15 Best Tool Belts Reviews 2023 | Built To Last

The 15 tool belts mentioned here are some of the very best available on Amazon, and almost all of them would work as a tool belt whether you need one for use at home or work.

However, since all of these products differ on one aspect or another, some may be slightly more suited to your needs than others, and it is important for you to find the right one for the job.

That’s why this review highlights the main features of all best tool belts for electricians and best tool belts for framers along with the main selling points the product has, along with a few of the drawbacks you should be aware of so you can make an informed decision.

But first, you need to know exactly what to look for when buying a tool belt. In other words, what exactly makes the best tool belt for homeowner?

Buyer’s Guide

The driving principle behind the creation of the tool belt was pretty simple: when you’re working on some task, having all your tools at hand saves you a great deal of time and hassle, and thus lets you perform your work efficiently.

However, while the principle may be simple, there are quite a few things you need to look out for when buying a tool belt; you may think that as long as tool belt can carry your tools it should be sufficient but keeping an eye on these things certainly makes a difference in the amount of help the tool belt actually is in your work.

Utility

The first thing you need to look out for is whether or not a tool belt has the capability to carry your tools.

There are two things you need to check here: capacity and design (i.e., the way the tool belt holds your tools).

You can’t expect your tool belt to be as roomy and expansive so as to replace your toolbox outright, but there is a certain threshold in capacity the tool belt needs to meet.

For example, it should always have enough space or pockets to carry the most basic tools you’d need to perform your tasks.

However, how it holds the tools (design) is also an important factor to consider.

A tool belt that has numerous pockets may seem like a good investment, but if one of those pockets are deep enough to hold bigger tools like a hammer or wrench properly, you’re going to find yourself constantly picking up tools as they fall from your belt.

Too much of a hassle to be bothered with, right?

Comfort and ease of use

Take it from us, if a tool belt is quite uncomfortable to wear as soon as you put it on, it’s not something you’re going to get used to the more you use it.

Continuing to use the belt and working in discomfort may come back to bite you in the form of back and shoulder pains later in the day.

This is why it’s important to address any feelings of discomfort when first putting on a tool belt, even if it means doing away with it altogether.

You should also ensure the belt you choose has all of its tools placed in an easy to reach the place.

You don’t want to constantly fumble for reaching your hammer, especially in precarious situations like when you’re standing up a ladder against the wall trying to drive a nail or two in.

Durability

It’d be a pretty raw deal, investing a hefty sum for a tool belt only in having it tatter into pieces after a month’s use.

Since they’re supposed to hold your tools and help you out in rough work, being quite tough and durable is part of the job requirement for tool belts.

Fortunately for you though, most manufacturers are perfectly aware of this fact and therefore make their belts out of tougher materials like nylon, denim or leather, so it’d be rare for you to come across a tool belt that isn’t in the least bit durable.

Unless you’re being scammed that is.

That’s why it’s quite imperative you look over the quality of the material being used to make the belt to ensure you pick up a piece that’s built to last, especially if the tool belt belongs to some company you’ve never heard of before.

Weight

Having a lightweight tool belt can mean the difference between a sound night’s sleep and excruciating back pain for the whole day.

Every gram makes a difference, since the lighter the tool belt, the lesser weight you’ll have on you when you’re doing some pretty hard work.

However, having a lighter-weight belt usually means decreased utility and space, since they are sacrificed to decrease the overall mass of the belt.

For homeowners and those who need tool belts for only the occasional tasks, this isn’t an issue, but if your someone who works in a factory and needs a bunch of tools always at hand, opting for a lightweight belt may be a bad idea.

Overall, one needs to find the correct balance between utility and weight of the belt before making a final decision on a belt.

Price

While this goes without saying, the best products aren’t always the most expensive.

It is perfectly possible to find a good quality tool belt that meets all your needs at a low price.

However, a tool belt that costs only $5 should raise an eyebrow.

Tool belts can be cheap, but you really can’t expect to find one worth your money for something less than $30 on the market.

