While tool boxes and rolling tool bags offer plenty of storage, tool belts allow for greater mobility and provide quick and easy access to the tools you use most often. They are especially useful when working from a ladder or on a roof is required. But the weight of a heavy tool belt can cause discomfort during long work hours, which is where tool belt suspenders (or even a tool belt and casting combo, also known as a rig) come in, taking some of the load off the lower back while still keeping accessories in place.
These helpful pieces of gear come in a variety of materials, capabilities, shapes, and prices, which can make it difficult to decide on the model that provides the best value for your situation. Use this guide to learn about the important physical and technical aspects when shopping and read some of the best tool belt suspenders currently available.
The Jackson Palmer Comfort Rig Tool Belt has many features that will make it attractive to DIYers, home remodelers, and even light-duty commercial users.
Three of the five attachment points are behind a very supportive, padded yoke that extends over the shoulders. The other two straps attach to the front in a traditional vertical configuration, with the added benefit of a chest strap. While it’s not a light rig, it’s comfortable and spreads weight well.
Those looking for a bargain on suspenders to add to an existing tool belt should check out this pair from YYST. The material is a high-density nylon webbing that is light but tough. There are two vertical straps in the front, while the rear uses an X-style strap arrangement that helps spread the belt load. All straps are adjustable, and high wear areas are double stitched. Thick neoprene pads protect the shoulders. The drawback in our opinion is that the snap hooks, swivels and attachment hoops are plastic, not metal, which would be stronger and more impact resistant.
DIY enthusiasts who tackle many home improvement projects should appreciate the Bucket Boss Airlift Tool Belt with Suspenders because of its versatile capacity for a variety of tools and accessories. Made of tough 600D ripstop polyester, it also has a durable construction that is able to resist tearing, whether from a cut or puncture. The shoulders are nicely padded, and the material is breathable to reduce sweat build-up.
Dickey’s 4-piece Carpenter Rig-a belt and suspenders combo has an impressive capacity: there are two main pouches with a total of 14 pockets and three tool loops, plus a phone pouch on the suspenders. A 2-inch wide outer belt allows for more accessories to be added.
The rug is made of heavy-duty canvas with webbing made of cotton yarns that is tough enough for job site use. Moisture-wicking shoulder straps have gel padding for all-day comfort. The 5-inch-wide belt is also moisture-proof. It has a double row of steel grommets and fits waists from 32 to 50 inches.
There’s little to criticize here, though slimmer die-hards may find it fits the bill. Also, suspenders are permanently attached to the belt and thus cannot be used separately.
Electrical work
Trade Gear Electrician’s use of 4-point suspension
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Electricians who feel the weight wearing down their current tool belts may find this trade gear model the perfect solution for support and comfort. The suspenders are made of wear-resistant polyester mesh with shoulder straps that are padded to prevent discomfort. The four-point attachments can be D-ringed directly onto the existing belt, if available, or using an electrician-supplied Velcro loop. One side has a large phone pocket that can also hold a circuit tester or multimeter. On the other hand, there are carabiners to hold important tools or rolls of tape and wire. Loops for screwdrivers, pliers, and pencils. Also magnetic pads for screws or other small components.
Framing
DeWalt 20 Pocket Pro Framer’s Apron and Suspenders
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Getting ready to frame a building requires at least one heavy hammer and plenty of nails, and this DeWalt apron-style belt and casting combo has the versatility to serve and satisfy professional framers. Two main pouches, with handy carry handles, offer a total of 20 pockets for tools and accessories, and are tough enough to carry nails. Of course there’s a hammer holder, as well as a separate phone pocket on the suspension on the right-hand front.
The belt fits waist sizes from 29 inches to 46 inches, which is not as large a range as some other belts.
magnetic
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These maillot suspenders can be clipped onto the belt loops of work pants (they fit a 32-inch to 44-inch waist). They are made of tough nylon webbing and have a particularly wide and supportive shoulder yoke.
A key feature of tool belt suspenders is the removable magnetic pad, which can either fit over the suspenders or be worn around the wrist. Six magnets provide powerful grip for screws, nails, or small tools. It also has a large, removable phone holder, and a three-loop area for pencils, screwdrivers, and other small items. The Meloto Magnetic Tool Belt is available in six colors, including Highways Yellow.
The all-around leather stronghold suspension system is made in the USA to a very high standard. Both the leather and the associated hardware are of excellent quality.
The shoulder yoke is extra wide for maximum support, and with moisture-wicking DryLex padding, it’s also very comfortable. The adjustable chest strap has an easy release catch for easy in and out. The suspenders can either clip into a tool belt or the included loop can be used to fit belts up to 3 inches wide. The only real downside is that these suspenders are expensive. For those taller than 6 feet 2 inches, an extension kit is recommended, which further adds to the cost.
The reflective high-visibility strips on Eisenon tool belt suspenders are designed to increase safety in low-light conditions. Eisen suspenders are made of ballistic nylon, which is very strong and resistant to cuts and tears. The supportive shoulder yoke features breathable mesh with Dri-Lex moisture-wicking padding. A chest strap is also fitted. There is a large phone pocket on one side and a three-loop tool holder on the other.
Having only three attachment points means we wouldn’t recommend it for heavy tool belts. There have also been some complaints that the filling tears easily. It’s not a heavy-duty option, but, in terms of visibility, it’s a safety boon for people working in dim light.
General Questionnaire
If your tool belt has existing dings or loops, the suspenders will attach to them using the attached clips. Most suspenders also provide nylon or leather loops with D-rings that can go around the belt, and usually have a Velcro closure to keep them in place. This is followed by the clips D.
We believe all of our top picks are the best-rated tool belt suspenders in their category, though brands like Jackson Palmer, Balti Bass, DeWalt, Dickies, and Incidental Leather are probably the most popular. Equally important to a quality brand is how well the suspenders suit your needs and budget.
The best tool belts can carry a variety of equipment and fixings. You would usually carry things that you use often or tools that are relevant to a particular task.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a fully loaded tool belt can weigh more than 50 pounds. It is important to balance as much weight as possible to avoid low back or hip strain.
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