Why NOT a tool vest

[jives]

My old leather tool belt, as sentimental as I am to it, has bit the dust. I am thinking of a new strategy to move a a tool vest, like one of these Blaklader vests below. Only a few old threads here even mention vests, so I'm looking for some updated and first hand info.

Companies like Atlas and Occidental sell vests for $200-400; I'm not thinking along those lines.

Needs will be mostly in shop with woodworking projects. Looking for any negative comments from those who have used them after switching from a tool belt.

 

[Musicinabottle]

Personally, I don't work for anyone but myself anymore. That being said, I never wear a set of bags anymore and prefer a finish carpenters bib if anything at all. Otherwise, I just set things down right there where I work or I do a tote (wood tote I made years ago) and that stays right where I'm working at.

 

[Wamsutta]

Have you considered going with the beltless rig?

 

[jives]

Have you considered going with the beltless rig?

Yes, but I don't like suspenders or suspender-like seem too contrived. Those things look like they would swing all around, and I want more small pockets for pencils, nail sets, punches, screwdrivers, chisels, etc.

 

[Wamsutta]

Yes, but I don't like suspenders or suspender-like seem too contrived. Those things look like they would swing all around, and I want more small pockets for pencils, nail sets, punches, screwdrivers, chisels, etc.

Is the Occidental vest really $200 ?

 

[jd_1138]

You want all that weight hanging on your body? I'd just get a rolling cart/tool box and bring the tools closer to me. Though I can see the utility in having a pair of pliers, utility knife, screwdrivers, hammer, and pry bar always at hand.

 

[Wamsutta]

I need to get something too. I need something to keep my pencil and square, and tape measure in.

 

[Musicinabottle]

Have you considered going with the beltless rig?

Yes, but I don't like suspenders or suspender-like seem too contrived. Those things look like they would swing all around, and I want more small pockets for pencils, nail sets, punches, screwdrivers, chisels, etc.

I agree. That would kill someone down below if you were rolling trusses and **** falling out. When I was a supervisor, I'd have made you stay on the ground if you had a rig like that.

 

[Musicinabottle]

Is the Occidental vest really $200 ?

Anything Occidental, even the word Occidental is $200 or more!

But they're worth it.

 

[Strouty]

I agree. That would kill someone down below if you were rolling trusses and **** falling out. When I was a supervisor, I'd have made you stay on the ground if you had a rig like that.

You should see what we carry up on the cell towers.

 

[Musicinabottle]

I need to get something too. I need something to keep my pencil and square, and tape measure in.

Pencil behind the ear or in between your hat brim and skull. (Speed) square in back pocket and tape clipped at front pocket. Look at that. I saved you $200!

 

[Musicinabottle]

You should see what we carry up on the cell towers.

I worked with a fellow who was a cell phone tower junkie. Man that guy had some nice gear! And we were installing a CB radio antenna on an almost flat roof.

 

[Mick56]

Here is the WWII Mechanics Apron I have.

 

[spike99250]

A guy with the drywall company on our job just started wearing one of the Stanley or dewalt versions. He is just doing blocking so he said this would be good.
My opinions are this. It is gonna be hot in the summer.
It would interfere with your lanyard if you need to wear a harness. Some guys just strap their belt on over the harness.
Tools would seem to be in the wrong place for me(you get used to automatically knowing where to reach for something) I get screwed up when I have my harness on because my bags are different on there than my normal bags.
Not that it matters but Guys are going to bust your stones.
Would have to wear a safety vest over it on some of our jobs.
Did I say it is going to be hot

 

[jives]

I recently finished a simple project making ramps for my E350 van. Couple of Doug fir planks, an angled cleat to affix them inside the van, and some bent metal strapping to hold the ramps onto the cleat. Some angled crosscuts with the Skilsaw, and an angled rip cut on the table saw. By the time I was done I had half my carpenter's tools out and scattered around the garage. Pencils in 3 different locations, and tape measures in 2 locations, and when I couldn't find where I set down my small framing square I had to go pull out the old tri-square. it would have been better to have it all on my body!

I've thought of a tool apron like the ones on the Atlas website apron, and do have one in the shop when doing really dusty things, but it does not hold tools. An apron is also not conducive for outside framing work, in awkward positions. I don't do a lot of that anymore, but I think a vest could handle it.

Hot, perhaps, but I don't do this for a living so I can kinda pick and choose when I decide to do my projects.

 

[larry_g]

have you looked at machinst's aprons;

There are other styles but I like looking at this one.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[jhelrey]

I'd scratch the **** out of stuff with that...

