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New Occidental Toolbelt–First Thoughts

| Posted in Tools for Home Building on November 24, 2002 04:16am

Wore my new all leather Occidental Pro Framer to work today (it was “wall day”), complete with all 40 strips of Senco framing nails tucke inside. I at first thought, man this thing will take forever to break in, but I noticed this was the first wall day my back hasn’t been sore. The quality is certainly there. So here’s my thoughts:

GOOD:

1. The hammer holder doesn’t let the hammer handle slap the backs of your legs all day. it’s nice and stiff, and the ring is small enough not to let your hammer handle slip out when you squat down.

2. The hammer loop on the right bag is also awesome–no more hammer handle slapping the side of my calf. I used this loop more than the holder on the back.

3. A speed square slot! And it’s on the correct side for me (the left side). And the speed square actually fits into it!

4. The bags seem heavy and stiff enough to keep their shape over time.

BAD:

1. The sewn on top pocket on the left bag makes it hard to get into the main bag.

2. I wish the double bag was on the left side (where I like to keep my most commonly used nails).

3. My 30′ Stanley wants to fall out of its pocket–I assume this will improve as the leather softens up.

Now my co-workers think I’m crazy to spend 180 bucks on a toolbelt, but I believe this one is definitely worth the money and it should last me until well after I become the crew leader (I just turned 20).

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Replies

  1. Piffin | Nov 24, 2002 06:31am | #1

    Mine is two years old and hasn't softened up. You'll need to look for some Neatsfoot oil if that's important to you. It's a good idea anyway since you are in Florida and you'll be working in the rain sometimes.

    Cost is a relative thing. When you have a ten year bag and they pay only a third as much for a two year nail bag, yours is less expensive.

    I bought mine by the piece and have my own tape holder and belt. I have two identical side bags with two lower and one upper, I think.

    You're right about those hammer holders - just right size and position.

    .

    Excellence is its own reward!

    "The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit.

    The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are."

    --Marcus Aurelius

    1. sarison | Nov 24, 2002 07:09am | #2

      I have had my Oxy pouch almost 6 years.  I haven't changed a thing other than a few stitches at a shoe guy  to tighten the corners.  Before I got this belt I had a standard carpenters belt with a mix of bags, loops and garbage that sort of worked  for me.  After a few weeks of accepting the tough leather, it  has served me faithfully.  I was  working in the rain the other day and actually had to pour water  out of my bags at the end of the day.    

  2. MalibuJim | Nov 26, 2002 12:14am | #3

    You can't go wrong with the Occidentals. When I bought my Framers about four years ago, my buddy couldn't believe that I spent $160 for a tool belt. Well, he's spent more than that on all kinds of nylon junk. His latest find was one that had handles sewed on top of the bags so you can carry the rig like grocery bags!

    The leather will break in soon and that deep brown color will fade as well. I think the tape holder is way undersized. I was never able to squeeze a 25', let alone a 30', in the holder without removing the belt clip even then it's still too slow to get it in and out. I find it quicker to keep my tape in the small side pouch of the tool bag (right side).

    I used to try and keep my chalk box in the tape holder, but it hurt too much- spare tire hanging over the edge! So, instead of losing the spare, I bought an Occidental utility bag and wear it in the back for chalkbox.

    1. Saw | Dec 01, 2002 06:35am | #4

      I can hardly remember using the old Harry Houdini hook belts. None of my pants zip or button back there so why the **** would I want my belt to. The belt really doesn't weigh that much, it's just that it holds so much that adds all the weight. Whenever the job or shoulders call for a change, I empty it out and find all the little bits and what not that I thought was missing or lost. I seem to think that I gave $129.00 for my pro framer several years back. Seemed like a lot of money but I've seen several new belts on coworkers over the years and mine still has a lot of years to go before I'll be in need of another. Maybe I should pick one up for reserve to beat the price change.

  3. philm | Dec 01, 2002 06:37pm | #5

    I've had the framer set from occidental for 5 yrs now,

    so comfortable to wear, even when fully loaded and

      just breaking them in.

     I am thinking of buying a spare set to use when I

     am running trim.

    1. sarison | Dec 02, 2002 04:45am | #6

      I've had my Oxy framer rig for 6 years now.  The only that has changed is that my #### moved above my waist and in the front so I need suspenders to hold it up.  I also need to get it into a shoe repair place because all the corners are blowing out.  But as stated in other posts, many other guys blow $30-40 every 12-18 months on new bags, so it seems like a "pay me now or pay me later" kinda thing. 

      1. Saw | Dec 02, 2002 08:11am | #7

        Dustin,

        I developed a hole in the left side small bag that increased nail usage somewhat. I used some quick set epoxy to fill the hole and corner, seems to be working just fine. I also have Oxy's drywall pouch which has the knife holder slot filled with a hard substance from the factory. That's where I came up with the idea, I might also fill the bottom of knife holder on my pro framer if it ever wears through.

        RU

        1. VinceCarbone | Dec 02, 2002 02:08pm | #8

          I've had my Oxy bags for over ten years. It's really time to get a new pair,as I'm starting to leave a trail of nails everywhere I go.

          But I wouldn't get any other brand these are simply the best.Vince Carbone

          Riverside Builders Franklin NY ICQ #47917652

          1. 4Lorn1 | Dec 03, 2002 08:18am | #9

            On the up side that trail of nails makes finding the truck easier after a long, hard day.

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