You can be really great at your job without needing anything at all. However, when you find the right things to carry with you for your job, you realize your true potential- you are even better than you thought! As an electrician, you have to carry your toolbox for working.
A toolbox is a bulky thing to carry and it also needs your hands to be in use. You just have so much to do and holding the toolbox or finding the right place to keep it is another obstacle on the road. This is why most electricians get a tool belt.
Since you are here, you are probably in search of the best electrician tool belt and whether you really need it. Let’s find out all about it, shall we?
These electrician tool belt reviews should help you set your expectation.
Short on time? Check out our short list of Best Electrician Tool Belt in 2023!
Comparison Table of Electrician Tool Belt
Table could not be displayed.
Jump To The Right Tool Belt
- Best Overall – Klein Tools 55427
- Commercial Electrician’s Set – Occidental 5590
- Budget Pick – TradeGear TGXSZB
- Best for Back Support – Gatorback B240C+
- Comfortable Choice – Boulder Bag 104
1. Klein Electrician Tool Belt- Capacious and Tough
Klein Tools is a brand you can trust because of the experience it has in the business. In fact, it has been up and going for 160 years and when a company is running for that long, it’s definitely doing something good. Apparently, it makes its products with the best materials and the best craftsmen and lots of experience on them. The Tradesman Pro electrician’s Tool Belt is one such product that you can check out.
The 1680D Ballistic weave build makes the tool belt quite lightweight as well. You will find that the material building the tool belt is durable but the stitches may not be. However, this tool belt comes with loops so that you can attach suspenders to it for more comfort and ease. Handles of this belt are easily carrying.
You do not always carry all your tools for your task. It has 26 compartments. Therefore, at times you can use fewer pockets when at other times you need more. This tool belt allows you to remove pockets as per your need. The belt also has an additional adjustment to hold your loop tape measure. Thus, you won’t be carrying a bulk that you do not need to.
The mechanism for removing pockets is quite easy as well. Apart from that, wearing this belt is quite comfortable. Because it has enough padding in it and the interior air mesh keeps it cool. Even if you sweat, you won’t feel restless.
This tool belt comes in 3 different sizes. The available sizes are medium, large, and X-large. It fits all the waist sizes from 31 to 44 inches. The color of this tools belt is black.
Now, one problem with this tool belt is that at times the number and nature of pockets may not be enough for electricians. The pockets are sometimes so wide that the tool jumps out.
As for the money, you get great value for what you pay.
Pros
- Great value for what you pay
- Can be attached to suspenders
- It has a polyester build making it quite lightweight
- Quite comfortable to wear for the padding and air mesh
- The pockets are removable so you get a lot of flexibility there
Cons
- The wide pockets may not hold the tools firmly
- There may not be enough pockets for every toolComes in a single size only
2. Occidental Leather Electrician Tool Belt- Best Durable Belt
Occidental Leather is a brand name you will come across multiple times when looking for a tool belt. In fact, it is known for manufacturing the highest quality tool belts out there, after all, it has leather in its name! The Occidental leather 5590 tool belt set is one you can consider form this brand.
This is a tool belt that is both right-handed and left-handed people can use easily. It has quite a number of pouches for holding all the necessary tools. In fact, the flexibility to keep tools on both the right and left-hand sides makes this tool belt more efficient and you more productive.
It is made up of full-grain leather and nylon. It offers easy to use and top-notch durability.
The belt includes two large-sized pockets that carry many pouches and 37 compartments along with clips and straps. You can hold electrical tape, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, hammer, flashlights, and more.
You can place the pouches where you want to as per your need. Furthermore, the pouches have a “No-Spill Tool Holder” system design that prevents the tools from spilling out of the tool belt. Therefore, you will be quite a safety when wearing this tool belt.
It is a highly fit tool belt that can help adjustable most of the waist sizes. With six sizes (S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL) to choose from, you can be quite sure that you will find a size that fits you perfectly. Furthermore, as Occidental leather has been at making tool belts for a while now, you can trust its quality and design.
One thing you may not really like is that the main pouch does not have many dividers on it. Someone who likes to keep things really organized would have wanted more dividers in the large pouch Apart from that, the holes on the belt allow you to hang it by a hook when it’s not in use. It has a superb capacity for holding the tools as well.
Note when buying this product, as it is full-grain leather, care must be taken when the product arrives. It’ll feel tight, and the pockets may not have as much space in them when putting in your electrician tools. Use a leather conditioner, also oil. After a couple of days, it will loosen, which makes it more comfortable to use.
Overall, if you look at the price of the tool belt, it is neither very expensive nor too cheap. But, one thing you can be sure about is that it does offer quite a lot of value. The quality and look along with the functionality will surely amuse you.
