The Best Framing Tool Belts

Framing carpenters deal with many kinds of duties related to wood material. It is common to see them carrying tasks such as constructing, repairing, building and so on. In order to become a highly-effective framer, workers need proper support to avoid cutting into precious time of their performances.

That is why the best framing tool belt is an essential device in those individuals’ equipment set. However, we all know that it is not a picnic to choose a suitable one that meets various requirements. Therefore, this article is made to shorten the time spent and cut down the difficulties that people meet while trying to find out their perfect companion.

Best Framing Tool Belt Reviews

1. DEWALT DG5617 20-Pocket Pro Framer’s Combo

The first high-quality item that you definitely need to check out is the DEWALT DG5617 20-Pocket Pro Framer’s Combo.

This latest updated version for users is tested to work well in harsh conditions. The full-set, including tough tool bags, flexible belt, and firm suspenders, will be a good deal for a framer. In exchange for a big investment, we have a long-standing partner in return that makes our life much easier.

What makes various users love this item is its spacious pouches. People will have enough room for all kinds of work gear that they could possibly need for the upcoming duties. Performing at the worksite is more breezy when you put those gadgets in neat order. It is good to know that there are slots for nail sets, pencils, parts and so on.

Furthermore, even when some people pack lots of things into these bags, there is nearly no chance that tool spilling incidents can happen. Due to the smart zipper design, workers now are able to bend and move freely.

If you have to suffer from body soreness because of your old and stiff apron, it is time to pick a considerable alternative. This comfortable product is an excellent choice. In order to bring a pleasant to people, the company added soft padding on the tool belt. What’s more, the fair weight-distribution feature of the item also contributes to its optimal comfort.

This device is customized to fit people with waist sizes that vary from 29 to 46 inches. The roller buckle will help the whole apron to stay on better, thus making it more secure for slim workers.

2. Dead On DO-FR Framers Rig

If you are in this searching spree with a low budget, do not miss out on checking this convenient set of tool belt – the Dead On DO-FR Framers Rig.

Lucky for us, the manufacturer decides to focus on the device’s quality rather than its appearance. This low-profile item covered in black is an ideal piece for people who love simple-designed work equipment. With a one-time payment, workers are provided with a set containing shoulder straps, belts and many bags for framing tools.

I am amazed at the number of pockets we have on purchasing this rig. In total, there are 32 integrated pouches, small and big, for the gear collection that you decide to bring along. Of course, we do not necessarily fill in all the room offered, just keep in mind that your tools should be placed with a good balance to avoid back pain.

This piece is considered a superior pick for frame makers because it features a rafter square pocket. It is important for these workers to have a place to put the measuring tool. On top of that, four slots in the front are available for the nail sets which are essential for a framer’s tasks.

With the dramatic development in technology, nylon is now another excellent material that gradually earns popularity. By using the ballistic nylon fabric, the maker intends to prolong this device’s longevity. Products made of the said substance like this one are reported to be surprisingly well-functioned in challenging settings.

Additionally, we will be satisfied with the good comfort this rig brings to our daily job routine. The moisture-absorbing inner lines do a good job of reducing the irritation of the perspiration of our bodies on a hot summer day. People with intense work pace in high-temperature environments will benefit from such features.

3. CLC Custom LeatherCraft 51452 Pro Framer’s Tool Belt

This one is what numerous heavy-duty framers are looking for. The CLC Custom LeatherCraft 51452 Pro Framer’s Tool Belt enables us to perform our tasks confidently.

There is no doubt that CLC is a reliable source for workers in different fields to find their right companion. If you are currently in need of a resilient tools belt, look no farther than this. The combination of ballistic nylon and top grain leather surely turns this product into one of the most sought-after pieces in the market.

Among all of the excellent features this item has, many users are most like its padded belt a lot. They feel comfortable by the soft part right after they put the belt on. It is incredible for a long workday when you have to carry around a big amount of equipment. Compared to other pieces, this one’s width is greater, too. It is about 5 inches and fits around a 29-inch to 46-inch waist.

Both small tools and big tools have their room in 27 pockets of this bag. You can keep your nails in one pouch, utility knife in another, pliers and other stuff in smaller pockets. Also, any hanging gear can stay on the sleeves. Such an ample device will let you put into it all the selective equipment to boost your productivity.