This is why budgeting is important before you decide to buy a tool belt for your regular use.

If you’re getting into DIY work or starting a job at a factory, for example, you may be looking into buying a full set of tools too, so buying an expensive tool belt won’t leave too much capital for buying tools, which would make your recent purchase practically useless.

Keeping these five aspects in mind, you’re ready to select a tool belt to buy.

Since it does make a difference where you intend to use your tool belt most often, the smart thing would be to look into each of the 15 reviewed tool belts and their five aspects in light of the kind of work you want out of them.

This is the only way you’ll find a tool belt that’s best for your use.

1. Dead On DO-FR Framers Rig

When you’re ordering something online, one of the biggest issues you have is whether or not the item you’re buying will fit you (which is why most people are most apprehensive of buying shoes off the web).

However, with the Dead On DO-FR Framers Rig, that’s hardly a problem since the tool belt comes with adjustable straps, meaning it can be worn by almost anyone.

Not only that, the harness is made of ballistic nylon, meaning it’s built to last quite a while even in rough use.

The tool belt also offers a whopping total of 31 pockets to place your tools in, so you can be sure you’ll be able to fit anything you needed your task.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Ballistic nylon material, high durability
• 31 pockets + strap for holding on too long tools like hammer or wrench
• Adjustable straps let anyone use the belt with ease

Cons

• Maybe cumbersome for those who aren’t comfortable with strap design
• May take some time getting used to retrieving hammer from the strap

2. Style n Craft 17 Pocket Top Grain

If a more traditional type of tool belt is one that tickles your fancy, then the Style n Craft 98434 is the best for you.

The belt is made primarily of leather, and one look is all one needs to tell that the manufacturers put some thought into the looks of the belt.

With sufficient space, this is one of the best tool belts for homeowners who want to look good even when they’re working.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Fashionable leather design
• 17 pockets let you fit most items you needed a task
• Tough leather material

Cons

• You’d need to buy a separate belt (without pouches) for waist sizes larger than 46”
• A little more expensive than others on the market
• Slightly heavier than others on this list (6 pounds)

3. Bucket Boss Airlift 2 Tool Belt

Not sacrificing functionality, the Bucket Boss Airlift 2 is one of the lighter tool belts on the market.

It also features an infinity belt that lets you increase the waist size up to 56”.

Using thick steel grommets and also has adjustable straps for the shoulder harness which lies comfortably across the chest, making it the best tool belt for framers.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• “Infinity belt” lets the belt be used by people of all sizes
• Lightweight and cheap
• Ample number of pockets for most tasks

Cons

• The 600-denier polyester used is not as tough material as leather or ballistic nylon
• Straps across the chest may be uncomfortable for some people

4. Men Padded Adjustable Tool Belt

Though not everyone prefers suspenders on their tool belts, for many people, they turn out to be quite useful since they distribute the weight of the tool across a greater length of your body.

So, if you already own a belt and looking for a set of suspenders to go with it, look no further.

This suspender is quite adjustable to fit most sides and can easily be paired with most belts.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Strong harness made of nylon webbing
• Can be used with a variety of belts

Cons

• Cannot be used with belts thicker than 2.”
• Belt needs to be purchased separately for tools

5. Padded Tool Belt Suspenders

Another suspender for those wanting to keep their pants up when wearing a heavy tool belt, this product not only acts as a suspender for your tool belt but also has a dedicated pocket for your greatest tool, your phone.

The suspender has also been padded with foam on the inside to make it extra comfortable for the wearer.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Padding makes it one of the most comfortable suspension rigs out there
• Not restricted by belt size since hooks can latch on to pants
• Dedicated utility pocket for phone
• Ballistic nylon material means it’s quite durable

Cons

• Quite expensive considering it’s just a harness and not an actual tool belt

6. DEWALT DG5617 20-Pocket Pro

Another great choice if you’re scanning the market for a tool belt with suspenders.

