Tool Belt Storage - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

2ndGen · 03-11-2008, 02:14 PM

How do you store your belts after you take them off?

I used to use a black leather bowling bag that I came across on a job and it was given to me.

What I loved about it is that I could set my tool belt in the bag with the pouches sitting up
and the belt wrapped around the bags.

Because the bowling bag was round with a flat bottom,
when I'd set it on the ground,
it kept itself up in an upright position.

Even if the bag was knocked over,
the tools stayed inside their pockets
because of the cinching manner of the bowling bag at the top.

Also, they're heavy duty with strong handles and zippers and were made to carry bowling balls which typically weigh 16lbs (dead weight).

I have a great AWP Oil Tanned Leather Tool Bag that is like a gladstone,
but it is too small for my belt as it is. Plus, I have to lay down the belt and everything comes out of it spilling out into the bag. There's always a big lump in the middle with a lot of unused odd space on the sides and the bag is harder to close.

I have a great Carhartt Canvass Bag, but I like using that for my pry bars, 20+" tools, the odd things. And...I couldn't stand up the Tool Belt in an upright position like I could in a Bowling Bag.

Anybody has any other ingenious ways of carrying their belt(s)?

Of course, I've seen the perverbial 5 gallon white pail. Any alterations to a pail to make it work better for your needs?

2ndGen · 03-11-2008, 02:17 PM

Some bowling ball bags. There are some that can act as a complete carrying system where you can keep other tools like drills and sawzalls, etc...with extendable handles and wheels.

The storage units that hardware companies tend to make aren't as well thought out as specialty bowling ball/sport bags.

My girlfriend (a tennis pro) has these great racket bags that I look at and think to myself and see a great carrying bag for framing nailers or demo hammers!

This link seems to offer the best bag. A double version of that triple version in the last picture (my fav by far) is only $55. and it comes with a few organizer pockets (great for wallets, keys, pens, cash, receipts, etc...). I really like the hard interiors and separation compartments.
http://www.bowlerssuperior.com/rollerbags.html

Greg Di · 03-11-2008, 02:40 PM

I bolted a $1.00 hook to the inside of my van. I cinch the belt to the smallest size and just hang it there. Nothing ever falls out. I put it on at the truck and take it off at the truck. Problem solved.

Oxy Pro Framers by the way.

jcalvin · 03-11-2008, 03:05 PM

I have built a "nest" in my toolbox between my makita saw case and the side of the toolbox that holds it in there nicely. I try to fold up the belt as best I can to keep the nails/sawdust from falling out.

It works well for me.

2ndGen · 03-11-2008, 03:41 PM

I remember feeling kind of cheap for screwing in two milk crates to the sides of my pick up truck bedliner right behind the wheel wells.

Waterproof. Stable. And they made use of a greatly wasted space. I used to keep my cans of tar and my tar tools there + my cleaning needs (Gojo, rags, a large clothes detergent bottle filled with water...you know the kind with the little spigots that you push to let the water out).

I was ashamed of it, but all the old timers who saw it told me how it was a great idea (I was about 19 at the time) and they went on to show me their little inventions.

Until recently, I began to learn that most Carpenters altar whatever they get to suit their needs.

I have an idea for a wood box I'm going to construct to carry all my squares in (framing, speed, combo, try, etc...) so that they'll be nice and straight and protected from being damaged during transport. It'll be about 26" long by 18" wide by about 3-4" high and I'll design some sort of retaining system to keep the squares in their place (maybe some tool box foam with their shapes cut into it).

dkillianjr · 03-11-2008, 04:01 PM

I usually just put mine in a 5 gallon bucket with my other commonly used hand tools. Or just wedge it in between a couple tool cases or something. I don't use my belt for about half of my jobs so most of the time I store it unloaded.

Dave

cooks · 03-11-2008, 04:31 PM

the best thing that i have found to use is the rubbermaid containers that come with the lids. I buy the short ones and use them for alot of my tools, but it does seem to work well for carrying/storing the pouches and keeping them upright. hope this helps.

DecksEtc · 03-11-2008, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg Di

I bolted a $1.00 hook to the inside of my van. I cinch the belt to the smallest size and just hang it there. Nothing ever falls out. I put it on at the truck and take it off at the truck. Problem solved.

Oxy Pro Framers by the way.

Ditto, only it's in my trailer.

If I don't take the trailer then I put it in the top of a 5 gallon bucket.

Norrrrrrrrrrrrm · 03-11-2008, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg Di

I bolted a $1.00 hook to the inside of my van. I cinch the belt to the smallest size and just hang it there. Nothing ever falls out. I put it on at the truck and take it off at the truck. Problem solved.

I do a similar thing but I use a drill hook that you put on your belt. I pre-drill a hole then send a bolt through it int a stud in my trailer. I use this hook so it can flatten out when not in use and not snag anything.

roofwiz74 · 03-11-2008, 08:17 PM

I put mine in my truck toolbox.not very inventive but it works.keeps it dry,secure,and I can put other tools in there too.

john5mt · 03-11-2008, 08:17 PM

I cinch it up and either hang it on my tool rack in my trailer or off of my rifle rack in the cab of my truck.

2ndGen · 03-11-2008, 10:05 PM

I've worked a lot in The City (New York City) where we take everything upstairs and store it. Security is a big issue.

We'll usually set up a Gang Box and take all our stuff up and it stays there easily for months at a time. That's why I personally need a bag.

I just remembered these great carry-alls that Duluth makes that seem like they'll be great for a fully loaded tool belt.

Totezilla

8"W x 16"L x 15½"H. Stands up by itself, for easy access.

And only $20.00

Patrick · 03-11-2008, 10:20 PM

I stuff mine into my side box and then slam the door so it shuts.

ewils91 · 03-11-2008, 10:23 PM

I hang mine off the corner of my mitersaw stand in my trailer. Nothing ever seems to fall out.

TempestV · 03-12-2008, 03:50 AM

I have bags that I don't need to worry about stuff spilling out of, so I dump mine off in one of my job boxes, in the layout that seems to fit my tools into the boxes the best, they end up sitting in the space on top of the grinder bag and jigsaw bag, beside the skill saw.

roofwiz74 · 03-12-2008, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2ndGen

I've worked a lot in The City (New York City) where we take everything upstairs and store it. Security is a big issue.

We'll usually set up a Gang Box and take all our stuff up and it stays there easily for months at a time. That's why I personally need a bag.

I just remembered these great carry-alls that Duluth makes that seem like they'll be great for a fully loaded tool belt.

Totezilla

8"W x 16"L x 15½"H. Stands up by itself, for easy access.

And only $20.00

I'd use that if it was cheaper.