Roofers and electricians might find this tool belt perfect for their missions. It is customized to be easily adjusted with a double tongue roller. There are no complex instructions needed to get ready when you first start wearing it. Also, despite working at an incredible weight and on an uneven surface, workers do not have to worry about their tools being poured out of the pouches.

As expected from this custom leather brand, the product is built with great strength to last through time. It is indeed a durable product that amazes users for its fantastic quality and long-lastingness. People like to carry them around partly because of the fashionable look it has.

4. Occidental Leather 9515 OxyLight Framer

Here comes the excellent option of tools belt coming from the well-trusted Occidental Leather – the 9515 OxyLight Framer model.

This is not an unfamiliar name in the industry. As being around to support numerous workers all over the world by bringing superior products, with this piece, Occidental Leather continues to stand out. It is fair to say this one is among the most expensive framing bags available. However, it is worth the price.

When it comes to top-quality tool belts, leather items are always what most people naturally go for. They are resilient in unfavorable environments and durable over a long period. This superior substance is chosen as the main ingredient to form this apron. It plays an important role in increasing the product’s overall durability.

It is amazing that both left-handed and right-handed people can enjoy this type of device. Since the brand thoroughly understands how tough it is for left-handers to find an item that works for them, it does its best to give them new hope. Therefore, everyone can purchase the piece and make good use of it.

What makes this one so flexible is its smart design. With a tough D-rings provided, workers can feel free to buy suspenders for better security. Once you install a suitable system of suspenders, you are offered with fantastic support.

It is true that numerous wearers have higher work efficiency thanks to this helpful apparatus. There are many pockets in different sizes for users to organize their tools. As a result, they can manage to reach anything that is in need quickly. A higher income and better safety are guaranteed when you rely on the piece for daily duties.

After some time, people will find out that this tool belt is still in good shape. The potential sagging problem is solved by the firm structure of poly bags. Also, employees are encouraged to adjust the buckle repeatedly until it holds tightly on their waists.

5. Dickies Work Gear Carpenter’s Rig

Another great item that is constructed to support the framing job is the Dickies Work Gear Carpenter’s Rig.

These models look quite good, with two options of color available. You can either go for the basic all-black piece or the nice-looking tan one. The overall appearance of this product is pretty common in the market; however, it is sold at a good price. No wonder that lots of wearers want to own this budget-friendly set.

The good news is it comes with padded suspenders, which means we can have proper protection and amazing comfort at the same time. There is no need to waste some more time and effort looking for good shoulder straps that hold the weight of the heavy tools.

Some of the fans of Dickies Work Gear can not get enough of the incredible satisfaction they have while wearing this device to work. This framing belt is made of cooling mesh, which keeps users away from the discomfort of much sweat.

The largest piece they make can fit people whose waist size is up to 50 inches. That is an impressive range of sizing for a tool belt. More importantly, both the waist straps and the suspenders of this device is fully adjustable. That is very helpful for people who have a big belly.

With ample pouches in a big number, we can nearly fit the whole world of work gear into them. The well-balanced design offers us 3 wide open on each side, and 3 smaller ones for tiny and important parts. In addition, there are also 2 loops for gadgets and one outer belt for accessories. Tell me who can ever fully pack all of those slots.

Besides all of the features mentioned, this one is able to withstand frequent exposure to harsh weather. In spite of being rubbed against hard or sharp edges, the device refuses to be torn out easily. It is the construct of tough canvas that makes all that happen.

6. Style n Craft 98434 17 Pro-Framers Combo

Another deserving spot in the list of highly-recommended best tool belts for framers that is the Style n Craft 9843417 model.

To be honest, this leather tool belt is one of the most good-looking pieces out there. Many customers can not get over how alluring and beautiful it looks. It must be because of the velvetiness of its dark tan color. A fashionable product with high quality and excellent functionality like this deserves the investment.

Through the help of this all-round combo, we can bring our various-sized work gear that is important for the duties. Together with two main bags on either side, those small pouches and the additional loop attached to them allow us to have quick access with all the well-organized equipment.

