toplessHO
Well-known member
its been many years since Ive used a shop apron,but been thinking I should get back into the habit.
This would be for general shop use,not any one thing.
This would be for general shop use,not any one thing.
shop apron,who still uses one,and what type/brand?
- Thread starter toplessHO
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JiminAZ
Well-known member
I have a nice tan canvas one that I picked up from Brownells at one point or another. But around here it's so hot that I only use it in the cooler months.
Nice to slip it on to protect my clothes if I need to do something really quick. Otherwise I'm wearing a beater t-shirt and jeans that I can get dirty.
Nice to slip it on to protect my clothes if I need to do something really quick. Otherwise I'm wearing a beater t-shirt and jeans that I can get dirty.
Locker537
Well-known member
I received one from Duluth Trading for Christmas that I'm looking forward to using!
Shootinok
Well-known member
I use one.
A couple years ago I splashed some leather dye on myself and decided I was on a quest for a manly apron.
After much searching (and trying not to spend a small fortune) I decided to modify my own.
I found a simple apron at Ace hardware in the BBQ section. But it wasn’t quite manly enough.
1st I melted beeswax in Linseed oil and coated it to make it into oilcloth (like they did in the old days). Then, I cut off the straps and attached a couple belts I got at goodwill for $3 each.
Sewed on some leather pockets and I use the heck out of it.
I’m thinking about modifying it again to change the strap configuration.
The single strap around the back of the neck puts weight on your neck.
I want to make them cross like an X on my back. Those type aprons I find more comfortable as all the weight is on your shoulders.
Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app
A couple years ago I splashed some leather dye on myself and decided I was on a quest for a manly apron.
After much searching (and trying not to spend a small fortune) I decided to modify my own.
I found a simple apron at Ace hardware in the BBQ section. But it wasn’t quite manly enough.
1st I melted beeswax in Linseed oil and coated it to make it into oilcloth (like they did in the old days). Then, I cut off the straps and attached a couple belts I got at goodwill for $3 each.
Sewed on some leather pockets and I use the heck out of it.
I’m thinking about modifying it again to change the strap configuration.
The single strap around the back of the neck puts weight on your neck.
I want to make them cross like an X on my back. Those type aprons I find more comfortable as all the weight is on your shoulders.
Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app
It kind of depends on what you're working with. For years I maintained tools for a large electrical contractor. Just about every tool was cleaned up, blown out and tested for operation before it got sent out to a job site. I usually wore some type of chemical apron that would keep the hydraulic fluid, cutting oil and grease off me. Lots of back and forth between the shop area and the office, so staying fairly clean was important. The few times I didn't put in on, always meant I was going to ruin clothes. I also like to wear one if I'm doing a bunch of cutting and grinding.
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https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=328578
Discussed the other day in the above thread.
lg
no neat sig line
Discussed the other day in the above thread.
lg
no neat sig line
Wamsutta
Well-known member
The was a weldor in the shop that used to put a piece of foam pipe insulation around the neck strap; pretty smart. 
Bottlecapdigger
Well-known member
I use a shop coat or Smok. I like all the pockets they have. BCD.
glend123
Well-known member
I used to wear one like this. the strings don't go around your neck, they cris-cross down your back.
https://www.dickies.com/aprons/toolmakers-denim-apron/AC20.html
https://www.dickies.com/aprons/toolmakers-denim-apron/AC20.html
I have two from ShopSmith - 1 blue, 1 red.
Had a blue one. Went to a ShopSmith daylong seminar years ago. The guy asked "You know why we wear the red ones when we do demo's? So we can wipe the blood off a nick without freaking everyone out."
Had a blue one. Went to a ShopSmith daylong seminar years ago. The guy asked "You know why we wear the red ones when we do demo's? So we can wipe the blood off a nick without freaking everyone out."
Miss the Pontiacs
Well-known member
ndnchf
Well-known member
Non kidding, I used the $3.99 Harbor Freight denim aprons.
https://www.harborfreight.com/denim-apron-32306.html
The current aprons are a little different than the photo. Contrary to some of the reviews, the straps are long enough for big guys and they are sturdier than in the photo. I bought two a couple weeks ago and use them all the time. When it gets badly soiled, I'll just toss it and get another. Oh yeah, with the 20% coupon they are even cheaper.
https://www.harborfreight.com/denim-apron-32306.html
The current aprons are a little different than the photo. Contrary to some of the reviews, the straps are long enough for big guys and they are sturdier than in the photo. I bought two a couple weeks ago and use them all the time. When it gets badly soiled, I'll just toss it and get another. Oh yeah, with the 20% coupon they are even cheaper.
jimreed2160
Well-known member
I got one of those from HF after I caught my tee shirt on fire while grinding. It works well but does get a little hot in the summertime. I found a smaller apron for woodworking at HD.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-23-5-in-Canvas-Bib-Apron-Black-HD00122/300035090
ken w.
Well-known member
I have a longer one from Brownells . I don't like wearing them , but its nice not getting all the **** on your cloths from buffing.
PartsGuy
Well-known member
And this is precisely the same reason that the French Army wore brown pants in WWII.....
I've got a couple of Mechanix Wear aprons that I use when fooling with the cars. When I was still working in the shop, I had a heavy canvas one from Texas Canvas Wares.
Now that I'm usually driving a desk, I have a Red Kap shop coat for when I get too close to actual work.
Now that I'm usually driving a desk, I have a Red Kap shop coat for when I get too close to actual work.
Mecha
Well-known member
https://hudsondurablegoods.com/prod...nvas-apron-adjustable-up-to-xxl-for-men-women
I have one of these and it is nice! I like wearing an apron while working on bikes to keep myself protected from chain oil and steel wool dust. I like the x pattern straps and it wraps around nicely. It's weight is almost like a welding apron.
