About to order my new toolbelt. It is a toss up between Occidental leather or Diamond Back. Just want to hear anyones preference between leather or nylon bags and why. I own a leather belt now so I pretty much know what to expect from leather but have no experience with nylon and its longevity. Can it possibly last as long as leather or are you sacrificing longevity for comfort? Any comments welcome.
Thanks
Kev
Replies
I have been using occidental for about 2 years,cant say enough about it, have the padded nylon belt also
I've used all sorts of "big box" brand leather and nylon tool belts/bags. The leather ones aren't that bad but the nylon ones fray quickly and they always seem to sag and lose their shape. I just ordered an all-leather Occidental Pro-Framer combo and after wearing it for about four days, I can say honestly it is the nicest, most well-made rig I have ever worn. It's still pretty stiff now, but from everything I've read and heard about them, they are tough as anything and wear great as they break in. I also seriously considered the Diamondback bags, but from the pics their website showed, it seemed as if they sagged too much when loaded out. There are others here, however, who like them as well.
Oh....sorry....thread title was misleading.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
Jaybird, what exactly were you thinking the thread might be with a title like Nylon or Leather, mind in the gutter perhaps lmao...
Personally I prefer leather, I leave it up to the reader to infer what I am talking about
Stockings should be nylon
Boots should be leather
Teddy can be either, or silk.
Lace is always a nice touch.
But above all there has got to be Desire!!
T
Do not try this at home!
I am a trained professional!
Kev,
I wore the Occidental leather bags for about 6 or 7 years. I loved those bags, but they were heavy when loaded up. I had them resown a few times and patched. When they finally died, I bought Occidental nylon bags. Those green ones. The pouches were too small for me to get my hands into when I wore gloves. It drove me nuts. In the 5 months I wore them, the leather corners wore off and they were starting to show signs of wear. I decided to get Diamondback. I got the Framing Toolbelt Pro in large. I absolutely love these bags. I've been wearing them since June and there is not a sign of wear. I don't think these things will wear. They are comfortable and I have a place for everything I need and then some. Read their website closely. They make these things to last. That's my $.02, but I will never buy another brand bag again. Oh one more thing. They send this velcro belt that you wear instead of a leather belt. The inside of the bags is also velcro. It keeps your pants from falling down. Genius is in the details.
By the way, I bought red. I wear a blue OR hat in the winter and I don't match!! The other framers make fun of me!! :)
Edited 11/27/2002 9:29:55 AM ET by TIMUHLER
i've had the occidentals for about 7 years now and wouldn't wear anything else. when they break in they fit like a glove. they are heavier but suspenders help that. i wore nylon bags before that and found that the rougher nylon rubbed through my pants leg on each side. just my 2 cents
i have tried both ox and the diamond back. the diamond back is the tops. the oxes did not have the tool storage capacity. i have the diamond backs for three years, if i wash them they would look like new--no frying at all. they really thought out when they designed them. the large size is easier to get your full hand in but the mediums i use for trimming, small and compact.
bye
bj
I just recently hosed my Diamondbacks down after we set up 2 foudations in the rain. We got all the trucks stuck in the mud and the mud was had to be almost pressure washed off my bags. They looked good when I got done.
I'm glad you like your bags. I love mine.
Hey! What are these "Diamondbacks" everyone's raving about? Are they fabric? Is that a brand name? I've been using leather since Christ was a corporal but they get heavy when wet. Might consider moving into the new millenium one of these days.
Brinkmann for president in '04
goto toolbelts.com. they are made by a carpenter for carpenters. great warrenty and customer service. they have dozens of bags for any type you want. they are made of nylon actually multiple layers. i know people who have had the for ten years or so. good luck if finding the ones you like.
brad
Kev, I've been wearing the Nicholas leather bags for years. I wear two 5 pocket bags on a belt with suspenders. The belt never gets tightened up so all the weight is on the suspenders. They have plenty of room for nails, screws, speed square, pencils, knives, but they don't hang a 28oz framer very well so I also have a hammer hanger on the back of the belt. I've had good luck with them and they seem to wear well.
By the way, the suspender's also keep the belt from riding on your pants which helps to keep them where they belong when your working.
I can't hold back any more - every time I look at the title of this thread, I wonder if, "which kind of woman is he looking for" is the real subtitle..
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
I've also always worn suspenders- as you inferred, a definite cure for plumber's crack.
I use MTM nylon bags right now, tough bags and they're everything I need. But I'll say that the best bags I've ever had were full leather Nicholas I used years back. They didn't have the capacity or rain-friendliness of the nylon bags I now use, but the they were sweet.
Ken Hill
Hey! Ken, man, how's it going? Where you been?
Brinkmann for president in '04
Hey, Jimbo! Back workin' for the old company, they wanted me back for some reason (!). Had a job starting out your way in Yelm, but the HO got scared off by the T&M extras our salesman started flinging at them!
I'll try to give ya a call!
Ken Hill
I've had the Oxy's going on eight years I guess. I had to epoxy the left side outer bag as it developed a hole and was adding to nail usage. I have several of their products for the different needs we run across. I suppose that I'll buy Oxy leather as long as I have the need and they are still available.