Finish Carpenters Toolbelts

[N.E.Builder]

I was wondering what you guys use, Brand/style/ how you set it up and how it's working for you.

Thanks

[dustinmckay]

Re: Finish Carpenters Toolbelts

I've got a set of Occidental framers that I wear, but I'm putting together a new set up. I want something lighter, and smaller.

Here's a picture I took for another thread.

[IDA FIN CARP]

Re: Finish Carpenters Toolbelts

I tend to like aprons better, not so bullky and you don't have to worry about slamming into door openings or cabinets as much, most of my hand tools are small and the bigger stuff goes in the portable stool. these are the best i've used. The Morgan Company www.aprons.net

JC

[rshelton]

Re: Finish Carpenters Toolbelts

I've got an Occidental Green Light rig that I've used for the past 3 years. Not quite as heavy or stiff as their leather rigs. Wearability seems fine for the limited time I've had it.

[trimdude]

Re: Finish Carpenters Toolbelts

This, from an old thread..However, I've been curious about aprons, and they aren't to spendy, so I may try one that IDA referred to. I am a little tired of having my hammer or speed square marking walls as I squeeze past a ladder or cabinet.


"I'm a trim/finish carpenter. I happen to specialise in door hanging, and site built cabinets, (built-ins, kitchens, libraries etc....)


As a trim guy, these are the tools I always have in my pouch.
My belt is a 13 years old and going strong. Occidental Framer actually, it fits the tools I use.
http://www.bestbelt.com/sets/8080.html

In my right pouch I have the following:

25 foot Fat Max tape.

Retractable blade knife. (I actually use a fixed quick change, but these can be dangerous 'til you are used to them...)

http://www.stanleytools.com/default....+Utility+Knife

Scribe; a simple compass or a fancy fast-cap accuscribe

http://www.fastcap.com/prod2.asp?page=accuscribe

T-Bevel Square, for copying non 90 degree angles.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=...9&Go.y=7&Go=Go

Channel Lock Nippers,

http://www.usahardware.com/inet/shop...ellock/357.htm

A good hammer in the holster, 20+ Oz. for framing, 16Oz. for trim.

http://www.deadontools.com/



In the left pouch:
pry bar, cat's paw/nail puller,

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...TF8&v=glanc e


Nail sets, small and large.

http://www.stanleytools.com/default....+Grip+Nail+Set

Swanson Speed square,

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...28013&v=glance

Combination square.

http://www.stanleytools.com/default....ati on+Square


These are the basics as far as I'm concerned, buy the best you can afford, they will last for years.
Good luck!! "

[iwoodknot]

Re: Finish Carpenters Toolbelts

Hey, N.E.
Were you listening around the corner the other day when I was complaining about the lack of a good trim carpenters tool pouch? Seems like all you can find is monster framers tool belts with huge pouches and hammer loops on every corner.

For the last 10 or 12 years, I have actually been using an electricians pouch on my right side for holding all the various chisels, screwdrivers, cutters, etc. in their own slips. Keeps everything sharp, separate and easy to find rather than digging in the bottom of a big bag to find what you need. On my left side I use a simple two pouch bag. The smaller one for holding gun nails and brads, the larger one for my speed square, tapping block, and misc. Works pretty well for me.

Paul

[dave_k]

Re: Finish Carpenters Toolbelts

Depends on what I'm doing. For trim I have a small tool belt that I got free for setting up an account at a lumber yard. I hardly keep any tools in it because I use a rolling tool bench. For swinging doors I have a single tool pouch on the left side a hammer holder and a cordless drill on the right on an ancient safety belt.
dave

[Kye GC]

Re: Finish Carpenters Toolbelts

I seem to carry more tools in my toolbelt doing finish than any other type of work. I have the CLC was the monster rig but I don't use the suspenders. In the right bag( the large one against my leg) there are slots for nail sets a sharpee, and a sratch awl, and a chisel. in the bottom of that bag a 16" fat max and chalk line, a lie nielson low angle block plane and sometimes a thing or two extra. The the far inside of this bag also has a pocket for my pocket knife style folding utility knife. On the front of ths bag are two slots, one for a pencil, and one for a Vaughn mini prybar. Outside of this bag are two smaller bags the front for my gluebot and the back for folding earmuffs. Behind that hangs a 16 oz dalluge.

