Thoughts on Occidental tool belts?

[Evan(CA)]

I am an electrician full time and my Husky bags are on their last lags. What are everyone's thoughts on occidental bads? Do any of you have personal experience with the electrical bags specifically? I do this 40 hours a week plus side jobs so I am willing to splurge. I've heard nothing but positive reviews for the most part other than price and since I do this to make a living 40+ hours a week I'm willing to splurge. Here is what I am thinking


Occidental Leather 5590 w/ 5006 hip pads and the 8567 drill holster.

I'm debating between the sheep skin hip buddies or the gel/canvas material ones.

I've also considered getting the suspender system but it seems like it might get in the way. I do more residential than commercial work.

 

[cheechi]

they are nice but they are pricy. I wish any store locally carried them so I could really take time to try one on. Worked with a few guys that had them and they loved them. I have always got by with the heavier duty nylon from lowes but if I ever had a job that needs a tool belt again I have been telling myself I would get one from these guys.

I prefer electricians rigs for most of the hand tools I have to carry around. Have done some low volt but mostly I did eth/coax runs so not a whole lot of tools needed for either.

 

[ADSR]

The 2 pockets made from the nylon fabric will rub your skin raw. You'll be going in there for wire nuts a few hundred times a day and the back of your hand and fingers going in there repeatedly will rub off, dry up, crack and split.

Look for full leather with rough grain out, smooth leather in.

 

[Evan(CA)]

The 2 pockets made from the nylon fabric will rub your skin raw. You'll be going in there for wire nuts a few hundred times a day and the back of your hand and fingers going in there repeatedly will rub off, dry up, crack and split.

Look for full leather with rough grain out, smooth leather in.

They couldn't be worse than the v shaped canvas pouches on most bags. At least these pouches appear to be held wide open at all times. Besides, why is that even an issue? Haven't you earned your man hands yet being an electrician? I've never really cared for full leather but I guess I could be swayed. It's really unfortunate there are no retail stores that stock all of them so you could try each one in person. It's not like you are dropping 40 bucks on an HD special 300 or 400+ is some serious coin for tool bags.

 

[Manny2_0]

Stupid pricing, but suppose to be made in usa

I have gotten by with my craftsman leather electrician pouch and nail bag I got in 2001
had to make repairs though

But your an electrician price is no problem, I'm the poor ceiling guy

 

[ADSR]

I'm a carpenter. I put my hand in my nail sack and tape sack 200 - 400 times a day. This pouch has made it over 10 years and i work in the rain 9 months/year. The sparkies we use, most of them have full leather. That's a tough deal you're in tho. I don't think i could ever buy a pouch without trying it on. It's just one of those things you have to do in person.

My pouch is called "The Cadillac" for a reason. I don't think they have much in the way for sparky tho...

http://www.vikingleatherproducts.com/collections/frontpage/products/the-cadillac-201

 

[Thumper68]

Personally I like the full nylon bags but when I'm wearing them I am out in all conditions and like the fact they dry quickly unlike my leather ones that got moldy after a weekend of being locked in the truck.

I hate the drill holsters, for me they always seem to be in the way, I do like several of the hooks that are on the market.

When I was doing satilites full time I found that I really liked a good set of padded suspenders, the weight on the shoulders instead of the hips was awesome and the fact that I didn't have to cinch the belt tight made it easier to stoop and bend.

 

[spike99250]

Check out Diamondback toolbelts. They are all nylon, have a sparky model and wear like iron. Being nylon they also weigh a good bit less. The set I have is at least 15 years old and still going strong. I am a Union Carpenter who works on commercial sites and they have held up.

 

[usdemt]

Second vote for Diamonback. They take about 3 months to get but they are hand made in the USA. The price will scare you but I just ditched my Occi for Diamonback and am super happy with it.

 

[Evan(CA)]

Second vote for Diamonback. They take about 3 months to get but they are hand made in the USA. The price will scare you but I just ditched my Occi for Diamonback and am super happy with it.

Damn and here I thought the occi's were expensive. I don't mind spending the money but I sure as hell we would like to see and try these on in person before dropping that kind of coin.

