Recommendations for tool belt for women / smaller sizes?

[batmanimal]

I’m having a difficult time finding carpenter belts made for women or even just smaller body types in general. I currently use my own leather belt and a tool pouch. It is OK but hard on the back and hips after a while. I would like something more well balanced.

The best I’ve found is the Diamondback Cavetto, but it’s quite expensive (almost $200 with shipping) and I’d have to purchase the pockets separately so my all-in cost would be close to $500!https://toolbelts.com/product/cavetto-belt

I have found an option or two on Etsy, but am unsure about their ergonomics. I also have found a ton of gardening belts / aprons for women, but they don’t appear durable enough for my tools and gear.

I would like to spend under $200 and be able to return it if it doesn’t work out. I also prefer a quick clasp buckle, not a traditional belt buckle with holes. Any ideas?

 

[Bertotti]

Find a local leatherworker and see what they could make to your specs.

 

[batmanimal]

I suppose I could do custom but that would be fairly time consuming and presumably non refundable.

Ideally I could find something commercially available.

I did just see this Harbor Freight option that might work (a reviewer noted he purchased this for teenage nephews)https://www.harborfreight.com/carpenters-tool-belt-41313.html

It’s in stock at my local store so I can check it out next time I’m there.

However, I would still like a more ergonomic option. Maybe I’m limited to the diamondback? Surely there are other options for smaller-framed people?

 

[JMatthew84]

Could try one of Atlas46's tool belts, i know they have multiple sizes and a really good return policy (46 day trial).

 

[FestitaMakool]

Have you considered a combination.
Aka work trousers and vest? And just pick the additonal tool belt accessory that will fit.

Blaklader and Snickers makes both trousers (and I believe vests too) for women.

Here’s a spring 2022 release for women.. maybe skirt isn’t the right, but with light trousers under it can be very versatile. Link is to the .no site (got tired of arguing trying to access the .com site )https://www.blaklader.no/nb/produkt/71801147-handverksskjort-med-stretch?#8999

Spot the ones with tool pockets:https://www.blaklader.no/nb/alle-produkter/dame/bukser?page=2&filters=ParametricMultiple,3397

Snickersworkwear has some of the best trousers along with Blaklader, and their vests are among the best. I use Blaklader trousers and Snickers’ vests.
At least, these have a US dealer, notified on FOG: Festoolnirvana or now Toolnirvana. They carry Snickers workwear.https://www.snickersworkwear.com/products/192

 

[batmanimal]

[member=71478]FestitaMakool[/member] Thank you! A vest could be an option. The skirt might be ok as an apron? Sort of an odd product offering, but I appreciate that they are trying lol

Trousers I’m less inclined towards bc I want something I can pull on and off regardless of weather or situation.

[member=77248]JMatthew84[/member] I wasn’t familiar with atlas46, and they definitely have a good range of sizes. I’ve reached out to them for specific measurements. Thank you!

 

[FestitaMakool]

Cool that you liked the idea, sometimes it’s s like companies just don’t want to see what their offering [big grin]

I hadn’t seen this before, a quick read below reveals that the skirt has an inner shorts with mesh and stretch materials (Denim stretch)

They also have a kilt (Scottish inspired) which I have in fact. This has no inner shorts..
You can dress it outside trousers as similar to more sports oriented warming unisex skirts which opens at the whole side, preferably you add a regular leather belt for carrying more load.

The newer vests from Snickers has more configurable lower pockets, you can carry 0-4 pockets. They do come with 4 tool/fastener pockets. Most are mesh for the majority of the panels, so they breathe. A nice feature too, is when dressing warmer with a jacket some have expanding possibilities too in the front zipper. Great all year round tool carrying, and the load is spread wider on the shoulders than regular harnesses.

 

[waho6o9]

https://www.occidentalleather.com/shop/

Occidental has vests pouches etc and will last a lifetime. 

You can make your own configurations and belt sizes start with a 34" waist.

Best of luck.

 

[batmanimal]

https://www.occidentalleather.com/shop/

Occidental has vests pouches etc and will last a lifetime. 

You can make your own configurations and belt sizes start with a 34" waist.

Best of luck.

Those look like excellent belts.

34” is still too big unfortunately (their sizing guide states it would be a 30” min circumference). I am looking for 26-28” circumference, depending on where the belt is designed to fit on the body.

I also am realizing that I may need to increase my budget. All of the most comfortable looking options seem to come in at around $300 minimum fully loaded.

 

[me_two]

Have a look at leather by dragonfly.
I bought the Sedgeley tool pouch as I wanted something smaller then a tool belt. Witch is hanging on the hook for a while.
Maybe they can help you with your quest.

 

[Peter_C]

First you need to decide what you want to carry, and how. You never stated what the purpose of the tool belt is to be. Framing? Finish work? Or? What tools do you anticipate carrying?

I have an Occidental Leather Oxylight framing belt that works well once it is broken in, for which neets foot oil works miracles, but I rarely use it. Also have an Occi Stronghold tool vest setup with one modified pocket that I use for trim type work, as it is narrow for confined spaces. Much prefer the vest over the tool belt, and the vest could take the tool belt pockets, but I don't do that as it a fully loaded tool belt pocket is heavy. I also spent a lot of money on a ridiculously expensive titanium hammer and claw to loose tool belt weight. Great investment though for weight reductions, and the only difference today is I would look at the Martinez hammer, instead of a Stilleto.

