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BlogWe independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products-learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.Your Guide to Buying the Best Leather Tool Belt
Last updated: 18 Sep 2023Tool belts are a must-have for every homeowner, DIYer, and professional because of their immense utility during the job. They carry the tools for you and keep them organized so you do not lose precious momentum and working rhythm searching for tools. Of course, the tooling needs differ with the profession and industry. However, an intelligent design can cater to the needs of carpenters, construction workers, farmers, handymen, and electricians all the same.
Modern problems require modern solutions. Most professionals keep their gear updated to meet customers’ changing demands and the industry’s changing requirements. There are many different types of belts, and they are usually categorized based on their size, material, and design. The number of pockets, your line of work, your preference for leather and aesthetics, and the type of previously owned leather belt determine the kind of belt. Here is the highest-rated leather tool belts of 2023!
Show contentsOur Favorite Leather Tool Belts Worth Considering in 2023Leather Tool Belt Buying Guide
The working rhythm is very important for craftsmanship and delivering quality service. However, you cannot maintain this rhythm unless all the required tools are ready at your disposal. Like a musician keeping all their instruments nearby, or a surgeon keeping their tools within arm’s reach, a worker needs all their tools in the leather tool belt. A professional tool belt has more than twenty pockets, an all-leather build, and is double-stitched with rivets. On the other hand, a belt with a single bag for one tool is also available. All of it depends on your field of work and its specific requirements. We have discussed every component of a tool belt in detail so that you can find the one most suited to your needs.
Choosing the Leather
The four grades of leather, namely full-grain, top-grain, genuine, and bonded, are all used in making leather tool belts. It is hard to find a full-grain leather belt because it drives costs way up, but top-grain leather is commonly used in making tool belts. Manufacturers also tan top-grain leather with their recipe of oils and waxes, which makes the end product very resistant to stains, easily cleanable, and sturdy. It can easily last more than five years in good shape.
We also encountered polyester web belts with leather bags when searching for popular tool belts. The polyester construction dramatically reduces the overall weight of the equipment without compromising the belt’s life. It is also common to use suede leather bags with poly web to further reduce weight. These tool belts look modern and withstand the abuse, but the tradition of leather is not so easy to let go of. Hence these newer designs are only popular amongst a minority of the tradespeople.
Belt Fit and Buckle
Double prong buckle
A two-pronged buckle has become an unofficial industry standard. The weight of the tools always ends up at the buckle, so a two-prong is the most appropriate considering comfort, convenience, and safety. We highly recommend this because a single-prong belt will wear out the hole in the belt in the long run.
Three-inch wide belt
The width of the belt should be three inches at least, so the weight is distributed over the waist. This is also being used as a standard width, but it can be wider with more pockets. The length of the belt ranges from 44-inch to 61-inch, so make sure to add a few inches to your waist, and then double-check against the fit that the belt is offering.
Bags and Pockets
Configuration of pockets
Tool belts had a design overhaul in the last century when they were commercialized. Before this revolution, they were mostly hand-made by the users, and everything was under the maker’s control. The purpose and components are still the same, but a trade-off has been achieved in quality over convenience. As a result, the workers have to adapt their habits to the tool belt and learn new ways to get the most out of their belt.
Modern designs have a few things in common. The left-hand side is designed for light materials such as nail sets, tri-square, driver bits, and angle squares in the most common configurations. The right-hand side is for heavier items such as hammers, knives, and chisels. These configurations can vary from one type of belt to another; for example, the tool belt made for electricians is smaller, but there is an emphasis on anti-spill pockets because electricians have to use ladders frequently.
Size and number of pockets
Two large pockets with a convenient open-close mechanism are a must-have. These pockets should be at least ten inches wide and 12 inches deep. Medium and small bags follow the same pattern and overlap the biggest pocket. Hammer loops made of steel are also very common, and belts made for carpenters typically have two hammer loops.
Stitching and rivets
Double stitching and industrial rivets can hold the leather for a long time if done properly. The quality of the stitching and the mechanism used to affix the rivets matter just as much as the material used.
Detachable suspenders
Leather tool belts generally have hooks capable of clipping suspenders on the tool belt. The suspenders’ purpose is to alleviate stress on the hip bone, which is incurred by carrying heavy tools in the tool belt. In addition, the suspenders will distribute the weight from the tool belt more evenly across the entire body. Suspenders are sold separately unless the seller offers a package deal.
Pro Tips for Leather Tool Belts
- Always keep the bags on the back for safety and convenience. You can always move the loads to the front because they are usually movable. This ensures that the tools stay in the pockets even when bending forward.
- Make use of a leather conditioner when cleaning your belt and pouches. A leather conditioner keeps the leather soft and increases its life. Alternatively, you can also use natural oils at the end of the cleaning session. Directly using alcohol can damage the color of the leather and leave stains.
- There is a hack to break in your new leather belt. You can use neatsfoot oil on the inside of the belt and thoroughly dry it to avoid staining your clothes. Mink oil is also used for this purpose. These oils can loosen up the fibers in the leather and take the stiffness away.