 

[cheechi]

Personally I like the full nylon bags but when I'm wearing them I am out in all conditions and like the fact they dry quickly unlike my leather ones that got moldy after a weekend of being locked in the truck.

I hate the drill holsters, for me they always seem to be in the way, I do like several of the hooks that are on the market.

When I was doing satilites full time I found that I really liked a good set of padded suspenders, the weight on the shoulders instead of the hips was awesome and the fact that I didn't have to cinch the belt tight made it easier to stoop and bend.

I have come to hate drill holsters a lot less than I once did. Like you I use the suspender setup too. I'm also lefty. Rather than getting the clunky & bulky 'universal' or spending extra (although the bucket boss one is not bad) to get a lefty holster I just put the drill holder in the back center of the belt. I hate hammer loops and generally find they get in my way more.

I know this is going to sound goofy but I actually had 2 belts set up at one point, one with a smple nail pouch and hammer loop, stud finder, just the basics. The other had mostly electric/installer type tools and that one had the suspenders and the dill holster. I would often wear it like a jacket and not even fasten the belt. Often inside closets I'd have to hang it on the door and squeeze into tight spots anyway.

lucky me I was mostly indoors for most of this. So much of your post is similar to my experience other than that I appreciate your comments for when I next have to go dig mine out of the box.

 

[willymakeit]

Ive had a set for 25 years. Pricey but I like them. Went management but still strap them on every once in a while.
Seems weird but I can think better sometimes with them on.

 

[kctyphoon]

milwaukee also has a few different tool belts now - might be worth looking at.. thats about all i can contribute on this one..

 

[rick carpenter]

Try looking at the CLC line too. I've had an Occidental 5053 for quite some time and it's great but it just isn't big enough now for my small collection of (non-pro!) electrical tools. After a lot of looking at bags and pouches online lately, last week I ended up getting a CLC W438 bag from Ace Hardware. Occidental is pricey but they have a wide variety. CLC is cheaper $-wise all around but I don't see any cheapness in my bag. CLC has some Chinese stuff, mine is USA.

I just noticed today that Kuny's out of Cananda has nearly the exact same bag/pouch line as CLC (same numbers, minor differences in construction details, but fabrique au Canada) plus a few more including electrical. Their website is a clone of CLC so I imagine they are somehow the same company.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I had an occidental as my last belt. I was in Lowes about a year ago and saw the AWP lineup. I bought their top of the line leather set up for approx $90. A year later I am still using it. It is in great condition still and functions great. It has a great layout, but my only complaint is it only has 3 suspender lanyards. I prefer 4 for a more even fitting belt, but I learned to live with the 3.

 

[fury9]

Been using my 5080DB for almost ten years.I'm a remodeling carpenter so they see a wide range of use. Other than the corners of the bags wearing out after about 7 years (had them sewn shut)I wouldn't hesitate to buy another same exact set in a heartbeat. The leather ones will turn your clothes brown for atleast ten years if you're out in the rain. I also have the Occidental suspender set, the ******** the upper half makes a world of difference in keeping the suspenders in place.

 

[BFHtime]

I am not an electrician, but I have a framer's set up with the green color. I have been abusive to my tool belts, but this one has held up the longest. I like that the pouches are fixed. The belt sizes are over sized, so the belts are good for winter close but maybe too big for summer depending on your waist. There are suspenders for their tool belts. I have been very happy with the occidental setup.

I have not tried Diamondback, but they sound like a custom made setup. You may want to take some time to rig up something similar to what you would have made, prior to purchasing. Trying something like this on and getting a feel of how they would feel for you every day all day is something to consider before, buying an expensive setup.

 

[BFHtime]

There are suspenders that can purchased which are universal for just about any belt, but do not have the nice padding.

 

[zkling]

Ive had a set for 25 years. Pricey but I like them. Went management but still strap them on every once in a while.
Seems weird but I can think better sometimes with them on.