In a dangerous scenario that requires good protection, this one is a good choice. The device is geared with a double prong roller buckle that is not easily slipped. Other than that, the rivet with caps latched on the bag clearly ensure better support on heavy gear for longer than usual.

The manufacturer opts for the heavy-duty material to form a product that lasts. Top-grain oiled leather is an incredible choice to create a durable workpiece. What makes the combo sturdier is the layer of Nylon thread used for stitching.

For workers who have to perform multiple hours on end, it is best to pick an item that offers good comfort. This product from Style n Craft is optimized to bring a good time for those people. They seem to be happy with the softness and lightness of this piece.

It is pleasing to find out that the top handles are added so we can carry the set around with ease. The user-friendly feature earns this product many compliments from the wearers. It is truly the best option for this price.

7. Occidental Leather 8089 Framer Set

If you are a big fan of this established brand, here comes another option for you – the Occidental Leather 8089 Framer Set.

The label is trusted to have workers’ back for many years. It is hard to find a piece coming from it that disappoints, this set is not an exception. We are kept safe and comfortable whenever we put them on for the tasks. This item is proved to function incredibly in the worst-case scenario.

For some individuals, buying this one is a hard decision to make, moneywise. But when it comes to good functionalities, there is absolutely no hesitation. We get a sturdy partner to stay with us for a long time if we are willing the pay this price. The top-grade leather is so resilient that hard objects are not able to scratch it easily.

With the view to reaching as many customers as possible, the maker produces six sizes of this model in total. From the small to the extra extra extra large ones, there is a good chance that you can find a well-fitted item.

The 5-star product is widely chosen by lots of framers just for excellent comfort only. People with high work intensity feel relieved when they finally own a piece that makes them feel comfortable for a long day at work. The superior leather is the reason for the softness of the belt around our waist.

It is obvious that much effort is put into constructing the layout of this device. Its convenience shows in the design of bags, hammer loops, and small pouches. All your essential equipment has its place in there. Also, this one is the answer to the unfair weight distribution problem.

The fact that this piece was made in the USA can be considered as the guarantee of its quality. High technology is applied in order to create this game-changer apparatus. Therefore, some of the professionals have relied on this Occidental Leather product for over a decade.

8. Leather Gold Leather Tool Pouch 3150DP

Another reasonable-priced item brought to you by Leather Gold label is the Leather Tool Pouch 3150DP.

Thanks to the effort of keeping down the manufacturing cost of this brand, workers who just start their careers can own framing tool belts that help them through harsh duties. It provides good hip and back support so that people can confidently carry on performing without being weighed down by heavy equipment.

This nice-looking device is reinforced by several excellent features. The material used to create the piece is classified as a professional-grade level fabric. Meanwhile, the addition of rivet and tough stitching will increase those bags’s ability to hold up work gear. By that, no sharp equipment will rip its way out of the pouch any day soon.

The truth is that workers should only buy this one when they do not carry a world of framing tools around. But do not worry, it has enough room for the indispensable parts that you always need, especially your full nail set. Moreover, two snap loops for small tools with handles are also available.

Remember that the belt is sold separately, and there are no suspenders or waist straps that are included in this product. When you purchase those parts, keep in mind that this bag is compatible with a belt that is around 2.75 inches, or even up to 3 inches.

9. OX Tools Framer’s Tool Bag

We can not stop talking about how great the OX Tools Framer’s Tool Bag looks and how wonderful its features are.

With a not-so-big sum of investment, people have this fashionable device in return. The OX Tools brand surely prioritizes the appearance of its products and intends to use that as the selling point. Numerous customers do not seem to get over how silky and delicate the piece looks.

In order to produce a device that performs well in different weather conditions, the maker picks the top grain oil-tanned saddle leather to be the fabric that builds this piece. Thanks to the material, workers are confident in dealing with outdoor missions on a daily basis.

Besides the great capacity of the main bags, you can find a hammer loop, a tape measure clip, and internal pencil pouches at the side. Despite being smaller in size in comparison to many devices in the market, this one still offers enough space for all the necessary gadgets for a framer’s job.