This product’s large gusset-style pockets not only provide ample space for most tools you’d want to place, but they’re also ample pockets to go around: 9 deep pockets for larger tools along with 20 smaller ones for holding items like nails and similar items.

The belt is also adjustable both at the waist and shoulders so that it can be worn by most people comfortably.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Built-in knife utility pocket avoids accidental punctures
• Adjustable straps, with padding at shoulders
• 29 pockets in total; great capacity

Cons

• Padding only at the shoulders may prove to be uncomfortable
• Expensive

7. Dickies Work Gear Tool Belt

While most tool belts do have pockets deep enough to carry most tools, most rarely focus on providing you with pockets that are deep enough for the larger tools, like ones a carpenter would use.

This product is an exception though with two larger than normal pockets along with an ample number of regular-sized ones.

The belt also features a full-suspension along with a cooling mesh, so you don’t feel too hot while working.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Cooling mesh and padded suspension keep you comfortable while you work
• Deep pockets for larger tools
• Option to add additional tools using an accessory belt
• Lightweight and cheap

Cons

• A smaller number of pockets because of the two larger pockets

8. Bucket Boss Mullet Buster

For those who need EVERY tool at hand, there are few tool belts better than this one.

Breaking from the mold to give you a third bag along with the standard two that usually accompany each tool belt, this product goes one step ahead in terms of capacity.

Throw in an adjustable suspenser strap and the infinity belt (which lets you extend the waistline up to 56”), and you’ve got yourself a pretty solid tool belt.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Adjustable waist and suspender straps
• Padded straps for comfort
• Third deep bag for extra utility

Cons

• The third bag may cause tools to wrap around to the side or front (uncomfortable)
• Not very expensive, but certainly not cheap

9. New & Improved Quality Tool Belt

For the average homeowner or those just getting into DIY, a tool belt with 32 pockets may seem a tad excessive and frankly unnecessary.

This is why this product would be a better investment for you.

Cheap and simple to use, the belt offers 11 pockets, which is all you’d ever need if your use isn’t that frequent or of a large scale.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Very cheap
• Two loops for long tools
• Simple yet attractive design

Cons

• Not suitable for heavy use or holding many tools
• Not very durable

10. Tool Belt Heavy Duty Work Suspenders

Built to last and keeping both style and functionality in mind, this product is one of the best on the market for suspenders that can be paired with a tool belt that was manufactured without suspenders themselves.

You need not worry about whether the belt would work with your belt or not.

Since it uses hooks to hold on to your trouser instead of the belt, meaning it can be used with virtually any tool belt.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Padded for comfort with adjustable straps
• Can be used with any belt
• Pouch for phone

Cons

• Expensive, considering that it is not a tool belt in of itself

11. Occidental Leather 8089 Tool Belt

There can be no denying the fact that leather belts look far more fashionable than nylon or polyester belts ever will.

The makers of this belt seem to have taken this to heart though and have certainly created a belt that’s not just functional and durable, but very stylish.

But style does come at a price, and a hefty price it is indeed.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Stylish leather-make
• Extremely durable construction
• Highly resistant to wear and tear

Cons

• No suspenders, only belt design
• VERY expensive

12. CLC Custom Leathercraft Tool Belt

Another cheap but effective option for you to consider if your average user isn’t going to be too high to warrant investing in a larger belt, this product is suitable for most homeowners.

The 12 pockets provide ample space to keep all of your necessary tools in, and the adjustable buckle lets most people use the belt with ease.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Reasonable price for a homeowner tool belt
• Ample space for most generally used tools
• Sufficiently durable

Cons

• Not suitable for very heavy work or holding many tools

13. GlossyEnd 11 Pocket Brown Tool Belt

Has your kid grown out of his LEGO blocks but is still quite keen on building things and working with tools.

Well, if you’re looking for a tool belt that might be right for him, look no further.