 

[Ainsley]

I have the occidental leather pocket caddy and the build quality is top notch!
I also have a kuny's (CLC) electrical & maintenance pouch that I wear every day at work, they seem to last about two years before the bottom blows out. I'm currently looking to replace with with an occidental pouch but it is hard to judge the size from online pictures.
The one downside to the occidental leather stuff is the weight.

 

[ecotec]

I love my rig. Mine has smaller pouches than the ones you are looking at. I have the hip pads as well.

View media item 47118

 

[Ainsley]

I love my rig. Mine has smaller pouches than the ones you are looking at. I have the hip pads as well.

I was looking at that pouch to replace this nylon one:

But I think it will be too large. I need something with the same (or slightly smaller) size with a tape loop or tee.

This one is about the closest as far as I can tell but it has no tape loop... Perhaps I could see or rivet one on.

 

[justme-]

I have had my Pro Framer all leather rig for over 12 years - thought I was nuts when I bought it (even with my employee discount it was over $150), but wouldn't trade it for anything! Carry more tools on my waste than anything I have ever run across, distributes very well with the large belt, and wears like iron. corners of the bags have some wear - most from a couple roofs I did.
Can't say about the nylon bags - they don't impress me as being as long lasting but the weight difference is huge over the leather. CLC is mediocre in comparison - especially if you work in your belt.
I added a crc ( only brand I could find then) drill holster in the back and removed it after a few steel framing jobs. The only addition I put on now is a framing nail stip holder for those kinds of jobs where I'm using a lot of strips - just a few and I use the normal pouches in the belt.

 

[mc4life27]

I know this is an old post but I wanted to add my two cents. So I’m very picky when it comes to my tool belts tool bags or the combo of both. I have tried all different kind of set ups trying to find something that will work for my needs and is comfortable to wear all day long or if I’m carrying it it’s easy to do so and don’t have to worry about things falling out. I hate closeabke tool bags because it’s semi a pain to find the needed tool and also hard to check to make sure I have all of my tools when it’s time to move to another location to work. So I like the open totes/bags witch are nice but seem to get loaded up way to fast and I’m worried I will have something fall out as one carrying it since most of the time I also have to carry other items to where I’m working. Plus I can only stuff so much in my short pockets when I’m working in a ladder. Plus the bigger the tote the more **** I seem to start lug around with me. Now when it comes to belts first off I wear a normal belt to keep my pants up so I end up wearing two belts and the bigger one always seems to get in the way and Bugs the **** out of me after like 1-2 hours. Plus I get it in the right spot but once I have to take a piss, eat lunch or the belt shifts it gets in the way and bugs the **** out of me. So I think I finally just found the perfect set up. Now I just got the bag tonight so I have not field tested it but just loading it up it feels amazing and so far I just have the vest part with my old bags and still waiting in the new bags to arrive. So I ordered the occidental suspendavest 2500 and the new bags are the icy finisher fastener bag with the strongHold tool bag. Now I have been using a similar occidental framed bags but they were a hand my down and the guy who I got them from had to have as many pockets as possible so my current bags hang way to wide and I hate the pocket layout. But so far the vest seems to be perfect and with what I have tried and from all of the bags I have been able to find at any brick and mortar store I feel that when I get the new bags I will finally have my perfect set up. The setup should have the best of minimalist design to where I’m not being loaded down with 100lbs of tools and to where I don’t need to have a wide load sign taped to my ***. But not have to sacrifice my tool organization and being able to carry what I need to and be able to do some comfortably all day long. So since I work for a general contractor and do a little bit of everything in construction But my expertise is in electrical I will still have to swap out tools regularly and thinking about even getting a couple different bags that I can keep loaded and just clip on the needed bags. I will update my posts after I use them for a little and if anyone has any other suggestions or ideas please let me know. I’m always trying to be more efficient and get my stuff done quickly. Btw I also have a Milwaukee pack out set up along with a Rigid rolling box set up that I use as my Basie station and that way I have all of my tools with me since everyday I get throw to different job sites and I always need different tools daily.