As being fortified by the double-layer belt tunnel, this piece is able to handle hazards existing in the working environments. The belt is constructed to function well against sharp objects like knives, hammers, or other things that come in contact with it during the performances.

Last but not least, the material of the bags and its belt is so smooth, it is flexible to slide the whole pouch back and forth. It comes in handy when you keep the weighty load on one side for too long, which results in hurting your hip. This feature is also a big bonus for left-handed workers. They can stop looking around for a device that can actually help them.

10. Leather Gold Leather Carpenters Tool Pouch 3350

This Leather Gold Leather Carpenters Tool Pouch 3350 is your best bet to own a low-cost product with good quality.

A good-looking device, by all means, is appealing to various users, especially female workers. The oil-tanned leather material is successful at bringing this piece an overall elegant look with a smooth surface and nice color. It should be appreciated that the tool pouch is carefully designed to match numerous customers’ tastes.

Individuals in different fields will find this piece from Leather Gold handy for their careers. With roomy bags offered, construction workers, carpenters, framers, and even weekend-DIYers can buy this one to store the equipment they need for the day. Those compartments are positioned in an ideal order for workers to reach their tools.

This apparatus can easily become everyone’s favorite partner due to its flexibility. Whether you are a right-handed person or not, you can always use it for your advantage. People just have to do one simple thing, which is switching the side they place the pouch. Furthermore, it is so well-balanced that wearers are less likely to suffer from body soreness.

It is good to figure out that the reinforcement seam adds more strength to the structure of this device. There can be damage happening to the pouch if we use them to perform in challenging situations, but the piece works fine in daily tasks.

Some workers might claim that the size is smaller than they expected. But the main purpose of this device is for you to bring the essential gear only. There is no point in stuffing a weighty load of unnecessary things.

What’s more, compared to the items at the same price, this product is more durable. It is the formation of solid framers tool bags that get you covered for a pretty significant time.

What to Look for When Buying a Framing Tool Belt

Once you are out there in the market to seek the ideal tool belt, there are going to be lots of confusion and difficulties. That is why having a detailed buying guide is so important. Money, time and effort are saved when people finally know what exactly their workpiece standard is.

Material – This is among the most important factors when picking a tool bag that can actually help. The difference between the material types can be significant since its price, quality, and features vary. You can study your personal demand to decide which one should be your long-term partner.

It is common that both heavy duty framers and professional ones naturally go for leather products. The substance has been used in the industry for decades. Over the course of time, there is still no particular ingredient that can replace this excellent material. You can consider some of these devices as follows.

If your current worksite is extremely hazardous, a genuine leather item might be what you are looking for. The said workpiece does an amazing job of accompanying workers through the hardest missions. With fantastic durability offered, customers are able to have a long-standing companion for the rest of their careers.

What is also widely loved about the genuine substance is its nice look. Nothing can beat those items at being velvety, smooth and professional. It is not exaggerating to say that numerous users fall in love with these products at first sight. It is truly hard to resist such a charming one; however, it can cost you a fortune.

Another type of leather available is the grain oil-tanned saddle pieces. For anyone who is in need of a stylish item at a lower price, this material can be a viable option. Some of the devices mentioned above in our list have an impeccable appearance that can attract lots of buyers. These bags might only take you around one-fourth of what you pay for a pure leather one.

We should not limit our choices with just leather framing nail bags, pieces made of Nylon has made an incredible step to win the trust of numerous wearers globally. The ballistic nylon fabric is the new favorite material of many brands, as well as customers. They figure out that this one is capable of enduring great force. When being taken care of, it can last for longer than we thought.

Those items are often made low-profile and most of them have a simple design. I personally think that is one of the attractive things about them. They are products created for people who do not like flashy devices that draw too much attention.

Sometimes, several well-known labels decide to make a combination of grade leather and ballistic fabric. With the view to boost the product’s toughness, this mixture gives some good results. The final products are incredibly long-lasting. Furthermore, they are not as expensive as the ones made of genuine leather.

Design – Everything about the piece’s design should be taken into good consideration. This element determines what benefits you will get from the device, so please be very thorough and careful.

