Tool-belt and suspenders: yea or nay?
Biff_Loman
| Posted in Tools for Home Building on
I’m going to give the suspenders a shot. No matter how I wear it or how tight I cinch it, it works its way off. Takin’ my pants with it.
Replies
Yah,
Suffer from the same affliction. I can wear a nearly empty belt, but after a few tools and a box o screws, it shimmies its way off. Suspender belt looks a little goofy but works. When (if) i get to heaven there will be a pair of pants that fits me. Switched to bib overalls a while back and don't share my crack anymore.
I've lost some weight over the past year and I'm having the same dilemna. Getting to the point where my hips ache while walking because my rig is slung so low. I bought a set of Occi suspenders... they work great... but I still can't get used to it. Took 'em back off the belt about two weeks ago. Gotta ease into these things, ya know?
I agree with ya. I bought a pair of the stronghold leather suspenders from a guy on here. They were brand new. I only wear my belt a couple times a week, as my business is only part time, but overall I think they're great. I haven't pinned the yoke to the straps yet. I'm afraid that if I pin them for the winter coats and all that the positioning will be off once I'm just wearing a t-shirt.
I enjoy the suspenders because I can wear the belt lose, so most of the weight is on the shoulders. Plus the pencil pockets are convenient.
Suspenders are the only way to go.
I dumped the belt years ago, and I am still modifying my Oxys to fit my body and be more ergonomic.
I am OCD when it comes to wearing a belt and having it fit properly. Takes all the pressure off the hips and lower back.
I don't agree.
I tried suspenders and my lower back quickly became inflamed. They essentially put the load too high on my body, which wreaked havoc on the lower back.
My solution was lightening the load. My loaded belt weighs less than the occidentals empty. No one really needs to carry all that stuff on them...
>> My solution was lightening the load. My loaded belt weighs less than the occidentals empty. No one really needs to carry all that stuff on them... <<
Except your helper. :-)
Experienced guy: Tool belt, 16 oz hammer, pencil, tape measure, speed square, a few nails, pointing finger.
Young guy: Tool belt, 22 oz hammer, pencil, tape measure, speed square, 4-in 1 screw driver, pliers, chisel, chalk line, nail set, energy drink, plumb bob, torpedo level, nail puller, saw wrench, 10#s nails, etc. :-)
Hey kid! Can I borrow your _______?
Hey kid! Can I borrow your _______?
Hey kid! Can I borrow your _______?
Makes 'em feel needed.....
I second what Matt posted about the "experienced" guy lightening the load, but still borrowing everything from his helper. I work occasionally with a more seasoned carpenter and he is constantly slowing down our efficiency.
Uh where is my square? Hey can I use your pry bar?, etc.
Every body type is different. I can not speak for you and why your back became inflamed from suspenders.
I have had problems since I was 15 years old, and my set up is the only thing that has kept me pain free this long. I have the occasional chiro visit. The occasional vitamin I for the days I push too hard.
"I work occasionally with a more seasoned carpenter and he is constantly slowing down our efficiency.
Uh where is my square? Hey can I use your pry bar?, etc."
Do what I used to do....just say "NO".
I didn't say I didn't have tools...I just don't wear them all on my hip! There is a new fangled invention called a "toolbox". I keep one, with 30 #'s of tools in it right next ). If necessary, I clip on a small pouch (roof clips, etc).
I'm pretty sure I could improve all of your efficiency with this setup....and some other ideas.
Right pouch: knife, small pry bar, 4 n 1, side cutter, chalk line, hammer
Left pouch: Speed square, Tape, Chisel, 2 nail sets. Fasteners.
Too much? This set up varies depending on task.
Maybe I am not as talented or skilled as the next guy so I try to make up for it by being prepared with the right tool immediately.
I am committed to being efficient and constantly learning about our craft. That is why I spend time here and subscribe to the mag. The wealth of knowledge and experience that you more seasoned guys bring in is invaluable to me.
Hell, most of the tool's in my helper's toolbelts are mine.
I believe you.
I am pretty sure both of the young guys I work with have an old tape measure of mine (probably got it out of the garbage). I know I have given old speed squares and a couple of hammer holders for use also.
The thing the burns me up the most is when the helper is not prepared with essential hand tools, and he complains about not having money to go out and buy tools, but then 5 min. later he is talking about the latest movie he has purchased on "Blue Ray" or I got this awesome new game for the PS3.
Come on, get serious about the craft!
