Best Tool Belts 2020: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

For a professional worker, speed is everything. The DIY people usually take their sweet time and make sure everything is perfect. But, professional workers are much more efficient with their jobs. They need to work twice as fast while having the same quality, if not better, than the DIY workers. But, to be fast, they need some help. With some of the best tool belts, they have just that.

A worker needs to have quick access to their tools. Usually, having a tool carrier is good enough. But, if you need to fix a roof, will you be taking the tool carrier up the ladder? No, because the bag will just get in your way. You can’t climb down the stairs every time you want a new tool. You’re not preparing for the Olympics; you’re just fixing a roof. So, you need an alternative and that alternative is a tool belt.

The sole purpose of a tool belt is to help you carry tools where you go. It offers that little extra bit of ease of access that tool bags fail to provide. A good professional always uses a tool belt because it allows him to be much more efficient and get work done quicker and easier. You can carry a bunch of hand tools, nails, screws and even a couple of power tools.

But, which manufacturer do you trust to be the carrier for your tools? There are hundreds of companies out there that claim to make the best tool belts in the market but, the truth is that it is very difficult to separate the diamonds from the stones. So, to make your choice easier, we are going to list ten of the very best in the category of tool belts.

Top 10 Best Tool Belts Comparison Table, Reviews & Buyer's Guide

1. Active Kyds Leather Kids Tool Belt

As the name of the manufacturer suggests, this tool belt is primarily for children. No, this isn’t a joke. The tool belt might be for kids between the ages of 3-12, but it doesn’t mean that no one else can use it. That’s the unique thing about this belt, it’s well-made and if you remove the patch that says ‘Active Kyds’, no one would figure it out that it’s for kids. The belt is as tough as any typical tool belt. So, don’t be deceived by the name, this belt packs a huge punch.

The tool bag fits a waist size of 21 inches to 32 inches. That size makes it perfect for thin men and women that are too small to use the bigger belts. The quality of the belt is also impeccable. Unlike other kid’s belts, this belt isn’t made from cheap fabric. In fact, it is made from genuine suede leather which ensures durability. The leather makes the belt tough so that it doesn’t rip due to misuse.

It is no hidden fact that if you’re buying this for your child, then there is a definite chance that something bad will happen to the belt. The belt can be made from steel, but the kids will still find a way to damage it. So, to make sure that that isn’t a problem, Active Kyds provides a one year warranty. During this time period, they cover all damages to the belt.

Pros

• The belt is really well made and it might even out-do some of the bigger belts.

• A wide waist size can fit some adults as well.

• Made from genuine suede leather to ensure durability.

• Three different color varieties.

• Multiple designated pockets to store all types of tools.

• A Loop to carry steel hammers.

• Multiple designated pockets to store all types of tools.

Cons

• Rivets can rust pretty easily.

• If you order online, the product might come a little dirty.

• The buckles might break.

2. DEWALT Heavy Duty DWST1-75552 Tool Belt

It’s practically impossible that anyone can create a list of equipment without featuring any product from DEWALT. DEWALT not only makes every type of tool out there, they also make equipment like tool bags and tool belts. They are one of the biggest names in the world of tools and the belts from DEWALT are considered to be, without a fraction of doubt, one of the best tool belts out there.

The tool apron has an ergonomic padded belt with ensures extreme comfort. The belt won’t cause problems even after really long hours of dreadful work. The belt needs some extra support to hold the weight of all the tools and the buckle gets most of that pressure. The DEWALT belt has a two-pin reinforced buckle that is able to hold the belt firmly in place.

The DEWALT belt is multi-purpose and highly flexible. You could use the belt in a ton of places other than a work area. There are multiple spacious pouches that can allow you to store tons of hand tools. There is also a designated loop for a hammer and a drill holster. These are just some of the basic tools you can store, but rest assured, this belt can help you a lot.

Pros

• 1200 denier polyester makes the belt durable.

• The leather reinforces the strength of the polyester.

• The waist size of the belt is adjustable.

• The ergonomic padded belt is really comfortable.

• Two-pin belt buckle for added stability.

• You can store a hammer and a drill.

Cons

• There is one zipped pocket but the zipper isn’t as strong as you want it to be.

• There is room for improvement with the stitching.

3. DEWALT DG5650 Tool Belt

This tool belt from DEWALT is pretty heavy of pockets. Unlike the other DEWALT belt, there is nothing simple about this one. The belt is modified to make it spacious, easy to handle, comfortable and to offer extra protection for all your tools. The tool belt is an expert in satisfying customers and this is one of those products which you definitely want to get your hands on.