First of all, let’s talk about the capacity of the apparatus you need. Based on your daily work, you must already know which tools are essential, which are less important for your duties. It is time to categorize them to see how much space and how many pouches you need to store those gear for greater effectiveness.

On the market, the number of bags on a tool belt can vary from 10 to 20, and some even reach more than 30 ones. They are made in different sizes, and the main pockets will be the biggest among all, other smaller ones will be layered on those pieces.

If you only need a medium-sized one for a fair amount of tools, the ones with 20 pouches are ideal. For people who want a device to carries equipment for their weekend DIY tasks, a small bag is fine. There is no need to purchase an extremely ample one when you do not handle heavy-duty missions daily.

There are some features that we should pay attention to when picking the design. Look closely and read the description carefully to see if the bag has the important parts that you need to hang or put your gear. For instance, there should be hammer loops and tape measure clip if you have to bring them to work.

In order to hang tools with long handles, those devices must be featured with hooks. The majority of wearers today will definitely want a phone holder, which is big enough for a large smartphone. Be careful because some pieces have the part, but it is too small for the phone to sit in perfectly.

When you encounter spilling issues with your old bags, it is time to find one that can keep all the equipment in place for the whole working process. Individuals can buy those devices that have a zippered pouch for better security. Once it is locked, small things like nail sets, pencils can not fall out.

It might be tougher for left-handers to pick up a set that supports them efficiently. So if that is the case for you, do some little search about the piece that meets your standards. Some items designated mainly for right-handers, but if you know how to pack your tools reasonably, those ones could help.

Combo – While you are looking, it is best to read the product description to know which tools will be included in the set you are trying to purchase. If you do not consider this thing carefully, you might waste more time seeking the extra pieces that are compatible with your device to have better support.

Some brands decide to sell their bags, tool belts, and suspenders separately. That is when you have to figure out the right width and length for the belt to fit right into your framing pouch. If you need the help of shoulder straps or chest straps to keep the whole set in its place, take a look at the tough and well-fitted ones.

There are labels that offer customers a full suit. You just have to unpack the box, do some assembling, afterward, the item is ready to be used. This way, people can save some money and time and avoid buying an incompatible product. A set like this is necessary for workers whose jobs are performed at a certain height and on an uneven surface.

Meanwhile, if your tasks are simple or you do not have to spend hours on ends building and repairing every day, buying a tool belt with suspenders will not be a good decision. There is no point in paying extra money for something we do not really need frequently. In short, this combo factor should be studied thoroughly by each buyer.

Size and fit – What all of us must keep in mind is that we never settle for any piece that does not fit our body well enough. Unwanted incidents can happen if we wear a device that is too loose or too tight. When the suspenders slip off or when the belt makes it hard for us to breathe, that is how we know we should not choose such items.

When taking a look at numerous products available, we notice some of them are labeled “one size fits all”. Such pieces rely mostly on the buckles to hold tightly on customers’ waists. If you have a big figure or your body is very thin, this kind of item might not be an ideal choice for you.

The sizing chart of some brands can be a little tricky, as it might be smaller than the one with the same measurements in the market. So what we can do is to read the reviews on those pieces carefully to find out if we should up the current size or reduce it. It is best to see the product that can accommodate up to a 52-inch waistline.

Still, it is best when we own a device that is fully adjustable. We benefit a lot from purchasing such pieces. Both suspenders and belts are made to be easily adjusted. In that way, users can share the item with someone with a pretty similar build. Or else, it will not be a problem when you gain or lose a big amount of weight.

Comfort – To deliver optimal comfort, some manufacturers construct the belts with added paddings. It can be one layer or two, and it depends on how thick the makers want them to be. Those padded belts often go with a double-tongue roller buckle. The combination is an excellent factor that gives workers a better time at work.

Besides the design, the material is another good contributor to excellent user experience. The moisture-wicking fabric is often chosen as the main ingredient from many tool belt and shoulder straps. By utilizing this substance, hot summer working days are not so unbearable as before.

Additionally, a too stiff item will make us irritated shortly after putting them on for several hours. It is better to pick the one that soft and lightweight enough to help users go through the tasks comfortably. One more important thing must be about weight distribution. When it can balance the whole toolset fairly, our working pace and efficiency will be great.