Pros
- SEasy to store
- Very good value for the money
- The pouches are adjustable as well
- The pouches do not spill out the tools
- Great quality builds which looks great as well
- It provides very easy access to the tool with its two pouches
- The tool belt is great for both left and right-handed electricians
Cons
- The large pouch does not have enough dividers
3. Tradegear Tool Belt- For Budget Choice
Not all electrician tools fit in pockets. Furthermore, you may have a lot of tools compared to the usual electricians. In this case, you need a tool belt that can support you and meet your greater needs. The TradeGearPart#SZB electrician’s belt may be the one tool belt you are looking for.
With this tool belt, you won’t find yourself complaining about space for your tools. The 27 pockets in the two pouches will be enough to carry all the tools you want to carry. If they are still not enough, then you can use the D-rings to carry more tools.
But, carrying the tools isn’t everything, is it? How easily and comfortably can you carry them? Well, quite comfortably with this belt. Apparently, it is very well padded and well ventilated. So, it keeps you cool and is quite soft on you.
Apart from that, you can attach suspenders to it to distribute the weight as per your wish. It also comes with carrying handles making it even easier to carry and store. The tool belt is made of nylon which has a reduced weight as well. However, you may still feel that the tool belt is a bit bulky.
The most important part when using this electrician tool belt is getting the proper sizing. You have 4 sizes (Small to XXXL). The size ranges from 26 to 55 inches. Crazy, right?
Other than that, the build quality of the bag is great and it will surely last. The price will not break your bank either. It provides the best value for the price. You can also consider it the best budget tool belt for electricians.
Pros
- Good value for the money
- Air mesh fabric helps it to keep you cool
- The D-rings will make up for any lack of pocket
- The build is of great quality-solid and with good capacity
- It has enough pockets in it to hold all the tools an electrician needs
- Very comfortable on the body with its padding and weight distribution
Cons
- It may be a bit bulky
4. Gatorback Tool Belt- Tool Belt with Suspenders
Gatorback Electricians is a brand name you probably have not come across very often. Consider the name one of those rare, uncommon ones that surprises you with their products. If you have found this brand then you have found a gem and can let your friends know about it as well.
Gatorback electrician tool belt reminds a grandma who has everything you can think. The Combo Deluxe Package is a tool belt that caters to every need of yours when it comes to tool belts.
Need a tough belt for your most difficult job? Gatorback suspenders tool belt is built with DuraTek 1250 fabric, including bar-tack stitching and metal rivets at each stress point.
Apart from that, the belt has well-ventilated parts along with breathable fabric. As a result, you won’t feel hot when you wear it. Furthermore, even if your sweat with it on, you won’t feel uncomfortable.
You will definitely find this tool belt very comfortable to wear and work with. This is because the suspenders that come with it distribute the weight of it across your body. So, none of the parts of your body feel extra pressure because of the tool belt.
The belt comes in six sizes (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL) and medium-size measurements from 31 inches to 34 inches.
The belt has two pouches with lots of pockets. It has 27 pockets in total to store your tools. The right side has 18 pockets along with a tape chain, and the left side has 9 pockets. Therefore, organizing all your electrician tools will be a fun thing to do.
However, since there are so many pockets, the space allotted to each pocket is not much. So, you may feel that the pockets are a bit small but give it time to break in and you will feel satisfied.
The stitch quality of the tool belt is quite great as well. The metal suspender rings are threefold stitched on the belt (Top inside, Top outside, and bottom). That means the rings will never rip out.
Apart from that, it comes with fingerless gloves to protect you from the sharp tools. So, this tool belt has your back in multiple ways, while being quite comfortable.
The price is quite reasonable too. You can consider it the best commercial tool belt for the electrician.
Pros
- Good value for the money
- It comes with protective gloves
- The build is solid with good stitches
- The number of pockets is adequate along with a tape chain
- The suspenders make it very comfortable for you to carry the tool belt
- It has padding and breathable fabric in the build which keeps things cool for you
Cons
- The pockets may be a bit small in size
5. Boulder Bag Tool Belt- Lightweight and Comfortable Belt
This is an excellent belt for entry-level Electricians that are just getting their start. If you are looking for something lightweight but really strong, you are looking at the right tool belt. Apparently, the Boulder Bag is known for making durable and strong tool bags. And, you can surely give this electrician tool belt a try because it will be worth it.
If you want really easy access to your tools then you have it. Apparently, this Boulder Bag Electrician Comfort Combo has a design that lets you take out the tools very easily keeping them well within your reach.
Boulder Bag ULT 104 has 19 compartments, so you can easily carry a variety of tools in the bag. In addition to this, it has a metal clasp and can accommodate up to two Connect-A-Pouches. Boulder Bag has an upper Velcro Pocket with elastic slots. The belt has more slots, making it convenient for the electrician.