Oh, I'm sorry I started this. I learned in first grade I was supposed to
bring my own pencil. Razor knifes; got tired of somebody else having mine, bought a ten pack, nobody shows up with one, one left. When I started; own belt fool of tools and more ever since. I'm looking for more and more one-man jobs. It's easier to cuss at myself and more effective.
I use suspenders only because I started having terrible leg pains, which I figured was coming from my belt. I ran into a carpenter that had a blood clot in his leg from his belt-he had to wear support hose over his leg.
My leg pain went away once I started wearing the belt. It took a while to get used to it, now I don't even notice the suspenders anymore.
Both and lighten the load. Doesn't make sense to carry something around all day that you use a couple times to save a couple steps. More than a couple steps? - light tool bag(s). Age and cunning beats youth and vigor every time.
lighten the load and tighten the belt.
the suspenders cammoflage one problem while causing others.
If you are standing up all day at a cut table- the suspenders might work
but if you are VERY active, up/down,climbing ladders, squatting, crawling, climbing scaffolding--- the suspenders are a pain and the belt is not secure--- slopping and flapping every which way
plus it's hot.
I have the OXY system----haven't warn the suspenders in years---- even got rid of the oxy belt which is absurdly large.
I DO use the 2 oxy bags when I need to carry a bit more tools---- but I also have a much simpler"minimalist" rig that works most of the time----and makes me much more agile etc.
stephen
I have worn suspenders with my tool belt for many years. But I don't do it fer a living.
As others have said, a light load helps too. Especially as we get older...
I have switched to a tool vest for finish work. I travel very light, as far as the tools I carry in the vest. The big difference, weight-wise, is a 10 oz. Stiletto.
Often, I skip the vest or belt, altogether and work off of a tool cart.
Hows a trim guy get roofers Geocel slobbered on his tool rig?
(G)
I have an asst. of army surplus, and two different bags, ClC and Miller on my daily set up, cheap suspenders are a must for me, back problems ya know?
But what I DO, do is ,.. every time I show up at the job ( whatever it may entail) I root though the bags and stuff in the van drawers, while I have more coffee, and get myself mentally and tooly prepared..a few minutes to figure fastners and driverbits, which hammer, what square...I rarely do the same thing everyday any more, so its always a set-up time to get outfitted properly. I carry less than I used to, thats for sure..but when that " few steps back to the truck" requires clmbing down a tower of scaffold, or a chicken ladder from a ridge, I'd rather have the stuff on me...the climb is what kills ya..more chance of a fall.
I should be re-facing some dormers in a few days, off of roof jacks and a plank, I WILL have everything I could possibly need on my person, leaving the roof many times, just don't work. I loop rope to a bucket or bag, and pull up what I can't carry...if I have help, that helper ties stuff on the rope and unties what I send down. And end of day pack up, if it won't break, I don't carry it down, I toss it in a good landing spot, esp. true with caulk guns and wonder bars. Helper or me then scoots it near the van ( helpers NEVER put anything away, I do, so I know where it is) and I re load the stuff. And always when packing up..Tools, Materials, Trash..that order only. Works so far.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
I have almost always worn suspenders, one reason being that I can't stand anything tight around my waist. I have used CLC, Husky, and Nicholas suspenders, elastic and non-elastic, and I finally got tired of the red strap marks around my chest and armpits.
I found these suspenders from Brown Bag Company, with gel padding, sternum strap, and even a handy accessible cell phone pocket. They are very comfy even worn all day. They're the schizzle-dog
http://www.thebrownbags.com/toolbeltsaccessories.html
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cool.
19.00+11.00 shipping, they'll get em out to me tomorrow!
Thanks man, I been looking for new non-sweat smelling ones.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
11.00 shipping kinda threw me, looked around, can't beat it. Does the padding really help?
It's 8.00 ( Texas to Ky,) and 3.00 handling.
I can only imagine the pads will help, my old smelly ones dig into my shoulders after awhile. I sold that rig there that Basswood posted, to him, it had padding and was really sweet. But at the time I was doing copper roofing and that vest just didn't work with the way I had to conform myself. And it got HOT being black, in the summer.
I have about 4 different bag set ups, and as of now, my harness ( Miller Revolution) and my basic "do anything not specialized" are the only two with shoulder straps. I have set for siding and one for trimming, fewer tools, no need to hang off my shoulders.
Roofing, gutters, repair windows and stuff,I need Snips, hand tongs, vice grips, pop riveter, pea shooter,stuff that is bulky and heavier.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
That setup looks pretty comfortable. Do you have to call them to get just the suspenders? From the site it looks like the only available options include the bags, which I don't really need. Thanks for pointing these out.