Price – This one is as important as many other factors that we should consider. We need to think about our requirements and the budget for it to choose the right one. It should not be too expensive when all we need is a decent-quality workpiece for occasional duties. As we talk about it, you should have a list of products that meet your demand, then choose the one that is sold at a reasonable price among all of them.

Style – For some individuals, style is very vital. That is why they can resist alluring items that shine bright when compared to other low-cost devices. However, a piece’s look had better be a secondary factor that affects your final decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this for?

These tool belts are made to meet the specific demands of the duties of a framer. They are geared with useful features and good functionality that help people who deal with tasks related to wood. The bag is designed to fit certain types of equipment that are essential for those workers.

Each framer will have a list of tools that they need to carry along every time they have missions to take over. Some can be named such as the nail sets, hammers, tape measure, parts and so on. They need the product that has enough space to put all of those work gear in neat order. Therefore, it can ensure good and easy access for them to complete their duties.

Also, only these items are resilient enough to withstand the hard conditions that many users who do framing work in. As being incredibly tough and durable, those devices are definitely one of the most indispensable tools that a framer must have to do their jobs the best.

Other than that, many other fields can make use of this item. People who perform at the construction surely find the tool bag handy. The device also offers what those workers need for their daily missions. It is common that we see the employees at the construction site wearing this type of tool belt.

At some point, numerous carpenters should be equipped with this piece, too. There are plenty of slots for these individuals’ tasks. Furthermore, it can offer good back support and great weight distribution for everyone that wears the apparatus.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a framing tool belt?

Our work efficiency will significantly increase thanks to the use of this framing tool belt. It carries for us all the equipment that we can possibly need for our jobs. Easy access and quick load are what we are offered with this device. We are free to use both hands to handle daily missions effectively.

Besides that, we are also ensured of good safety. When you think about the time we work at a great height, it is excellent to have all our tools within our reach. There is no need to climb up and down if any urgent needs of gadgets come up. That is another thing that makes the tool belt an amazing partner.

On the other hand, it is dangerous to choose the wrong size or pick the wrong features. It can result in spilling and falling accidents. Moreover, if we do not pack our gear carefully, we can hurt our colleagues if any of our tools fall out of the pouch. The damage can be immeasurable. So please be thorough while getting ready.

How to use it?

For some items, we need to set up a little before we start to use them. It can be tricky sometimes when the layout is too complicated to understand the way it works. In that case, experienced people’s help will be very useful. We need to master how to lock and unlock the belt and suspenders (if there is one).

Once you put into those bags all the essential gadgets in a good organization, the next thing to do is to put the belt around our hips, adjust and fasten it until the part embraces nicely around the waist. Fix the shoulder straps until we feel comfortable in them. Do not forget to zip all the pockets that contain the valuables.

What are the trusted brands?

Apparently, CLC framing tool bags and Occidental tool belts are all good choices in the tool organizers making industry. They are the most well-known brands for workers. Other than that, we should definitely take a look at products coming from Dickies Work Gear, Dead On Tools, DEWALT and so on.

What is the warranty policy?

Each company offers different warranty policy, and the guaranteed time can be 2 years, 5 years or even a lifetime for some brands. For more exact and detailed information, you should look it up on the official website of the label or contact the seller to demand a good answer.

How to care and clean?

After your day is done, there is no way that the tool belt is clean. That is when you check for damages and get rid of the dirt. You might use warm water, soft cloth, or maybe soap to wash your piece. But first, read the instructions carefully, each one requires a different way of cleaning.

When all the cleaning process is completed, it is best to keep the set in a dry and dust-free place. That way, it can be kept in good condition for a long time. And you will have a spotless piece for the next day of work.

Conclusion

After finishing our articles, we hope that you have a good piece in mind. The buying guides should be helpful for your journey of finding the best framing tool belt. Once you have the ideal device, do not forget to take care of it by following closely the instruction and information offered. And remember to wear the set every time you carry on the performances. It is the way to make the best use of your device.

Daniel Rocha

Our PPE expert, Daniel Rocha, has been working in the industry for 23 years. He provides guidance to our content editor and writers so they may provide well-informed suggestions and tips for machinery and equipment.