ice off your framing lumber and shoveling the deck so you chalk lines... it reminds me that I'm a sissy!

1. 
   Piffin | Oct 08, 2006 09:37pm | #15

   wuss! 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   davidmeiland | Oct 09, 2006 01:51am | #16

   Heck yeah!

   If it looks like rain, we chalk a 12" square on the deck. If 10 raindrops fall in that square in 1 minute, we're done for the day. Feel a drop... head for the shop. You east coasters take this work stuff way too seriously!

2. 
   jvhannah | Oct 13, 2006 05:45am | #30

   I've always leaned toward the bricklayers motto about rain; First drop of rain hits you, that's god's fault. Second drop of rain hits you, that's your fault, and in to the truck and gone.

   Tailwinds and sunshine,  JH

2. 
   Sphere | Oct 09, 2006 03:12am | #18

   I have that rig for when I don't need fall arrest.

   You know my size...everything is adjustable with nylon straps. I can make it fit over many layers of wnter gear, or a tee shirt.

   I JUST today added a dog collar ( cut in half and attached at the belly area) to keep the bags from spreading too far when wallowing around on the odd places we get to.

   I like it over all, the no belt idea is long overdue.

   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   " If ya plan to face tomorrow, do it soon"

1. 
   Heck | Oct 09, 2006 06:25am | #19

   Slight hijack:

   Not a tool system nor rated for tool systems, the mention of Duluth earlier in this thread reminded me of a new product I saw in my new Duluth catalog that looked like a neat idea:

   http://www.duluthtrading.com/search/searchresults/92992.aspx?feature=Product_1

   View Image_______________________________________________________________

   tagline free since 2006

   
2. 
   Piffin | Oct 09, 2006 09:55pm | #22

   I use suspenders now with my Oxys and they distribute some to my shoulders.I could see from the add that this rig is adjustable, but I was more concerned with weather it was easy to adjust when going thru changes all day long. Layering clothes means my size changes all day long as it warms up or I change from in to outdoor work.I'll have to see if I can try a set on next time I go over to America 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   davidmeiland | Oct 09, 2006 09:57pm | #23

   >>next time I go over to America

   I cannot believe you said that. It's the exact thing we say here. I'm going there tomorrow.

2. 
   Sphere | Oct 10, 2006 01:19am | #25

   I think you'd like them. Changing the chest tightness is a cinch and a snap ( literally).

   down side is it is all black, and it gets real warm in the summer, but in a few days I'll be glad for the extra solar gain.

   Also, when ya take it off, ya best hang it...it WILL dump the bags. There is a little d ring on the back, I added a larger carabiner to make it easier to snap onto scaffold brace pins or stacking pins.

   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   " If ya plan to face tomorrow, do it soon"

3. 
   user-175028 | Oct 17, 2006 03:12am | #32

   No belt= good belt. Careful of furniture mover's disease, that's where your chest moves to your drawers.

3. 
   averagejoe | Oct 09, 2006 09:38pm | #21

   The straps that connect both the back of the harness and the front of the harness are adjustable. So far I've only needed to adjust the front, which adjusts easily right at the buckle. (1 hand) When I need to move on to full-on winter gear, the back may need a tweek.

7. 
   RichMast | Oct 09, 2006 02:31am | #17

   Try these out: http://www.mcroseleathers.com  they have both belts or you can customize by buying individual pouches with the kind of design you want.  Excellent quality.  I have one on a customized belt I use.

   Hope this helps.  Rich.

8. 
   Hackinatit | Oct 09, 2006 02:08pm | #20

   Two of these, but cut the hammer loops off:

   http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Hand+Tools%2C+Carpentry&pid=00940521000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Tool+Aprons%2C+Pouches+%26+Accessories&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

   One of these, but put the hammer holder in back:

   http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Hand+Tools%2C+Carpentry&pid=00940626000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Tool+Aprons%2C+Pouches+%26+Accessories&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

   Add a monster hook and you have a bunch of bags for a touch over a hundred. I can carry half a tool bucket in this rig.

    

   Troy Sprout

   "Work is the curse of the drinking  classes."
   Oscar Wilde
   

9. 
   Toolpig | Oct 09, 2006 11:26pm | #24

   I love my Occidental Leather bags. However, I wish I'd opted for the Oxy "Lights," as the leather bags tend to be a bit heavy.

   TF

   Toolfanatic (a.k.a. The man formerly known as "Toolfreak")
10. 
    Christensen | Oct 12, 2006 08:01pm | #27

    You can not go wrong with the DeWalt belt. I would go with the nylon over the leather belt. I have the nylon and it was lighter when I was looking at both. For $70 you can't beat it!