As we said earlier, the belt is tailored to provide premium comfort. The belt itself has a 6 inches padding with Dri-Lex liner to make the belt comfortable. The extra padding can be irritating for some people. But, that is a problem because you can remove the extra padding that are velcroed to the belt. The roller double-pin belt buckle is the only thing you need to keep the belt stable and makes sure that the belt stays on and doesn’t end up on the floor. The belt usually fits a waist size in the range of 30 and 42 inches. The belt also has a patented pouch handle that can let you carry it easily with just one hand. The zippered pouches are pretty decent because they can add that extra bit of security to your tools and completely eliminate the chances of tools falling from their pockets.

Pros

• There are a total of 31 pockets for hundreds of storage options.

• You can remove some of the pockets if you don’t need so many.

• The 6-inches removable padding prevents strain.

• The double-pin roller belt buckle adds extreme stability to the belt.

• Patented handle to carry the bag in your hand if you need to do so.

• Zippered pouches to avoid spillage.

Cons

• This isn’t the belt for some of the smaller fellas out there.

• The pockets and padding is as durable as it gets but the belt itself isn’t.

4. Custom LeatherCraft 1608 Electrician's Tool Belt

Custom LeatherCraft is right up there along with DEWALT. Just like the latter, an equipment list without CLC’s doesn’t make the least of sense. CLC makes the best safety/productivity equipment out there. So, if you want the best in business and don’t pay attention to the buck you’re paying to get that, then just go ahead and buy the CLC belt.

The CLC 1608 is basically an electrician’s bag. It isn’t supposed to store any power tools and hammers because that’s not what an electrician typically uses. So, if you’re looking for a belt that has space for something big and bulky, then you should probably skip this belt.

CLC makes sure that your tools remain safe. Their flap designs make sure that your items don’t spill when you’re on top of a pole. Another upside of buying this belt is the amount of pockets it has. There are 29 pockets that offer the perfect storage solution. The only downside of having so many pockets is determining which tool goes where and finding them once they are in their rightful pockets because that’s just how spacious this bag is.

Pros

• The polyester fabric makes the belt pretty durable.

• The waist size is pretty flexible and fits most average sized people.

• The weight of the belt is evenly distributed so it doesn’t put on much strain on one area.

• There are 29 pockets to store a wide variety of tools.

• Padded shoulder strap makes the belt easy to carry.

• The flapped and zipped pockets prevent spillage.

Cons

• Some people complain that the bag is too big for an electrician.

• The stitching could be a lot better.

5. Rack-A-Tiers 43242 Electrician's Combo Belt & Bags

Rack-a-Tiers isn’t that big of a company. As a matter of fact, most of you probably didn’t even that such a company exists. But, there are a few unique things about their tool belt that makes them stand out. The first thing is that their tool belt doesn’t look anything like a tool belt. Their belt looks more like a piece of used jeans. This is actually a really good thing because it really blends well with your casual clothing – And you look really cool with this thing on.

The belt has extremely heavy duty and tough rivets. You can attach a shoulder strap with the belt to add a ton of stability. But, one drawback is that you’re going to have to purchase this strap separately. It doesn’t cost much and it is available at only a fraction of the price of the belt. However, it would be nice to have the shoulder strap for free. Some other manufacturers that produce best electrician tool belt also provide a shoulder strap with the belt. So, this is one of the only things that put Rack-A-Tiers at a disadvantage.

Pros

• The belt is sort of like a camouflage for your tools.

• The three different sizes are good when you want the belt that fits you the best.

• Double padding provides all the comfort that you need.

• The rivets are pretty tough.

• You can attach a shoulder strap.

Cons

• The shoulder strap is almost necessary with this belt and the bad thing is that you’re going to have to buy it separately.

• The stitching isn’t very durable.

6. MagnoGrip 203-017 Magnetic Carpenter's Tool Belt

MagnoGrip’s tool belt is literally a freak of nature. If you take a look at the specs (given down below), you’d think that this belt would be the most expensive one in the market. However, the truth is the exact opposite. This tool belt, even with its impeccable build and durability, is one of the cheapest ones out there. So, if you’re looking to spend the least amount of money and get a good product at the same time, then MagnoGrip should be your very first choice.

The patches are all a carpenter needs because they help you store nails and screws really conveniently. They are some pretty strong magnets and they absolutely eliminate any chance of spillage. You could just stick some nails on the front or put some in the pockets, the magnets will keep them all firmly in place.

The belt is made of 100% pure double-layered 1680D ballistic polyester. The 1680 denier offers the optimal strength and durability. But, there are also heavy duty rivets to reinforce stress points. There are 12 pockets with a hammer loop for storing tools. The one downside is that there is no flap or zip to cover the tools. The tool will be sticking out from the top which makes them vulnerable to environmental effect. But, that downside also allows pretty easy access. You can choose from two colors; red and black. The belt has a generic size and it fits most people (28”-48”).

Pros

• There are three magnetic patches that make nails very easy to store.

• The patches also prevent spillage.

