Being an electrician is all about being prepared for the unexpected. Of course, this is much easier said than done, but with the best tool belt, you’ll always have a leg up on the competition.
There is no denying the fact that becoming an electrician is a rewarding career path. It is one where you will be providing a service to help others. Of course, this doesn’t mean that it will be an easy one. There will without a doubt be tons of trying times throughout your career. And, it is going to start by choosing the right tool belt. The best leather tool belt will not only ensure that you are prepared and ready for every potential situation, but it could make you an all-around better electrician. If this is something that you strive for, take a look at today’s top tools belts and everything that they have to offer.
1. Occidental Leather 9596 Adjust-To-Fit Pro Belt
When it comes to the top of the line equipment and tool belts it really is hard to beat what the Occidental name represents. You can look up any number of reviews you want or speak with any number of professionals in the industry and they will all tell you that the Occidental name represents quality and dependability. When you see everything that this occidental leather tool belt has to offer, you will have no option but to agree.
Adjust And Lightweight
The first thing that you need to know about this tool belt is that it is an adjustable tool belt. This belt is an adjustable model, which means that it can fit just about any individual. The belt can quickly and easily be adjusted so that it fits tightly and snugly around anyone’s waist. Combine this with the lightweight design of nearly 6 pounds and you are looking at a quality tool belt that will stand the test of time.
Made In The United States
Anything that comes for the US is going to represent quality and high standards. This is exactly why the manufacturers of this amazing belt decided to the manufacturer and package their products out of the United States. When you invest in this name, you are getting quality and reliability right for the United States that cannot be matched. On top of this, it will make shipping and receiving all that much easier.
Pros
- Made in the US
- Weighs less than 6 pounds when empty
- Forms to your tools
- Adjustable fit
Cons
- It is adjustable, but might not fit some individuals
- The pockets aren’t separated that well
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2. Occidental Leather 5590 M Commercial Electrician’s Set
Is it really a surprise to see another Occidental on the list after seeing everything that the other had to offer? Well, there is no denying that the 9596 model had some imperfections. And, it is those areas where the 5590 excels. This model not only spaces out the pockets rather nicely, but it includes extra storage space as well. Whether you need an extra hammer or a pair of wire cutters, you will have the extra space that you need when you invest in the 5590 model.
No-Spill Tool Holder System
Electricians are always on the move. Whether you are tracing down a short or trying to track a faulty wire, you are going to be moving. Unfortunately, this will be a problem for some tool belts. However, it will not be a problem for this one. The 5590 model comes with what is known as no spill holder pockets. Simply put, your tools are always going to stay in place, regardless of what you are doing or where you are going.
Pros
- No-spill tool system
- Made in the United States
- Designed to promote excellent working rhythm
Cons
- Only available in a medium size
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3. Gatorback Combo Deluxe Package by Contractor Pro
When you hear the name Gatorback, you probably don’t think about tool belts, and why should you? Well, after seeing this amazing tool belt and everything that it has to offer, you will begin to associate the name with tool belts.
Suspender Design
The very first thing that you need to know about this model is that it isn’t like your traditional tool belt. This belt doesn’t just wrap around your waist. No, it completely engulfs your entire body like a pair of suspenders. The system wraps and locks around the body, while still providing you the mobility and movement that you need to get around.
Built Tough
There is no arguing that most tool belts are built tough, but it is hard to compete with the Gatorback. This tool belt not only completely engulfs the body to ensure a tight fit, but it offers dual stitching along with metal rivets at every stress point. This will give you the extra protection and support that you need when you are carrying an abundance of tools or items.
Pros
- Built to last with extra stress protection
- Made with durable nylon material
- Wraps around the body
Cons
- The design will limit and restrict movement and mobility to a point
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4. Rack-A-Tiers 43241 Electrician’s Combo Belt & Bags
When you first lay eyes on the Rack-A-Tiers 43241, you are probably just going to think of it as another tool belt. And, why would you, it does just look like any other tool belt. Well, what you need to know is that this isn’t just any other tool belt. In fact, it is top of the line and by many considered to be the best tool belt available on the market today. To start off, the belt is constructed with durable nylon materials, so you never have to worry about scratches are scrapes.
Contoured Back Support
Being an electrician is no easy task. This is especially true when you are carrying around a tool belt with 50 pounds of hand tools. Luckily, this tool belt does its part in loosening that load. This belt is not only designed with premium top of the line materials, but it comes with a contoured back support. When you wear this belt, you are actually adding extra support to your back, which is something that every electrician can benefit from.