11. 
    Sphere | Oct 12, 2006 08:51pm | #28

    Actually, yes. My shoulders get a real workout and I wish some of the weight would be slung on my hips. I have a set up of bags with belt and suspenders, that I wear for standing seam work only..tho' that requires less tool weight than say gutters or carpentry.

    We're in the midst of a box gutter rebuild, so I wear the Oxy set-up cuz the pockets will cradle an 18v drill body equipped with a turbo-shear, and my 14.4V Makita Impact. Even the propane bottle for soldering fits in a pouch.

    Dales fall arest harness IS rotting away from sweat, the Oxy is pretty bulletproof nylon, but I don't sweat anywhere near as much as he. So, I can't vouch for the longevity of it yet.

    I still hate that the rig won't park on the ground well without the pockets dumping and the fact that the pouchs STAY puffed out all the time...kinda gets hung up easy on scaffold braces and pins.

    Honestly, I am not overjoyed with any of my rigs ( I have 5..) except for my OLD NAILERS brand, that is my GO TO bags when working at home doing mostly carpentry or siding type work.

    We do a lot of gutters , Kstyle, half round..so I have a set up just for that, poprivets, and such don't get mixed up with copper roofing nails and tools for roofing, and the Miller Fall Arrest with the removeable bags is THE BOMB! I just hate getting it all slobbered up with caulk and such, and I have about 400 bucks invested in it...it stays in the truck unless I have to be roped off as per OSHA type jobs or in the boom lift.

    Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

    " If ya plan to face tomorrow, do it soon"

12. 
    happyframer | Oct 17, 2006 03:43am | #33

    I haven't seen anyone mention Milwaukee's bags. I love mine. Pouches for everything. In mine I have pliers, screwdriver, nail puller, hammer, nail punches, chisel, 2 chalk boxes, tin snips, speed square, block plane, gun oil, utility knife, black magic marker, foam and insulation knife, cell phone, torpedo level, hammer tacker and seperate pouches for 16 d nails, 8 d nails, maze nails, and roofing nails. Usually there's some place to put some sunflower seeds as well.

    No kidding, they're in there. My knees are killing but I don't waste any time going to my truck to get what I need

1. 
   Steddy | Oct 17, 2006 05:46am | #34

   WOW. You must be training for ski season and REALLY hate that trip to the truck. All at the same time, every day?

1. 
   happyframer | Oct 17, 2006 06:03am | #35

   Right now, I'm doing soffit and facia and finishing up a house and need all but the hammer tacker. I just happen to have it in the hammer loop. I really should take that out.

2. 
   toolbear | Oct 17, 2006 06:31am | #36

   I used to carry half the tools I own in my bags.  I did notice that the bags seemed a bit heavy.  In fact, excessively so.  At least to a Geezer.  Then a dim LED went on in my brain.  I only need to carry what I need.  The rest just needs to be handy.

   There are two Handies... 

   Really Handy is my bucket with organizer.  It's right there with me.  Just a few steps away.  I have organizers set up for trim, framing, electrical, plumbing, painting, caulk, etc., so I have some choices.

   You can overdo this too.  I worked with a carpenter who had such a fine assortment of tools in his bucket that it must have weighted upwards of #40.

   Not So Handy is my van stuffed with nifty tools.  It gets configures before dawn each morning with what is needed for the day. 

   Now my bags are lighter, my back is happier and I still wish for that anti-gravity belt, so I could carry it all. The ToolBear

   "Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.

1. 
   DaveRicheson | Oct 17, 2006 01:12pm | #37

   >>I still wish for that anti-gravity belt, so I could carry it all

   Spock took it!

1. 
   Steddy | Oct 19, 2006 09:43am | #38

   Does anyone know the various makers of bags with horizontal slots for nail pullers? Left side makes the most sense to me. I saw at least one set years ago and liked the idea. Does the cat's paw stay put just fine with that design? I'm currently holding the worn-through holes of my bags shut with Gorilla tape - still liking them and cheaper than new ones!

1. 
   toolbear | Oct 22, 2006 06:27am | #40

   The Occidental bags normally have two leather loops on the fastener bag for your nail puller and combination square.

   Holds them vertical, but they work fine.  I have never worn one out or come near it.

   <bestbelt.com>The ToolBear

   "Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.

13. 
    jet | Oct 19, 2006 12:40pm | #39

    The workman's is 195$
    http://www.utilikilts.com/store/index.php?cPath=13

    A picture of my kid using his.

    "No doubt exists that all women are crazy; it's only a question of degree." - W.C. Fields