I have one of these and it is nice! I like wearing an apron while working on bikes to keep myself protected from chain oil and steel wool dust. I like the x pattern straps and it wraps around nicely. It's weight is almost like a welding apron.
bmwrd0
Well-known member
I have a Dulurth one that I love. Truly a great apron.
rlitman
Well-known member
My suede Tillman welding apron has the X straps too.
I have one of the denim HF aprons at work, for those rare times when I'm worried about getting my shirt splashed.
This darn forum. I just come here to browse and then I find another tool I must-have. Working in a tire shop and SO tired of my legs getting soaked every time I haul a tire out of the dunk tank and a shop apron would be the bees knees for that.
rlitman
Well-known member
A rubber coated lab apron would be ideal. In fact, you could get one that just ties at the waist for that.
Thank you for the suggestion, I'll check those out. Currently looking at waxed canvas aprons if I could find one that's set up like a Carhartt bib, that'd be ideal.
A lot of what I do is mechanic work, however I do need to do tires every now and then, and sometimes all day long. My usual wear is Carhartt black bib overalls unlined, however, I'm already on my second pair in about 3 months. The first pair is showing wear from tools and such, so I really do need to find something different that won't wear out so fast and doesn't need to be washed every day. I currently wash my bibs once a week. Just tired of picking up the tires out of the dunk tank and getting my legs wet. Granted, they do dry out fast, just a little annoyance. The boss wears Red Kap pants.
bwringer
Well-known member
Same here. They're reasonably durable and cheap enough to keep a few around and toss 'em when they get nasty.
I guess I'd spring for something fancier if I had some more specific need and purpose, like leather if I did much welding or grinding.
Bodj Built
Well-known member
A quality leather apron is worth its weight in gold. Not sure where mine is from, but it doesn't have any pockets, which I find perfect because it won't collect grinder dust. I keep my pocket knife in my jeans pocket, a tape measure clipped to the jeans pocket, and I clip a sharpie on the neck of the apron, so it's always there. The X back is a life saver, but I need to take some slack out of my waist strap, as it's definitely designed for big n' tall dudes.
Mohawk Dave
Well-known member
I recently got this one and love it. Hudson Durable Goods.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0798WWM89/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0798WWM89/?tag=atomicindus08-20
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ftb
Well-known member
Lincoln Electrics makes a welding one out of cowhide. No reason not to use it outside of welding applications. Quality item.
NY_treeguy
Well-known member
Duluth Trading. Started breaking in my second about a year ago. First one lasted about 15 years.
wimpy525
Well-known member
I have had this one for about two years, holds up well and as stated above the x pattern straps are nice.
highland512
Well-known member
I have debated on buying one. If I do it will be one of these. Round House make awesome bibs and pants at a very fair price and USA Made.
https://www.round-house.com/products/99-round-house-made-in-usa-shop-apron
https://www.round-house.com/products/99-round-house-made-in-usa-shop-apron
Odd-job
Well-known member
Skiff Builder
Well-known member
Was given this Duluth for 
. Seems well built. The lower middle pockets are a bit too deep and narrow. Hard to het hand in. The hammer loops are positioned so the handle of your hammer will beat your knees as you walk! I put another loop on the strap, works better.
Like the upper center hole for hanging on a nail.
Pocket with flap will not close over an Iphone.
Pretty good buit not perfect out of the box.
. Seems well built. The lower middle pockets are a bit too deep and narrow. Hard to het hand in. The hammer loops are positioned so the handle of your hammer will beat your knees as you walk! I put another loop on the strap, works better. Like the upper center hole for hanging on a nail.
Pocket with flap will not close over an Iphone.
Pretty good buit not perfect out of the box.
Attachments
cderalow
Well-known member
I picked up a heavy canvas one from bed bath and beyond a while back.
Did the wax treatment to get it mostly liquid resistant.
Only has a chest pocket but the straps are extra long so it stays on well.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Did the wax treatment to get it mostly liquid resistant.
Only has a chest pocket but the straps are extra long so it stays on well.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Gizmosity
Well-known member
A few years ago I grabbed a close out Bucket Boss apron at a local hardware store for $5. My current shop is drastically larger than in the past so having some basics with me all the time really saved time. This lasted about 6 months but started wearing holes in the bottom of the pockets. I was thinking of having something custom made or even making my own, then I bought this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LBK7WO/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I've had it for two years and its close enough to what I would have spent drastically more money on that I plan on buying another one when this wears out.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LBK7WO/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I've had it for two years and its close enough to what I would have spent drastically more money on that I plan on buying another one when this wears out.
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since this thread has been bumped back to the top I would like to report that I have now bought two red kap shop aprons. I haven't gotten my second one yet but it is absolutely awesome. I stay clean and dry while my apron gets all the grease and gets soaking wet. Has made a night and day difference at work.
I picked up a leather and a denim one at HF just to see if I still liked wearing one.
Welding without changing clothes is great.
The denim one is just for quick trips in and out of the shop while still in street clothes.
I really need to modify for X straps and maybe a plastic buckle thats easy to fasten from behind.
Welding without changing clothes is great.
The denim one is just for quick trips in and out of the shop while still in street clothes.
I really need to modify for X straps and maybe a plastic buckle thats easy to fasten from behind.
I got mine on Etsy, found a person making them and told them the size and location of pockets I wanted.
Be careful on Etsy and make sure you are dealing with a real live person, getting to be lots of promoted import junk.
Shootinok
Well-known member
I liked this idea enough to try it.
I used a couple web straps with plastic buckles. Attached them to a well used HF leather with grommets I had from a tarp repair kit.
Went with crossing straps and it’s really nice.
Not fancy, but keeps me from burning holes in my clothes and maybe $20 in it.