It is a great choice for electricians as it holds most of the tools they use perfectly. It comes with a hammer holder, that should speak for itself, right? Apart from that, it is very comfortable to wear; the material building it is easy on your skin. Furthermore, the foam in the interior makes it very soft and supportive.
You get 4 different sizes (S, M, L, and XL) to choose from. It fits all the waist sizes from 28 to 44 inches. Apart from that, it is quite a cheap tool belt to buy. The value you get from it is great. Because it has solid stitches that make it very durable.
Pros
- Quite affordable
- It is quite lightweight
- Durable quality and build
- Many pockets and slots to hold the tools right
- Electrician-specific tool pockets are present as well
- Quite comfortable to carry and wear because of the padding
Cons
- The pockets may be a bit small in size
- These were some of the top tool belts for electricians
What is a tool belt for electricians?
As an electrician, you need to use quite a few tools and you have to carry these tools with you. Carrying them on a toolbox is an option but not the best option. Therefore, there are such belts with pockets and compartments available that let you carry your tools around your waist.
What do you get out of it? Well, you will be able to keep your hands free when moving around. Suppose, you have to work on the ceiling or climb up a ladder. It will be quite difficult to do these tasks with one hand holding the toolbox.
This is where the tool belt for electricians come to the rescue and make your tasks easier.
Electrician Tool Belt: How Does It Work?
You wear the electrician tool belt very much like a belt. After all, its a belt. Then, you arrange your tool in the various pockets of the tool belt. So, the tool belt keeps hanging off your waist and you have easy access to all the tools on it.
Apart from that, some tool belts come with suspenders as well which makes it go easy on your body. Overall, this is how the tool belt works- much like a toolbox, but hands-free with easy access.
Types of Electrician Tool Belts
You can divide the electrician tool belts into multiple types based on their design and materials. First, let us check out the two types of tool belts based on their design.
The Standard Tool Belt
This is the tool belt that clings on to your waists just like a belt would. You put it around your waits, fasten it, or strap it up. Then, you take out the tools you need from it. It mainly puts all its weight on your waist. So, you may feel a bit of lower back pain when using this type of belts for a long time.
Harnesses
These are the tool belts that offer you more comfort and ease. Apparently, these ones come with suspenders. So, you can hang them easily around your waits but the weight is distributed to your shoulders as well. None of your body parts will experience much strain when you wear this belt.
Even when you are using harnesses, you have more choices about features. For example, there are harnesses with single straps, some with double straps, and many other styles. Each of these styles serves you differently by determining how the weight will be distributed.
Now, let us check out the various types of tool belts based on the materials that build them.
Leather Belts
This is, apparently, the traditional material of an electrician’s tool belt. It is so far the most sturdy and durable choice for tool belts. However, you should know that leather needs some breaking in before it fully and easily accommodate your tools. So, you must give it at that time.
Even when you choose leather as your material, you can choose from two different kinds of leather. There is the top grain leather and then there is the soft suede leather. The Top Grain leather will last longer with the proper case than the soft suede leather.
However, leather does not means that the tool belt will last You also have to check the quality of the leather.
Nylon belts
Among the recent synthetic materials used in building tool belts nylon is the most famous. It reduces some of the weight that comes with leather belts. However, it is also very durable with many other helpful qualities for a tool belt. You will find it to be much cheaper than leather belts as well. So, it works as a great alternative for leather.
Polyester Belts
Among the three kinds of materials building the tool belt, polyester is the least durable. But, it sure is lightweight and affordable. But, with tool belts, you must choose durability over everything. So, you can choose polyester but it is best you check leather and nylon belts first. If they do not suit your needs then check out polyester.
Why do you need to wear electrician tool belts?
It’s not surprising that you are second-guessing your decision. Really, why should you abandon the traditional toolbox and get a tool belt? Here’s why:
- Makes everything safer: For working and for protection, you need your hands free without the worry of dropping your toolbox. A tool belt does not require your hands to hold them so your hands are free. As a result, it adds to your safety as you can fully focus on the task at hand and not on the burden of a toolbox you are carrying.
- Easy Access: If you use a tool belt long enough, you will know where the tool you need is without even having to look. Furthermore, you do not have to open a box to bring out a tool. All you have to do is reach the tool belt and take it out.
- Increased productivity and comfort: Since you are getting your hands on the tools you need so easily and fast, it saves you time and increases your motivation to work. Furthermore, since it asks pretty much nothing of you, you feel quite comfortable as well.
What to look for when buying?
You definitely cannot just go to a store, ask for a tool belt, and then take any they provide to home. In fact, you will have lots of electrician tool belts to choose from and you want to choose the one that fits you best. So, how do you find the best electrician tool belt? By considering the following things.
The Design of the Tool Belt
As you already know that you can choose any of the two- a standard tool belt or a harness. Do you think that just the belt will be too heavy on your waist? You are not alone, we all do.