Mostly I use Bjornklader pants with pockets, that have 1" thick knee pads. With a hammer loop clipped on, they work great.

Atlas tool belts are interesting and something to investigate. I keep eyeing the tool vest setup. Bjorklader, Blaklader, Snickers, and others also make nice tool vests.

 

[FestitaMakool]

What Peter_C says ^

The vests let’s you carry a lot of tools, but close to your body. This is one of the main advantages with vests, being nimble in confined spaces. Plus, there’s no dangling of huge pockets.

I can se the benefit of a tool belt set up, but after trying I ended up with trousers.
The huger stiffer pockets are great for fasteners though.

We have a dealer here carrying Occidental, and it sure looks good, they have also started carry Atlas46. I think those two have a very flexible set of customising a tool belt.
But still, I’d have a regular vest as the default set up.

 

[batmanimal]

On the left (non dominant side) I plan to carry
- speed square (small)
- fasteners, usually 2-3 sizes at once
- drill bits
- measuring tape

On the right I plan to carry
- compact driver or drill
- small notebook and pen
- marking pencil
- small pliers

On either side (no preference, depends on weight balance):
- level (~150mm/6”)
- extra earplugs
- slot for eye protection or sunglasses to hang off of

I would like the ability to add, on occasion
- second driver or drill
- second pliers
- lightweight hammer or mallet
- small hand tools like chisel
- “random” small things like chalk line, right angle drill attachment, Bosch laser measuring tool, etc

I would also like a safe accessible place to store my phone, but this is a nice to have, not required.

Other preferences, not mandatory:
- front opening and closing mechanism
- quick clasp or buckle > traditional belt buckle w holes
- lightweight (this may rule out leather, even though I prefer the look and feel)
- customizable; if a belt, I can add or remove components based on the job
- allows for shoulder support (ie a vest or a belt with optional suspenders attachments)
- if a belt, prefer padded with light back support

Thanks for all the feedback and recommendations!

 

[demographic]

As for the actual belt and in my case braces (think over the pond they get called Suspenders which are zokething totally different over here) I just bought some veg tanned leather off Ebay, some size 8 copper rivets and made them. Maillon rapide delta connectors for where the braces connected onto the belt and stainless steel buckes from horse tack suppliers.
It was surprisingly simple to do, no sewing needed.
The pouches are a different matter though and I got some box bags from Bobs Leather in the US.

Admittedly I'm  not a woman but it saved me a fair bit of cash from going down the occidental leather route and bonestly it was pretty easy.

 

[ChuckM]

Snip.
- small hand tools like chisel

Snip.

Better not.

 

[batmanimal]

Snip.
- small hand tools like chisel

Snip.

Better not.

[member=57948]ChuckS[/member] Would you not recommend this for safety reasons?

I will need to occasionally bring long pointy tools like screwdrivers, so I’m curious to hear your opinion here.

 

[demographic]

Snip.
- small hand tools like chisel

Snip.

Better not.

Why not?
Hultafors do some ones that come in a fairly decent plastic sheath, more or less like a knife sheath.

 

[batmanimal]

[member=51145]demographic[/member] Good tips!!

I do sew, but have never worked with leather. But based on your description I would probably be able to put something together for suspenders myself.

Also a sheath makes sense for carrying chisels. That’s how I store them anyhow bc I have young kids afoot.

I also have a cheapie fastcap with a butterfly handle that folds up to cover the entire shaft. That would probably be a good one to tote around on my person.

 

[demographic]

For my riight side pouch I use an electricians pouch from De-Walt.
Its made from leather and I have in it...

Tajima Ink Line.
150mm combination square.
Compound action end cutters, nail pincers from NWS.
Pencil.
Lumber crayon.
Square bladed birdcage awl.
Small glue bottle.
Tape measure a d some more spaces for screwdrivers.

Then theres a few loops on the side of it that I can hang a drill off.
To be fair, I can hang two drills off it at a pinch but thats a carrying tools back to the van at the end of the day type carry as opposed to carting two drills about all day kind of thing.

Looks like this, and its no good for the fixings side though. Most of the compartmentsare too small to get my hand right to the bottom of.

 

[demographic]

[member=51145]demographic[/member] Good tips!!

I do sew, but have never worked with leather. But based on your description I would probably be able to put something together for suspenders myself.

Also a sheath makes sense for carrying chisels. That’s how I store them anyhow bc I have young kids afoot.

I also have a cheapie fastcap with a butterfly handle that folds up to cover the entire shaft. That would probably be a good one to tote around on my person.

I'll fire some pictures up, it really wasnt rocket science to make the braces and I  used a picture of some by Occidental Leather to give me a few pointers and just had a good think about some details like how the wider sections of the shoulder straps went.

They do look a tad "Village People" but they're comfortable so I'm ok with em.
The belt was from Bobs Leather although I've made one myself since then