Pros
- Offers contoured back support
- Constructed with nylon webbing
- Reinforced around the pockets in crucial places
Cons
- Only available in a black color design
- Only somewhat adjustable
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5. Gatorback B240 Electrician’s Combo with Pro-Comfort Back Support Belt
Gatorback is probably a name that you are familiar with by now. And, after seeing everything that the other tool belt had to offer, is it really a surprise to see this one on the list as well? If it is, it should not be. That being said, the B240 models should, by no means, be mistaken for the combo deluxe package mentioned earlier. This belt looks and operates just like a traditional tool belt. It doesn’t wrap around the body like a suspender system, but it has plenty of other features that make it great.
Patented Air Channel
The one thing that really makes this belt stand out on its own is the patented air channel design. This belt comes designed with a patented air-channel that is all-around more comfortable. Not only this, but it gives the user more freedom and movement.
Extra Added Stress Points
Tools belts take a lot of abuse over the years. This is especially true when they are carrying around 50 to 60 pounds of hand tools. This is something that the manufacturers of this belt understand all too well and that is why they designed this belt with extra support. It includes metal rivets along with added nylon in those crucial places where more stress is going to be applied.
Pros
- Reinforced where it needs to be
- Provides maximum comfort with a patented air channel for more movement
- Backed with a one-year warranty
Cons
- Only available for 2XL
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Electrician Tool Belts Buying Guide
As an electrician, you simply do not need anyone telling you that your tool belt is like an extension of your workwear. Heck, you wear it long enough for enough hours a day and it will become an extension of yourself. You do want to spend more time working and less time searching, right? This will not only make you a better work, but it will make you a more efficient electrician. This is exactly what the best leather tool belt can do for you. Of course, finding and purchasing that tool belt won’t be the easiest thing in the world. This guide will provide you with key elements and components that you need to consider when shopping for your next tool belt.
Warranty
If you are like most consumers today, you will probably be doing your shopping online. Heck, there is nothing wrong with this. Why not save when and where you can save, right? That being said, shopping online does remove the ability to try before you buy. This is why it is crucial to choose a belt with an excellent warranty. This will not only ensure you that you can return the belt in the event that something goes wrong with it, but it will give you the ability to return the belt if it doesn’t provide that exact fit that you are seeking.
Reinforced In The Right Places
Tool belts take a lot of abuse over the years. Even the best tool belt will eventually wear out. The trick is to choose a belt that will outlast the competition. Or, you at least want to get your money’s worth. That is why you want to invest in a belt that offers reinforced support in the right places. Places, where heavier and bulkier tools are going to be stored, need to be reinforced with either metal rivets or extra nylon.
Adjustable Fit
Buying a tool belt is like buying a pair of pants. Just because you wear a size 42 it doesn’t mean that a size 42 tool belt is going to fit you. In fact, it might turn out that the belt it a little loose or tight. Whatever the situation is, this is something that you can avoid altogether when you invest in an adjustable tool belt. This will give you the innate ability to adjust the belt when, how, and where you see fit.
Added Back Support
Most electricians end up with back problems before they retire. Yes, this is something that comes with the job and there really isn’t a whole lot you can do to prevent it. At least you can delay or try to prevent it when you invest in the right tool belt. Some models offer extra contoured back support so you get that crucial support that you need in those crucial situations.
Summary
Shopping for a tool belt can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. That said, you certainly do not want to take the job lightly because it is not one that should be taken lightly. The trick is to make the process as easy as you possibly can. And, you can do just that by following the guide above. When you are looking for your next tool belt seek out qualities and traits that are possessed by the belts above. This will ensure that you get the most for your money, while also ensuring that you get a product that will be beneficial.
FAQs
Is Nylon Or Leather Better?
When you are shopping for tool belts, you are going to have two distinctive options. This will be the nylon option and the leather option. The thing to remember is that not every belt is perfect for every individual. Nylons belts are not only usually lighter, but they are easier to clean and maintain. The only difference is that they are not nearly going to last as long as a leather belt.
Will The Name Make A Difference?
Any time you invest in a product the name is going to factor in. A name that has been trusted and relied on for many years tells you several things. It tells you that they not only know how to create quality products, but it tells you that they know how to treat their customers. If you are willing to pay a little more for a better name, you are going to get better quality.