This is why it is best if you find a tool belt that will reduce the pressure on your body. You can choose the belts that come with suspenders. At times, these suspenders are quite removable as well. So, you can go for the flexible options or the rigid standard tool belt.
If you have past physical injuries then it is best if you choose a harness. You really do not want to put a strain on your delicate shoulder or waist.
While you are at it, make sure the style in which the tool belt clings to you is comfortable and stable.
The Material building the tool belt
As you already know, you can choose any of the three materials building the electrician tool belt- leather, nylon, and polyester. If you want budget-friendly options to buy from, you can choose from nylon and polyester. But, know that they won’t be as durable as leather is with care.
However, nylon and polyester will go quite easy on you with their lighter weights. On the other hand, if you are choosing leather, you have to choose a high-quality one that will actually last. But, make sure you give the leather enough time to break in.
Considering your preference, durability, and budget, choose a material that works best for you.
The number and style of pockets
The main purpose of an electrician tool belt is to hold your tools. So, the belt should hold all the tools you use and provide you very easy access to it. After all, easy access is the reason you are using a belt instead of a toolbox.
However, different tool belts come in different styles. Some even have pockets that have chains and are harder to access. You may keep things like pins or screws in them. But most of the time, these pockets are harder to deal with while you are working at height and need your hands to be free.
Therefore, the first thing to keep in mind is that you want pockets that give you easy access to the tools. If you need the pocket to be closed then an easier velcro system can do the job, not ropes or chains.
Then, you have determined how many pockets do you need? This will depend on the number of tools you use for the job. Apparently, this will become a constant with time while you are work.
You will know where the tool you need is without even looking at the tool belt. This is quite a necessary and helpful thing about tool belts. Therefore, find the tool belt that has enough pockets for you, and that helps you organize your tools just the way you need to.
Apart from that, make sure that the pockets don’t let the tools poke you when you bend over or move. This is a safety concern. You have to consider the overall weight capacity of the tool belt as well.
The Build Quality of the Tool Belt
Yes, apparently, just the highest quality material building the tool belt is not enough for it to be the best. As you know, the belt can have other problems like tears and loose stitches. Therefore, you have to check how the various parts of the tool belt are put together as well.
It is best if the tool belt has double stitches in them. This will ensure that the stitches will not give away and the tool belt will last a while. Apart from that, you should also ensure that the sharp tools cannot puncture the belt and reach your skin to hurt you.
Each of the parts both fabric and metal or plastic should be durable. If you choose a tool belt with chains, straps, or velcro, each of them should have a solid build ensuring that none of them will malfunction.
The Comfort you get
As you already know, the tool belt is supposed to make things easier for you. However, making things easier is not the only thing you want out of it. You want to work comfortably for long hours. Therefore, you should feel comfortable when wearing a tool belt.
The weight distribution will help in matters of comfort to a great extent. Apart from that, also look at factors like the size of the tool belt. You want a tool belt that will fit around your waist perfectly. A loose tool belt will distract you and a tight tool belt will make you feel uncomfortable.
So, choose a tool belt that makes you feel comfortable when you wear it.
The Budget
Tool belts are not extremely expensive and you do not have to buy the most expensive to be happy. All you have to do is keep a sharp eye out for the best features and quality. Apparently, mid-priced or even cheap tool belts at times offer much more value than the most expensive tool belts out there. So, you do not always have to go after the top-rated electrician tool belts.
Care and Maintenance [Some Important Tips]
Maintaining a tool belt is not a difficult task at all. However, you have to be quite consistent. After every use, you should let the tool belt breathe a bit by removing the tools from it.
When you notice that it is getting dirty, wash it with mild soapy water. Never use the harsh detergents or soaps- be mild with the tool belts. Apart from that, always keep your eye out for loose threads, stitches, wear, and tear, etc. You may have to replace the tool belt or you may have to fix a part of it.
The earlier you notice damage, the faster you can fix it.
People Also Ask About Tool Belt for Electrician
Is Leather an electrician tool belt better or Nylon?
Leather is better because of its durability.
Who makes the best tool belt?
There are quite a few companies that make the best tool belts but which one is the best can be very subjective depending on the feature you are focusing on. From our list, it would be Occidental Leather.
How to choose the right size?
Measure the part of your waist where the tool belt will be and choose a tool belt of that size.
Can I use a tool pouch instead?
Yes, of course, you can. However, a tool belt will provide you with everything at once.
Are tool belts bad for your back?
As long as the suspenders distribute the weight evenly, no it won’t be bad for your back. If you have existing trouble with your back, it might be bad.
Closing Remarks
Finding the best electrician tool belt for yourself depends both on the quality the company provides and the features you prefer. Therefore, you will have to be knowledgeable about both. Now, you know what a tool belt can do for you, so determine what you want it to do and find the one that can. You can even buy electrician tool belt online! But, it’s best if you try it on first.