• Made from 1680D ballistic polyester.

• Rivets to reinforce stress points.

• 12 pockets with a hammer loop to store tons of tools.

• One Size Fits Most.

Cons

• There isn’t a flap to cover the tools. Pockets are shallow so that makes the tools stick out even more.

7. The Original Pink Box PB2BELT Tool Belt

You don’t have to be familiar with The Original Pink Box to figure out that they make pink stuff. Hammers, wrenches, drills and yes, tool belts as well. All of their items are shocking pink which you could see from a good mile away. You guessed it; most of their items are bought by women. But, rest assured, this tool belt is a must-have to for every worker out there. When we say that it’s a great belt, it is that great that you can ignore the ridiculous finish on the belt.

The belt has a total of 10 pockets to hold all of your tools. The belt itself is made of durable polyester canvas. There are two pouches with enormous pockets, screw driver slots, hammer loops and much more. One upside is that the belt isn’t that heavy and you can easily carry it during your long and gruesome work hours.

The waist size is from 23 inches to 43 inches. If you’ve seen some of the other belts, they usually start at 32 inches. This belt starts at a really small size of 23 inches which makes it perfect for thin and short people. If you’re too small to fit in any tool belt, then this belt is just the thing for you. This carrier isn’t just for a worker; you can use it for art supplies, handicrafts, painting, etc. So, try to step out of your comfort zone. This multi-purpose belt makes sure you don’t regret it.

Pros

• Shocking pink color provides optimal visibility.

• There are ten pockets with slots for screwdrivers and hammer loops.

• Polyester canvas for added durability.

• The belt is extremely lightweight.

• The belt is perfect for thin people.

Cons

• The shoulder strap isn’t padded.

• The stitching, like most belts, isn’t that tough.

8. Custom LeatherCraft 1614 Tool Belt System

Another tool belt from CLC and this one is real special. It is similar to the other CLC belt we talked about but there are a few unique features of this belt as well. The first thing is that this carrier wasn’t made for a specific profession. This is a highly multipurpose tool belt that can be used by any worker out there.

There are two different versions of this tool belt and both of them differ by the amount of pockets. The first one is considerably lighter which has 23 pockets while the other one has 31 pockets. It’s nice to have 31 pockets but the belt gets really heavy and it is tough to carry. Other than the pockets, there are two hammer loops and a measuring tape clip. Designated pockets for these commonly used items make sure that you have these tools on hand at all times. The belt has a Sta-Open pocket design that keeps the pocket wide open and provides ease of access. This way you don’t have to go through the hassle of keeping the pocket open. You can easily look down and pick out any tool you want.

Pros

• Multi-purpose tool belt allows you to use it for a wide range of applications.

• 600D polyester fabric makes the belt durable and reliable.

• Padded suspenders can let you carry the belt more easily.

• The suspenders are designed to divide weight equally.

• You can choose two different numbers of pockets.

• There is space for two hammers and a measuring tape.

• Sta-Open design keeps the pockets open.

Cons

• The Sta-Open design has its perks but it makes spillage a serious problem.

• The belt isn’t padded.

• The cell phone holder is only useful if you’re using a phone from the last decade.

• Suspenders break easily.

9. Style n Craft 76-425 Tool ​ ​​​​ Belt

Style n Craft is another one of the wildcards on this list. Style n Craft is a manufacturer based in India and it makes some of the finest leather products available in the market. There aren’t any unique features in this belt, but rest assured, it does what it is supposed to do.

Style n Craft ensures that the stitching isn’t a problem when it comes to their tool belts. The belt comes with a nylon thread stitching which is there to make sure that the pockets don’t rip even after years of use. There is one thing different about this belt which is the buckle. Unlike some of the other belts, this belt doesn’t use the typical pin buckle. It uses a snap-in buckle on the poly-web belt. The snap-in isn’t usually used in tool belts because it is slightly harder to adjust as compared to the pin buckle belt. But, nonetheless, it can support a waist size of 29 inches to 46 inches.

There aren’t suspenders available with this belt because, as we said earlier, 11 pockets aren’t that heavy. The belt will be light weight even if you fill it to the brim with tools. If you really need suspenders, then Style n Craft also makes padded leather suspenders that can be used with this belt.

Pros

• 600 denier polyester makes the belt tough.

• Khaki and black color scheme looks pretty nice.

• 11 pockets to hold all your tools.

• Metal loops for two hammers.

• You can also fit a cordless drill in this belt.

• Nylon thread stitching keeps the belt together fairly well.

• It uses a snap-in buckle which is much quicker to put on and remove.

• Supports a waist size of 29-46 inches.

Cons

• There aren’t as many pockets as you’d typically want.

• The snap-in buckle is harder to adjust.

• There aren’t any suspenders with the belt. You have to spend a good buck and buy them separately.