On the left main bag a stabilla torpedo, construction master, magnet for finding studs, and misc crayons, scribe, fat pencils gauge blocks,nippers etc. A small bag above holds apprpriate fasteners. Between the main and outer bag slides a square, and the outer bag usually holds spring clamps and pliers and sometimes strips of finish nails. On the front of the main bag I bent the metal tape holder to accept four driver tips. I usually carry a t-10, t-15-t-25 and a #2 phillips.
It works for me. I Know what you mean about squeezing through small areas and scratching stuff, but I can't seem to work efficiently without having these tools on my side.
Kye

[Kent Brobeck]

Re: Finish Carpenters Toolbelts

I've got an Occidental Green Light rig that I've used for the past 3 years. Not quite as heavy or stiff as their leather rigs. Wearability seems fine for the limited time I've had it.

RShelton, I've been eye balling the green lights set how do like it? Is the unit you have cordura or leather? I use the Occidential framer and have for quite some time. I bought the Occidential trim belt but found it to be to small. The green lights seems to be a nice compromise. What I don't like about the framer is the location of the tape. It blocks the view into that pouch and makes it a little harder to get tools in and out.

[mdannolfo]

Re: Finish Carpenters Toolbelts

I have the Oxy framer too with the furry belt. With suspenders too. They are a must. The belt is a bit of a monster, but I don't do finish full time, so I need versatility. I wanted to get the Oxy trimmer belt, but it won't accomodate a speed square and I agree it is too small for general carpentry. Actually, for finish work, I carry more tools then when I am framing. I plan on making Gary's portable tool carrying step stool/seat device as soon as I have some time to assist in finish work. I carry all things I need at hand in a bucketboss and my toolbox, so they are really not at hand.

I also have a friend with the green oxy lights - leather and he loves them. A good balance. Right in between the framer and the trimmer. My wife made fun of the green color when I thought about getting them, so I opted for the brown framer. I bought my father in law the oxy lights framer for christmas and he likes it, but need suspenders b/c he carries everything with him. Works out well b/c now I just grab stuff out of his pouch!

[rshelton]

Re: Finish Carpenters Toolbelts

RShelton, I've been eye balling the green lights set how do like it? Is the unit you have cordura or leather? I use the Occidential framer and have for quite some time. I bought the Occidential trim belt but found it to be to small. The green lights seems to be a nice compromise. What I don't like about the framer is the location of the tape. It blocks the view into that pouch and makes it a little harder to get tools in and out.

I've got the cordura set. I had some reservation as to the wearability, but I've had no problems at all. Here's the one I have. I agree with the tape location, but I've gotten where I can retrieve other tools without having to look.

[littlebluetruck]

Re: Finish Carpenters Toolbelts

RShelton, I've been eye balling the green lights set how do like it? Is the unit you have cordura or leather? I use the Occidential framer and have for quite some time. I bought the Occidential trim belt but found it to be to small. The green lights seems to be a nice compromise. What I don't like about the framer is the location of the tape. It blocks the view into that pouch and makes it a little harder to get tools in and out.

You could always cut it off and slide on a tape holder.

[DamonD]

Re: Finish Carpenters Toolbelts

Skillers vests! We have been wearing them for years, theres nothing better once you give them a try.

[ibkruzin]

Re: Finish Carpenters Toolbelts

I second the Skillers vests. We use 3 of them and love them. The plus is our name is silk screened on the back too.

GS Wilke

[Kent Brobeck]

Re: Finish Carpenters Toolbelts

I also have a friend with the green oxy lights - leather and he loves them. A good balance. Right in between the framer and the trimmer. My wife made fun of the green color when I thought about getting them, so I opted for the brown framer. I bought my father in law the oxy lights framer for christmas and he likes it, but need suspenders b/c he carries everything with him. Works out well b/c now I just grab stuff out of his pouch!

Wives do all kinds of crazy stuff. Mine thinks it looks ridiculous when I'm wearing knee pads while I'm working on hardwood flooring. Like I'm trying to make some kind of fashion statement.