 

[Kaizen]

You watch the Samurai Carpenter? He has a couple of vids on the one he made and an improved one. Does a good job describing the why and how. I’m going to be changing to one. I never have enough room in my belt.
http://samuraicarpenter.com/tools-the-ultimate-tool-vest/


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Firstram]

You should see what we carry up on the cell towers.

Only if you show me while I'm on the ground!

 

[cheechi]

When gander mtn closed I picked up a tackle vest that I use with basic carpentry stuff. pencils, scribes, square, notepad, knife, etc etc.

Don't wear it much. My main issue isn't so much that it's big or bulky because it isn't. my shop is very hot and humid. Wearing extra stuff hasn't been ideal this summer.

I've found it's easier to grab a few basic stuff and bring it to where i'm working. having a utility knife in every pencil can helps too.

 

[kctyphoon]

I would think the weight and all the stuff sticking out of your upper body would be nothing but annoying and cumbersome.. not to mention, just make it harder to move around and maneuver without things falling out, scratching things, etc... I’m getting annoyed just THINKING about the vest tugging at my neck, and the shifting weight making it slide back and forth on me..

 

[Wamsutta]

There must be something to the idea of tool vests because the military and law enforcement have really jumped on the bandwagon.

 

[kctyphoon]

There must be something to the idea of tool vests because the military and law enforcement have really jumped on the bandwagon.

3 words - ITEM SPECIFIC POUCHES.. nothing moves in those..

 

[Toolfool]

I stopped wearing bags for anything other than framing. The chances of damaging cabinets, tools falling out when I'd bend or kneel, and the weight on my body. I started using a tool vest. After a few years the vest started to wear on my back too. Now I have a small tool bag with all the basic tools I need and the most used tools go into the pockets of my jeans, and a clip-on tape holder.

 

[AreYaSerious]

I wear tool bags when I drywall and remodel. Convenient. Never tried a vest though.

 

[unknownroad]

Have you considered going with the beltless rig?

Yes, but I don't like suspenders or suspender-like seem too contrived. Those things look like they would swing all around, and I want more small pockets for pencils, nail sets, punches, screwdrivers, chisels, etc.

Can confirm- all the **** in my suspender rig falls out when I'm working in the crawlspace

 

[rello]

i do allot of zoning jobs so i run from room to room allot and only need a fer tools like drivers and stripper. i would use cargo or carrhart pants but we have switched to uniforms and the pants only have two opckets. i use an elecricians tool pouch most of the time but i find that i can get in the way allot hanging off of my shoulder and people get pissed when you set tool totes down on carpet or furnature. i did just see one

 

[jives]

The main problem I have had with bags is that when bending down, getting on my knees, and so forth, they always spill out. Part of that issue is that they are apron-like bags, that is, bags are in the front and not hanging on the side.

I've tried sticking the pencil in my hat for over 40 years, first learned it from one of my dad's shop carpenters. Can never get used to it, and with glasses, it is even worse. Also, I take the belt clip off my tape measures first thing when I get them home. I dunno, I seem to snag them on stuff, and with my shirt hanging over my pockets, they are hard to clip on.

I'm hesitant about the vest in some part because I don't like fabric/leather loops to hang my hammer. Prefer a rigid metal loop.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I don't think I could handle the vest. I hate it enough when my shirt gets soaked and sticks to me.

I'm just a DIY'er but I bought a Tough Built belt at Menard's. It's a modular design so you can add more or what you want where you want. The belt is padded and does have loops for suspenders IF you want them.


https://www.menards.com/main/search.html?search=tool+belt&brandName_facet=ToughBuilt&ipp=36

 

[Brosieden]

Those Atlas belts look pretty good to me, depending on an individual's needs.

I've got an Occidental framers rig on a fall arrest harness, which is heavy but comfortable. And another one with the sheepskin pads and a couple bags removed that I use for finishing, but it's still bulkier than I'd like. I've tried Bjornklader work pants but dislike the pouches -- I cut them off and just use the pants for the kneepads, basically. And my current favorite for finishing is just a small ~$10 Rockler pouch with enough room for a tape, pencil, nailset, knife, 6" combination square, and flat pry bar. Most of my nail guns have belt clips and so that's most of the items I need to carry -- the rest live in whatever tote I'm using.

The appeal of the Atlas, to me, is that I could have those items plus a block plane, catspaw, and hammer -- the rest of the items I don't need all the time but like to have nearby -- while maintaining a slim profile and not worrying about damaging doors etc. I'll likely give the Saratoga vest a try in the future.

 

[guy48065]

What's all the concern for weight distribution and tool retention for woodworking?
@OP: When you say for "woodworking" what do you NEED to have handy besides pencil, marking knife, try square, utility knife, a rule or 2, maybe a bevel square...?
Maybe my idea of woodworking differs from what you have in mind but all this fits in a traditional apron or a light canvas nail pouch. Add on a drill/driver holster when assembling.