Our Favorite Leather Tool Belts Worth Considering in 2023
1Stronglad Leather Belt
– Best OverallStronglad’s leather belt is a great beginner-level tool belt thanks to its simple, yet sturdy design. It is made of genuine leather with rust-proof rivets and double stitching. The spacious pockets provide ample space for all the tools a construction worker may need, and the fixed belt design ensures that the bags stay in place, and the user can access all their tools with just muscle memory after a little use. This is particularly helpful during the fieldwork because slippage and movement of the belt can be inconvenient and even dangerous.
Pros- Genuine oil-tanned leather
- All seams are double-stitched
- Nickel-plated industrial rivets
- Five main pockets and a hammer loop
- Roller buckle double prong
- Pliable yet water-resistant material
Cons- Missing loop for excess belt
- Not ideal for professionals
2AWP TrapJaw Tool Rig
– Best Full-SizedTrapJaw is a patented technology by AWP custom-made for a wide range of professionals. It opens and closes with a simple snap to ensure even the smallest tools are kept in place. This tool belt uses TrapJaw technology on two main pockets. It is made of oil-tanned premium leather, featuring five large bags and several small ones. There are also three hooks available to attach suspenders. Suspenders are not included in the package, however, but you can buy them separately. Owning a high-quality, feature-rich industrial belt like this one means success at the job site, which makes it our favorite full-sized belt.
Pros- It fits up to a 50-inch waist
- Two TrapJaw pockets
- Double-roller buckle
- Made of oil-tanned leather
- Two metallic holders for hammers
- Quality craftsmanship is visible in every detail
Cons- Pockets for nails are loose
- Takes a couple of weeks to break-in
3CLC Suede Leather ToolBag
– Compact OptionCLC claims to focus solely on quality and value for money, but a polyester belt and suede leather bag also happen to provide a very chic look. This leather tool belt fits everyone, from 5-year-olds to grown men, thanks to the adjustable poly web design with a plastic buckle. You can also expect enhanced durability because suede lasts longer than normal leather. Industrial rivets protect all joints from jerks and give the bag a long life, and they also provide enough strength to carry all types of tools used across many industrial jobs.
The small size of the pockets may cause frustration when you try to fit large devices, but this leather tool belt is very convenient for project-based jobs, which is why it is our recommendation for a compact option.
Pros- Durable suede leather construction
- Leather loop to hang your hammer
- Polyester web belt with a buckle
- A compact, lightweight design
- Great belt for kids and project-based work
- Price is very economical
Cons- Hammer holder cannot hold large hammers
- Small pockets
4Occidental Farmer Tool Belt
– Premium PickThis belt costs more than twice as much as an average full-sized tool belt. However, it shines with supreme quality in all its components, such as the all-leather build, the specialized blend of oils for tanning, the engineered design for maximum utility, and the no-spill system for the pockets, making it our recommended choice if you’re in the market for a premium product. It is made for professionals who require a dedicated bag for many different types of tools and nails. The overall look is sturdy and aesthetically pleasing, which makes it a great gift item as well. If you’re worried about the price tag, then try seeking comfort in the old maxim of “buy once cry once” because this belt is not going anywhere once put to use.
Pros- Made in the USA
- Twenty-three pockets and holders
- Durable copper rivets
- Made of top-grain cowhide leather
- Tanned with premium oils and waxes
Cons- The premium price tag
5LAUTUS Leather Tool Belt
– Best Fixed-PocketThis leather belt is perfect for professionals who need fewer pockets than a professional belt, featuring two of each sized bag, large, medium, and small. Lautus has put a great deal of focus on craftsmanship, durability, comfort, and convenience while making this tool belt. It weighs only 2.5 pounds and provides eleven pockets of varying sizes. It is designed to cover both your back pockets so you can just reach back and pick out any tool you need, without having to move or change positions. This can also be a downside for you if you are more accustomed to moving the pockets back and forth because pockets on this belt are fixed, but it is our go-to pick for people looking for a fixed-pocket option.
Pros- Great value for money
- Two metal loops for hammers
- Thirteen pockets total
- Back pocket design
Cons- The waist maxes out at 46 inches
- Pockets are fixed on the belt
People Also Asked
Q: What kind of leather tool belt is best for electricians?A: The most common tooling needs of electricians are pliers, screwdrivers, voltage meters, and wrenches. So, tool belts for electricians should be smaller in size and should not have loose pockets because these tools need to have a snug fit to stay securely in place.
Q: Can I attach suspenders to my leather tool belt?A: Suspenders are highly recommended if you have a slim body type, an oversized belt, or the belt is unusually heavy. Although keeping heavy weight on the shoulders is not recommended, you can still attach the suspenders if the manufacturer has installed hooks on the belt.
Q: What accessories can be attached to a leather tool belt?A: You can attach suspenders, additional hammer hooks, belt liners, and tape holders. These accessories aim to enhance comfort, add more storage, and increase the overall utility of the belt. In addition, these accessories are detachable to use as and when needed.
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