 

[TalonFE]

Occidental 5590 electricians' rig here. It's two years now getting tossed around, dropped and stepped on but holding up quite well. The pouches don't slide so good when new so rubbed a bar of soap on the belt edges and now fine. The ranger belt that it comes with broke in fast and is super comfortable however pay attention to the sizing chart, you can end up too small if not careful. Think about layers of clothes....go big, you can always punch holes to cinch up if required. Occidental does repairs as well, something to consider I think.

 

[Chad72]

I am an electrician full time and my Husky bags are on their last lags. What are everyone's thoughts on occidental bads? Do any of you have personal experience with the electrical bags specifically? I do this 40 hours a week plus side jobs so I am willing to splurge. I've heard nothing but positive reviews for the most part other than price and since I do this to make a living 40+ hours a week I'm willing to splurge. Here is what I am thinking


Occidental Leather 5590 w/ 5006 hip pads and the 8567 drill holster.








I'm debating between the sheep skin hip buddies or the gel/canvas material ones.

I've also considered getting the suspender system but it seems like it might get in the way. I do more residential than commercial work.

The Occidental was perfect when I lived out west, but during a Wisconsin winter, they tend to feel much heavier. I spent too much time adjusting it. I bought the Denali by Diamondback. It was almost $500, but much lighter an they have several pockets for drivers/bits. It takes a little time to breaking. I went from occidental to badger, which is occidental, then diamondback. There are quite a few companies that produce quality tool belts. Boulder makes them with more of a rock climbing bag. Not so tapered, more rounded. I didn't care for the badger, $350 for nylon. Ialso never leave my belt on site when we go for lunch because it's about $1000 with the hammer and belt. The Occidental is now about 400 also. A
Ebay has diamondback for about $100 less than company!
Chad

 

[Chad72]

I am an electrician full time and my Husky bags are on their last lags. What are everyone's thoughts on occidental bads? Do any of you have personal experience with the electrical bags specifically? I do this 40 hours a week plus side jobs so I am willing to splurge. I've heard nothing but positive reviews for the most part other than price and since I do this to make a living 40+ hours a week I'm willing to splurge. Here is what I am thinking


Occidental Leather 5590 w/ 5006 hip pads and the 8567 drill holster.








I'm debating between the sheep skin hip buddies or the gel/canvas material ones.

I've also considered getting the suspender system but it seems like it might get in the way. I do more residential than commercial work.

 

[Chad72]

 

[KnurledNut]

@Chad72
Nice bags!
Occidental Adjust-to-Fit (fixed bags) with Stronghold Lights suspension here.

 

[cgrutt]

Realize it's an old thread but I've been thinking about posting a thread about tool belts for a while. I have an Occidental Carpentry belt with a few different pouches and a smaller utility pouch that fits on a normal belt. All leather. Love it have been using for about 5 or 6 years still in very good condition. I treat the leather with Obenaufs leather conditioner/oil every so often. The Obenaufs tends to darken leather but it's great stuff I use it on my tool belt, regular belt, boots and holsters. Highly recommended.

Oh been meaning to pick up the leather Occidental electrical pouch but haven't gotten it yet.

 

[Hakeem]

The Occidental was perfect when I lived out west, but during a Wisconsin winter, they tend to feel much heavier. I spent too much time adjusting it. I bought the Denali by Diamondback. It was almost $500, but much lighter an they have several pockets for drivers/bits. It takes a little time to breaking. I went from occidental to badger, which is occidental, then diamondback. There are quite a few companies that produce quality tool belts. Boulder makes them with more of a rock climbing bag. Not so tapered, more rounded. I didn't care for the badger, $350 for nylon. Ialso never leave my belt on site when we go for lunch because it's about $1000 with the hammer and belt. The Occidental is now about 400 also. A
Ebay has diamondback for about $100 less than company!
Chad

Diamondback makes quality stuff but their bags go down too low for my liking. occidental bags are all at the same horizontal plane which I prefer but it makes your profile extra wide and so you end up bumping into stuff. Diamondback bags hang down instead, keeping your profile more slim but then you have to bend at the side to reach the lower bags. Can’t go wrong with either one