 

[tarbellb]

Atlas 46, seems a lot of thought has gone into them. Plus USA made and I can vouch for the quality.

 

[mikegt4]

Wheely Applegate always had his tools close at hand.

 

[kctyphoon]

I don't think I could handle the vest. I hate it enough when my shirt gets soaked and sticks to me.

I'm just a DIY'er but I bought a Tough Built belt at Menard's. It's a modular design so you can add more or what you want where you want. The belt is padded and does have loops for suspenders IF you want them.


https://www.menards.com/main/search.html?search=tool+belt&brandName_facet=ToughBuilt&ipp=36

Friday - i cut the sleeves off a brand new t shirt i had on cause it was 102 outside and I work outside almost everyday.. today it was 64..

When i have to do anything inside, i have the husky $5 belt and $9 maintenance pouch that holds everything i need. I quickly gave up carrying the weight of **** i never use “just in case i might need it”. Now i take what i know i cant do without... and the best part is it comes off quick an i can hang it on just about anything. Ill concede there's a couple small things not it for this pic, but i promise it don’t much bigger at all. I also keep another belt with the same pouch, with the same couple hand tools in it that also has two drill holsters on it. One for a drill and one for an impact driver.. i dont carry that **** around unless i need it.. its much easier just having more than one belt all set up already for different needs, then it is having one, and constantly adding and removing stuff. In the time it takes to add or remove holsters, swap tools around - i can have a belt on my waist and be in the building already.

And for the record -i will be buying a tactical vest one day to hold all (ok SOME) of my zombie invasion stuff.. and then hopefully one will walk within 4 miles of my house so i can actually use it.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Being one-handed, yeah, strap it to me, put it in a pocket, whatever, I need it accessible when I climb up the ladder, or on the roof or somewhere where I kinda gotta pack a handful of things to handle whatever workpiece up in the nethers. Hanging from the rafter, attic or ceiling, I don't wanna climb up and down the ladder to grab the drill w bit...then the screw and driver, the down again to swap out for the bit, then et cetc blah blah blah

I don't know that I'd wear a vest unless under the truck or in a horizontal position and my chest, stomach, hips, thigh pockets are the accessible spot to grab a tool piece of hardware (and there's a velcro pocket to hold the stuff inside so it down't roll out). If I'm standing I prefer a belt. Strongest part of a body is the hips/legs. Strap that stuff on, lets go. So long as everything is a literal arms length away.

When you got no way to hold stuff in your hands anymore and you need a lot of stuff at an offsite location, you'll stop laughing at pockets.

 

[jives]

I read the OP’s statement that it is just for in his shop...

For construction work, though...

I think it is a bad idea. Most contractors have, in recent years, required lensed (reflective) safety vests. So you would be constantly moving your lensed vest to get to the tools in the vest underneath.

Also... vests look stupid. That was just an opinion. Your mileage may vary. I really cannot believe that nobody else has stated it yet, though.

Post #14 commented on the look. Some vests come as safety vests.

Mostly I'm tired of stuff spilling out.

 

[Dirtydan69]

I'd scratch the **** out of stuff with that...

I had a guy scratch a 5k frig.

I have pockets and also place tools I’m using within easy reach. I hate tool bags.

 

[countrybumpkin]

I personnally like the low hip/thigh bags. I have long arms and it is more comfortable for me to reach down in that area.

I only use the bag if I know I'm going to be working on something upright or in an open area. Tight spaces or crouching makes the tool pouch obsolete.

 

[jives]

I figured I'd conclude this thread. I bought a Bucket Boss tool vest (on sale, about $30 I believe) and have worn it on projects in the house, some outside, but mostly in the garage. A pic is below, but I don't use mine with the hang on nail pouches. This summer, especially, I've been working on a large wall-mounted tool cabinet. Overall, I'm not a fan.

The vest is too big (only a couple of sizes), but that is not the real issue. Tools in the chest pouches get in the way when bending over to see workpieces on the table saw or counter, has no good hammer loop (prefer metal), no good place to put a square (try, combo), and no dedicated tape measure spot (okay, one of the pouches can serve, but they are too deep and then get filled with other stuff as well). It is hotter than expected.

I rummaged through my **** drawer and pulled out an old electrician's pouch and belt. Doesn't have all I need, but hangs out of the way only on one side and holds most of what I need. At least for in the shop I think this is the way to go.

 

[TalonFE]

I almost went for it but then I realized I could get mistaken for Pete the Treehouse Guy. Not sure I want that to happen.......