Yeah, I finally broke down and ordered the 5080DB all leather set from Medford Tools–$179 including shipping. I really hope this thing is as good as everyone says (and as its price would suggest). Looked at Diamondback’s products but I’m just really not a fan of synthetics for toolbelts.
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Well I can tell you that they will be stiff to start, but they will last until you become stiff.
Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
you made a great choice, i've had mine going on 12 years, my second pair. and there just gettin' broke in . enjoy.... bear
I just worked mu first week in my new occidental belt. and aside from alot of gawking from the other guys on the job they have been a pleasure to wear. I dont think I will ever go back to nylon, and the way these bags are built I dont think I will be needing a new bad for a while any how.
-z
Does anyone get the leather soaking wet to break them in?
Ya I know, someone is bound to say it is a bad idea, but it is a fast way to lose the stiffness and form them.
Neatsfoot oil does a great job.I use the Oxylights, myself, tho.what the heck was I thinking?
Here in the Northwest the weather will take care of that soon enough, which is why I always use the nylon. Would very seriously consider the nylon Occidendals (beltless), though.
Ken Hill
I guess, but the first thing I do with new boots is soak them and strap them up tight. Fastest way to get them to stretch where they bend and stretch around the pressure points.
I dunno, just a bizzaro leather concept I have, didn't know if it applied to bags.
I have tried several methods. So far these are the results I have gotten.
Water, more often sweat as this is Florida, seems to work OK. Sometimes too well, In the middle August I can easily go through over a gallon of water in 8 hours and once had a tool belt get so soft it rolled up, stretched and the suspender clamps bit through it before tearing through the top under stress.
Neatsfoot oil softens the leather but if you use too much the leather gets overly soft and can grow mold. I have had luck baking it in a new belt. Apply generously but not to saturation. The leather looks blotchy. Put the leather in a paper bag and use a blow drier on low heat to warm the leather not cook it. The leather emerges evenly darkened, soft and dry to the touch. No staining of clothes.
On a tip I tried WD-40. Spray on a medium coat and allow to air dry. Some have said that WD will cause the leather to deteriorate faster but I have observed no greater decay in items treated with WD-40.
Saddle soap. Messy to apply but about as good as a light coat of neatsfoot oil once dried.
Waxes. Bowling alley wax worked best. Carnuba pretty well. Bees wax not for long. Not really a softening agent it did help with over softening associated with heavy sweat or rainwater absorption.
If I could find a belt in nylon or Kryptonite that would remain firm but flexible and hold up I would try it. So far little joy with what I have tried. The purloined skin of animals will have to serve.
Hey 'bout a nylon belt--ever tried picking up a used military "pistol belt" froom a gun show? They are pretty stout but over time will soften a little---hence, I said "used". I have one from a tactical equipment company that I used in the military that has no metal buckles--all velcro adjustments, and it's pretty comfortable.