UKframer

Been considering a new toolbelt, and my family have offered to buy me one for xmas.
I have always worn a front hanging belt, but am thinking a rear hanging one would be better and more comfortable.
Things I carry are ; Hammer, square, Nail punch, 21ft tape, Stanley knife, Strip nails, Loose 3"&4" nails, Few 2.5" finish nails.

For me I have only ever worn a leather belt. I like the way a leather belt wears and molds to you, but I would consider a synthetic material possibly.

Are the occidental belts as good as people say?

What style/make does everyone wear for framing?

Cheers.

Ahren

IMO the Occidentals are as good as you can get. I personally use the Lightweight Stronghold (9500). I used to be strictly a leather guy, but I find the synthetic to be lighter and more comfortable. And it is plenty rugged. And you don't have to worry as much about it getting wet. The key for me too is the adjustable belt. I can adjust in and out for the seasonal changes. I like the fixed bags too. It used to drive me nuts having to keep sliding my bags around to keep them in the right place.

Also, I do mostly decks, but occasionally I'll work with some framers. The three bags (instead of just 2) on the 9500 are handy, because I can keep spikes in one, 8d's in one, and still have a place to keep clips for the nailgun.

BuiltByMAC

Hey Ahren,

I was just looking at a pic of the toolbelt you mentioned. Is that a pouch for your tape measure on the left hand bag? Can the pouch be removed so you could put a clip there instead? I don't like trying to fish my tape out of a pocket, I'd rather just pull it off a metal clip.

It looks like a nice system - I do like the little pocket for your speed square and the D-rings for suspenders. Do you use it with the suspenders? What do you think?

Questions, questions, questions....I must have the day off!

Mac

Ahren

The bags aren't removable. I keep my tape in one of the lower two bags on the right, and my calculator case http://www.bestbelt.com/product/belt...ries/5068.html clipped into the other. I keep all my screws in the left side. That's just me. You can get a separate clip-on tape holder if you want.

I don't use the suspenders, and here's why: Because when you're lifting heavy crap (beams, joists, etc.) up over your head, you're also fighting the weight of your belt if you're wearing the suspenders. Plus they're kind of uncomfortable. A waste of money, if you ask me.

UKframer

Hey Ahren,
Had a look at the 9500 you mentioned. I had been looking at the green Oxy lights 9556.
Do you not find that all your nails spill out of the pockets when you hoist yourself up through some joists or something? Just wondering if the leather version might be better at preventing fixings spilling out.
Also that small high pouch on the left, does that get in the way at all when trying to acess the pockets beneath?

Mac, what do you wear my friend?

Ahren

I haven't had many problems w/stuff spilling out, usually only when I take it off and put it on the ground carelessly, but that high pocket can get in the way sometimes. Most of the time I use the pocket below it for stuff I don't need often (plumb bob, torpedo level, siding tool, etc).

FRAMERBEN

I myself purchased the pro framer nylon package about 4 years ago( not sure about the numbers). I give occidental leather props. quality workmanship. I can recommend that you buy each pouch seperately. do not buy the leather belt. I found that during the heat of the summer here in kentucky the leather belt actually started to bleed all over my clothes and skinfrom my sweat penetrating the leather. since then, I purchased a Black nylon belt from Lowes(clip togeather w/ velcro back support) slid the oxy pouches on there and BAM! perfection!!! i am very hard on my tool belts and I say that it is worth the extra $$ up front. it will pay off in the long run. You can never have too many pockets.

Toolwh@#e

I love my diamond back pouch just got it about 2 months ago and what a great pouch. I was a leather guy too. I decided after 2 years of looking to get the diamond back and couldn't be more happy. I'm a framer and foundation contractor. I have the crevasse and its worked out great. Did have a little problem with the belt loosening but Andus at diamondback was great about helping me with it .

BuiltByMAC

I've got a Makita blue nylon bag on the left (gift from one of my tool guys) - it's got an integrated metal clip to store a tape, big main bag and smaller nail bag + pencil/torpedo/chisel/pliers slots. It doesn't have a Speed Square slot so that just bounces around in the main bag, which I don't like. I sometimes hang a clip-on nail bag on it so I have two compartments for screws.

On the right is a drill holster and knife that clips to belt. Second drill (when needed) is hung by it's belt clip on right side as well.

There are several stages of building that the tool belt just sits on the deck too.

I would like to try on the Occidental tool vest - I think I'd like that method of organization, I just haven't tried it yet.

Mac

wallmaxx

Do tell. 21 feet??? I am imagining all kinds of scenarios that would result with a tape becoming 21 feet in usable length.

I just bought a 40' Fat Max at Fred Meyers of all places ($40), then my buddy goes there the day after Thanksgiving, and all their Stanley tools were half price.

I've heard great things about Diamond Back and Occidental. I have to wait a bit to spend $300 - $400 for a new tool rig. I have to make this old one last...it came free with my SCMS.

You will like rear baggin' it. As your gut gains the tire the rear bag provides a counter balance

Good luck with your new rig....I'm jealous

Mike

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Timuhler

My favorite bags for the last 6 years or so were the Diamondbacks.

But this summer I just got irritated with the size, so I switched to the Occidental bags. I had used them years ago (leather) and liked them.

I really like my new bags now that they've broken it. Not as much room as the Dbacks but that is kind of nice.

http://picasaweb.google.com/TimothyU...41662837588146

Dbacks http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL293.../154687924.jpg

http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL293.../154202590.jpg

JumboJack

I just got these http://www.deadonstore.com/workgear/dofr.htm

I realy like them.Very comfortable.And they look to be very well made.You can find them on ebay for a steal.

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UKframer

Mike,

I'm lying to you....its an 8metre which I think is just over 26ft. I don't know where I got 21ft (you know how it is, all sorts of figures floating around in your brain all day ! )

UKframer

so these rear bags, they hang at your sides or slightly more around onto your ass?? its hard to tell on the occidental site, they don't have any pics of how they actually wear.

Ahren

The adjustable belt on the Occidentals let you put the bags where you want. And that's where they stay. They don't slide around on you. I know guys that have the leather non-fixed bags, and what they do is rivet the bags to the belt where they want them. The problem with that however, is in the winter when your wearing layers, the bags end up more to the back.

Hey, stupid question: I always wondered, what do they call a 2x4 in Europe?

UKframer

Ahren,

We call a 2x4 a 90x38, other sizes are 140x38 and 195x44 and so on (dosen't roll off the tongue like a 2x4 but there it is). Although the uk went metric many years ago we still use imperial as well. You need to be ok using both really, a bit of a headache sometimes.

Danno6102

I need to find me one of those metal clips! I use a 35' Fat Max Extreme, barely fits in my pouch, royal pain to get out onehanded!

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MacRoadie

Definitely in the top ten list of sentences you wouldn't expect to read in a contractor's forum...

Ahren

Before:




After:




See. I'm much happier now.

JumboJack

From...Gay to........gay

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"The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money."