Scroll down..they have two kinds.
I called ( problem with the website) and talked w/Margaret..tell her Duane sent ya..LOL She's a good talker.
The problem was my Visa check card has a 3 digit code and its worn away, so the box on the site wasn't filled and wouldn't take my order. I finally had to make few guesses and she kept trying till we hit it.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
Will do. Thanks.
Hey, you forgot to add a charge for breaking the Tool Chest rig in. ;o)I can see why that set up would not work for what you were doing. It has been a good setup for finish work... with out the huge bags on the bottom. Add those bags and fill them with fasteners and watch me drop to the floor in a heap. <g>One nice thing about the vest is I can hang it on my cart and still easily get at all the stuff ( iffin, I don't feel like wearing it).All the best,Brian
Fuuny we're talking about these, I just did the "van puke" where I dump out all the tools and repack. I found my DuLuth vest that is waaaay too big and wondering iffn I oughtta sell it too. It's a large/tall but I'm too skinney.
I'll hang on to it for a spell, cuz like you, I can load it , wear it up the climb, and hang it nearby.
Starting a new short job Monday, I wish the new suspenders would have come, but alas, no luck. 2 day job, maybe 3 tops, ain't got much else cooking...might be selling more than I think at this rate. :(
Hope all is going well with ya, and no more floods.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
I need to do the "van puke" myself... but we have a crazy winter storm and I don't have a garage for the van yet to do that inside.Hope the work keeps coming for you.All is pretty good here. The flood reamed out a canyon, so the volume of water that fits in the channel is now larger... and that 17" rain in 24 hours was a 500-1000 year event--I hope.Booked 'til about June, so business is good... hoping it keeps coming.All the best,Brian
Bill
I had the same problem-switched to the suspenders- enjoyed them very much. The suspenders eventually compressed the nerves in my shoulder, and restricted the blood flow somewhat. I had issues with my arms falling a sleep, and lower back pain.
I went for therapy, and it was suggested I lose the suspenders. After six months , I went back to the suspenders, but much lighter load, and a wider, better quality suspender.
Still have an occasional issue, but at least my pants stay up.
Greg in Connecticut
suspenders- yay!
Occidental--the light padded nylon ones. Easy to take off when you don't need.
All the really experienced pro's wear the suspenders
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"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
And keep bolt cutters in their right tool belt pocket!I love that Gizzly Pic. Bet his mom was proud.
Shame on me for digging that up! I just gotta laugh every time I see it, 'tho. No offense intended to the guy posing, he's just doing his job. He's about as much a tradesman as Bob Vila, 'tho! hahahaha"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
I prefer to scatter my tools around the jobsite.
sppeds things up just starting the day like that ...
cause whether I'm working outta a tool box or working outta a tool belt ...
but the end of the day ... the tools are all scattered around the jobsite.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
"
"I prefer to scatter my tools around the jobsite."
I followed a similar suggestion I picked up years ago. I went out and bought a dozen decent (not great) tapes and a dozen pair of scissors. I put them all in one drawer. Within in a couple of weeks, they had migrated to all the places we need them. Now you don't run to a certain drawer in the house and look for something that isn't there. You just pull open a drawer or open a closet nearest to you and invariably the scissors or tape is right there. Works for me and saves a run to the truck.
That approach might work but I've also found that if I have only one, I'll stay focused on it and not lose it.
But...with that said, I remember the days when I owned 7 framing squares (and everyone one the crew also had their own) and I'd grab the whole bunch in the morning and fling them around the house, tossing them like boomarangs. That way, I was never more than a few feet from one when I needed it.
I lost all of them but one.
That approach might work but I've also found that if I have only one, I'll stay focused on it and not lose it
Totally agree. Being physically organized helps me stay mentally organized/focused.
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
Why do I keep...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7ZkQC0riwc
http://www.ramdass.org
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I like this one. They have several bags you can add on for nails etc.You get out of life what you put into it......minus taxes.
Marv
I do it. Suspenders attached to the tool belt, not my pants. I like it ok, but I'm sure some don't like the weight on their shoulders.
The one problem is catching the suspenders on something like a door knob or something sticking out.
I bought an inexpensive set of suspenders yesterday morning. Almost an impulse buy.
I'm never going back! I think I've already figured out that the trick is to adjust the belt so that the weight is distributed between the belt and suspenders. I have it so that I can take off the suspenders and the belt doesn't drop, and the suspenders prevent the belt from working its way off as I move around.
I've found that every time I reach overhead, I kind of re-seat the belt to where it belongs. Very nice.