Having the belt made of 660 denier polyester means it’s quite lightweight, and the adjustable buckle is not only easy to use but also lets most kids use them.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Cheap and lightweight belt
• Great for kids practicing using tools

Cons

• Not suitable for regular use by adults
• Not durable

14. CLC Custom Leathercraft 1608 Tool Belt

While having a tool belt with large deep pockets may suit someone like a carpenter or mechanic.

The best tool belt for an electrician is one that is built understanding the kind of tools an electrician is most likely to carry and is designed keeping this in mind.

That’s why this belt focuses more on smaller but numerous pockets that can hold a variety of precision tools, while at the same time having space for a power drill.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Smaller pockets let you focus on the arrangement of tools in the belt

Cons

• Not suitable for carrying larger tools

15. Real Leather Kids Tool Belt

While the previous kid’s belt on this list had a larger number of pockets overall, this one sacrifices the number of pockets for greater durability, since it’s made of tougher leather material.

This makes the belt ideal for kids getting into woodwork especially since it can withstand the extra wear and tear, and it even comes with a pair of blue carpenter pencils for them to use.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros

• Durable leather construction
• Adjustable waist strap for kids of all ages

Cons

• A smaller number of pockets
• Not suitable for adults
• Slightly more expensive than other option

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you wear a tool belt?

Since the make and design of each tool belt differ slightly from product to product, the correct way to wear a tool belt depends on the design itself.

However, most tool belts are generally worn as regular belts, with the buckle fitted at the front and tool pockets resting on your buttocks and backside of your hips.

Some tool belts are designed as harnesses, meaning they also have straps for your shoulders.

In this case, one need only strap them on to a secure yet comfortable degree.

What do you put in a tool belt?

You can put any tool in your tool belt as long as it fits in the pocket you’re putting it into, though doing so without thought would only mean more of a hassle for you.

The correct practice here is to load your belt with the tools you’d need most for the task you’re going to perform at the moment.

It would also benefit you to arrange your tools when loading them into a belt (smaller tools and nails in one pocket, larger tools in another, etc.)

So that they’re easier to reach for mid-task.

What are basic hand tools?

As the name implies, they’re tools that need not only your strength to operate and are used using your hands.

Some of the more common basic hand tools include tools like wrenches, pliers, cutters, files, striking tools, striking or hammering tools, screwdrivers, vises, clamps, snips, saws, drills and knives.

What are the five basic safety rules for hand and power tools?

The five basic rules for safe use of tools are:

1. Always keep your tools in good condition by protecting them from damage and maintaining them.
2. Always use the right tool for the job you want to complete.
3. Never use damaged tools for any tasks; always examine a tool for wear or damage before use.
4. Never use tools without the proper safety equipment like gloves or googles etc.
5. Operate each tool according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

What is the difference between tools and equipment?

A tool is an individual unit that describes an instrument, device or apparatus you could use to perform a specific task like a hammer to drive a nail in the wall for example.

Equipment refers to all of the tools you’d need to achieve a goal, like for fixing the broken chair, the equipment you’ll need comprises of multiple tools like a measuring tape, a hammer, nails, a saw, etc.

What are safety tools?

Safety tools mostly refer to the protective equipment one may need to do while performing a task using dangerous tools.

These include (but are not limited to) safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses, and also RPE (respiratory protective equipment).

What are the tools maintenance and safety rules?

To properly use and keep your tools maintained you need to:

1. Keep all tools stored in a clean and dry place, preferably in a suitable bag or container.
2. Protect tools from rust and corrosion and clean off any if it appears.
3. Regularly sharpen your tools so that they work properly.
4. Never use a tool that is even a little bit damaged, lest it breaks and hurts your hand mid-task.
5. Get your tools fixed or replaced before they break.
6. Never perform a rigorous task with tools without first wearing the proper safety equipment.

Conclusion

Lastly, it’s important that you choose a tool belt that fits to your profession and your requirements.

Before purchasing a tool belt from a supplier, make sure to read the reviews so you get only a quality product.

Having a good tool belt will certainly make your life a lot easy and your work fun!