Tool Belts
Now that we’ve looked at the most commonly used tools within woodworking and site carpentry, we need to look at the practical aspects of storing them during use and transit. When performing workshop activities, the processes are confined to a small area, typically a workbench. As such, all of the relevant tools can be stored close to the working area in an assortment of chests and boxes. Site carpentry on the other hand is a bit different in that respect, as the scale of the working area is larger, with more obstacles to navigate. A bench or temporary table can be set up when performing more localised tasks such as hanging doors but serves limited use when carrying out larger framing tasks such as pitching a roof. There is no feeling worse than climbing to an awkward spot to realise that you’ve forgotten the tool you needed. As such, many carpenters wear tool belts that allow them to carry the tools that they use the most. With a decently organised tool belt, the efficiency of any site operation can be greatly increased. A little familiarity with the setup of one's own tool belt can help to increase production. Here we shall look at some different types of tool belts, and the tools that are useful to carry.
Different styles of tool belts
There are a handful of different styles of tool belts on the market that are intended for use in construction. Selecting the right one for the job is a personal preference, in terms of the tools that are going to be carried and the comfort of wearing it for extended periods of time. When carrying out framing operations, operatives wear their belts for the duration of the time that they are working, and so staying comfortable is important. Ensuring that the correct size is purchased is also important. Too tight and it will inhibit effective and free movement, too large and it will keep sagging and pulling at one’s trousers. Here are some of the most common styles available.
Aprons
Aprons are lightweight, front facing belts that are intended for use at a workbench or in a workshop environment. The pockets are not typically deep, and serve primarily to hold the minimal essentials, such as tapes, rules, pencils and associated small tools. With most of the work being carried out in a localised area, the necessity for actively carrying larger tools such as hammers and pliers is eliminated. The front facing bags allow for the most ergonomic and effective reaching for tools but inhibits the wearer from bending over forwards comfortably.
Lightweight construction belts
Lightweight belts are amongst the most affordable on the market and are used in site applications for tasks that require minimal tools to be carried. They are relatively comfortable and can be worn for long periods of time, provided they are not overloaded. The basic setup features a thin belt with a hammer loop in the centre, and a deep bag either side. The belt can be worn like a conventional belt with the bags towards the rear sides, or front facing like an apron if desired. Typically, these belts are used by operatives with less tool intensive tasks, such as roofers or tackers. Carrying a hammer, a tape, and a handful of fixings is really the limit of these bags in terms of weight before they become uncomfortable and begin to sag.
Framing bags
These bags are more heavy duty and are intended for carrying a larger number of tools and weight. Most of them are on the more expensive end, especially the quality ones, though they are a good investment based on the boost to efficiency that they can provide. Depending on the manufacturer, some are sold as set units, with others being designed around modular systems to allow for maximum customizability. With these larger belts, there are often more pockets and compartments to allow for the individual and organised placement of tools. Some styles feature a wide belt that offers more support to the wearer in the front and back, as well as acting as a more positive hold against the weight of the belt - preventing it from slipping. Those with thinner belts may require the use of suspenders, to support the weight of the belt via the shoulders of the wearer and physically restrict the belt from falling down. Suspenders such as these can be restricted in terms of lifting the arms above the head and general flexible activities, as well as pinching at the skin in some instances.
What tools should be carried?
Now that we understand the types of bags and belts that are available, we need to decide what tools we’re going to carry with us. Based on the wider scope of use of framing belts within site carpentry, we will use this platform as the basis for our ideal setup.
The specific layout is down to personal preference – dictated by the way that we work and the tools that we most frequently. That being said, most of the essential tools are going to be found in all belt setups, as there is definitely a discernible selection of tools required to carry out carpentry operations. For the following section, I will use my preferred setup as an example, with an explanation of the logic behind my preference. My way is by no means the correct way; it works for me and the processes I carry out. However, understand the thought processes behind setting up a belt is a good step towards setting up one’s own belt.
Starting with the basics we need our measuring tools. A tape measure is a crucial piece of equipment for layout, and so this should take a primary slot within the bags. I keep an 8m tape in the outer small pocket on the right side of the belt, as when I measure components, I hold the tape in my right hand. Further forward in a small slot I like to carry a pair of inexpensive 6” metal rules. They are useful for measuring smaller components, can be used as a scribe offset, and can also be used as tiny pry bars for gentle prying. Other operatives may opt to carry a folding rule, which is fine.