• The snap-in buckle can unlatch automatically and the belt drops to the ground.

10. Bucket Boss 50100 AirLift Tool Belt

The AirLift Tool belt isn’t designed to impress or attract, it’s only built for one thing and that one thing is taking a beating. The AirLift 50100 is one tough tool belt that will go for years and years without missing a beat. So, if you’re looking for a belt that can withstand years of abuse at the hands of a hardcore professional worker, then the Airlift belt is what you are looking for.

There are a total of 12 pockets available with this belt. There should have been a few more pockets but, the belt being as heavy as it is, more pockets would probably have more of a disadvantage than an advantage. There is also a metal hammer loop on the front and a measuring tape clip. These two designated spots are pretty useful for carpenters.

The belt is a key feature of this carrier. The largest size any belt on this goes is 48 inches. But, this belt has a max size of 52 inches. 52 inches is a lot and it is perfect for some of the chubby people reading this article. So, if no other belt fits you, then the AirLift is the way to go.

The belt also comes with thick padded shoulder suspenders. The belt is pretty durable, as we said earlier. That doesn’t come without a consequence. The belt is pretty heavy and it is pretty tough to carry without the suspenders. That is why there are double padded suspenders to make it slightly easier to carry. The suspenders get in your way? No problem because you can easily remove them.

Pros

• The different blend of materials makes the AirLift much tougher than most belts on this list.

• 12 pockets to store all of your tools.

• A metal hammer loop and measuring tape clip on the front of the belt.

• The belt has a max size of 52 inches which the greatest out of all the best explained on this list.

• Thick padded removable suspenders to make the belt easier to carry.

Cons

• There should’ve been a few more pockets.

• The belt is pretty bulky.

• The pockets are pretty deep and that makes it harder to take out tools.

How to choose the Best Tool Belts: Buyer’s Guide

There is absolutely no doubt that the ten tool belts that we mentioned earlier are the very best available today. But, the truth is that all of us have varying needs. Some of us need shallow pockets, while someone else needs deeper ones. Someone needs heavier belts while some people need lighter one. That is why we say that the best doesn’t mean the best for everyone. So, for the people that are having doubts that the belts above are not for them, then don’t worry. We will also take the time and explain all the things you need to consider before buying a good belt. Just follow our given instructions and you will be golden because you will certainly end up buying a product that deserves to be on this list.

How Often Will You Be Using Your Belt?

Typically, tool belts are for workers that are going to be spending more than 6 hours in the field every single day of the week. These people need some heavy duty belts because otherwise the belt will be wrecked within a week. These folks should spend a good dime on the belts because the ones they want are going to cost top dollar.

On the other hand, let’s talk about a person that won’t be using their belt as frequently. Not using the belt too much means that the belt won’t have to withstand as much wear and tear. So, you can just buy a cheap belt that isn’t as durable. This would be the better choice because a cheap belt would work the same for you as an expensive and more durable belt.

What Material Do You Need?

Usually, tool belts are made of four materials; Leather, Suede Leather, Polyester Canvas and Nylon. The pros and cons of all four leather types are given below:

Leather: Leather is the toughest out of all four materials in the list. Leather is also your best choice if you’re going to be carrying a lot of heavy tools. The leather can hold up quite nicely and doesn’t rip. One downside is that leather belts are quite heavy.

Suede Leather: Suede Leather is slightly softer than pure leather. However, soft doesn’t mean fragile. Suede leather is still pretty durable but it isn’t close to being as rugged as Leather.

Polyester Canvas: This material is much more lightweight as compared to both leathers. The best thing is that these belts are water-resistant. It is much more comfortable to carry but it sags and rips easily.

Nylon: Tool belts are rarely made of nylon because the material is a little too light and flexible. It isn’t that durable and it rips quite easily.

How Many Pockets You Need?

The number of pockets directly relate with how many tools you’re going to be carry. Most belts have about 10-12 pockets but there are also belts that have more than 30 pockets. You need to know how many tools you’re going to carry before you purchase the belt.

Do You Want To Be Cozy Inside Your Belt?

Carrying a tool belt isn’t an easy task. Luckily, belt manufacturer use an excessive amount of padding so we don’t feel as comfortable wearing a belt. But, there are some belts that don’t feature any padding. You have to be aware of whether the belt you’re buying has padding. Because, if you don’t buy padded ones, then man up because your work hours are just going to get longer and more painful.

The Bottom Line

Yes, our buyer’s guide wasn’t that descriptive and you could probably find people on the internet that went more in-depth with explaining tool belts . But, we kept it short and sweet and went straight to the point. We can assure you that if you just follow the instructions that we gave you, you won’t regret it. We can also assure you that the things we just told you are pointing to hundreds of the best tools belts out there; you just have to go ahead and pick them up.