Next, we need to carry a selection of marking tools. Obviously, we already have a pencil behind the ear, but carrying some replacements and different styles is important for production. In a small slot towards the front of the big right-hand bag, 2-3 sharpened carpenters’ pencils are easily accessible. It's important to store them point down so that they are pulled out in the correct orientation but also can't stab us when reaching for them. Within the large right-hand bag are a series of small tabs and pockets in which I keep a selection of other marking tools to cover all eventualities. A fine tip permanent marker, a lumber crayon in a holder, a mechanical site pencil, and fine tip sprayer are all located within this pouch, in a convenient position to be removed with my dominant hand.
Hanging from one of the foremost tabs is a folding utility knife. In terms of cutting in site carpentry, the knife is mainly used for sharpening pencils and cleaning up rough cuts. I prefer the utility blade styles, though other operatives choose the longer snap off blade style - both are fine.
On the back right-hand side fixed around the belt is a hammer loop that holds my framing hammer. I can easily reach backwards and grab the head of this hammer and then choke up on the handle correctly. Again, the hammer is then in my dominant hand for immediate use. It can easily be replaced in the hammer loop with one hand, but I can also reach around with my other hand to guide it in if I'm in an awkward position. With the hammer in my dominant hand, we can look at some items in the left-hand pockets - items organised based on efficient ergonomic two-handed operations.
The two outside smaller pockets on the left-hand side are reserved for 3” nails in the front, and 4” nails in the back. With the hammer in my right hand, I can easily and repeatedly reach for these fixings, creating an effective dynamic. I also keep a semi-sharp beating chisel at the rear of the left-hand side, again for immediate left-handed use with the right-handed hammer.
When carrying out non-framing tasks, I'll replace the nails with the fixings that I am using, so that regardless of the task being carried out, my automatic behaviour is going to lead my left hand towards my fixings. This is the case with nails and screws of all sizes, with the screws being driven by a driver in my right hand.
In the left-hand square slot is a 7” speed square, as this also suits the right-hand pencil/ left hand square dynamic. Some operatives prefer a combination square - this is also fine, though most belts don't have a convenient slot to store them. That being said, sometimes I'll carry a small 4” combi square as well as the speed square because of the accuracy and depth stop feature, though it depends on the task.
When carrying out framing operations, I’ll carry a string line in the main right-hand pocket. On a small pocket attached directly to the belt on the left-hand side, I'll carry a chalk line if the day’s operations require the use of one. In this pocket I’ll also keep an assortment of infrequently used but very losable small tools. These include the flat spanner for my router, the hex key for my circular saw, a hex key that fits door handle grub screws, a centre finding drill bit, and a countersink. These tools sit loosely in the bottom of this pouch, and don’t get in the way of the chalk line. They aren’t used particularly often, but if I didn’t keep them with me at all times, I’d never ben able to find them when I did need them.
On the front of the left-hand pouch are a few small slots that are perfect for storing little tools such as a nail punch and small ratcheting bit holder. Again, these tools are infrequently used but are very handy to have when required.
In a plastic insert in the rear of the deep right-hand pouch I keep an assortment of drill bits, most often a 6mm and 7mm SDS bit for use with red and brown plugs, a 13mm auger bits for drilling holes for M12 bolts, a few random smaller wood bits, as well as a long reach bit holder. Sprinkled loosely in the bottom of the right-hand bag are some of the most frequently used driver bits, typically PZ2, PZ3, and common Torx bits. Additionally, I keep a sharp chisel in a plastic insert in this right-hand pocket.
The deep left-hand pocket is typically free from tools and is ready to be filled with task specific materials/equipment. Some examples include nuts and bolts, sealant, packers/wedges, trims, as well as task specific tools such as a hammer tacker or small level.
This layout has become so familiar to me personally, that I don't even think about where my tools are within the belt. When carrying out carpentry operations, I find myself reaching for the tools I need almost autonomously, which is fantastic for efficiency. As mentioned, each operative needs to find their own layout that suits their workflow and is comfortable and practical for them. Carrying the essentials is important for productivity but so is minimising the weight and amount we are carrying. Carrying too much will increase the weight and cause us to carry unnecessary weight around with us. At the end of the day, we are already performing a physical task, and so wearing a heavy belt for long periods in combination with the physical nature of the work is just going to increase the rate of fatigue. Reducing this weight is crucial, and so we must leave out tools that are not essential.
As for the importance of a well setup tool belt, I would go as far as to say it is the most important single unit for the modern framer/site carpenter. All of the essentials are contained within, and I feel naked working without mine. Even without all of the modern power tools and time saving gadgets, I can carry out most carpentry tasks with the tools in my tool belt, a framing square, and a handsaw.