Tool belt recommendation

[KLF]

I'm getting started on the framing for a duplex for Habitat for Humanity, and I need a real tool belt. I have a small single-side one now, it's not big enough, not even a hammer loop on it. I looked at the offerings at Lowes yesterday, wasn't impressed. I can't remember the brand, but they all seemed like "made in mexico" crap to me. None of the bigger rigs fit me either (I have a 29 inch waist), I guess most framers are of the heavy-set crowd.

I'm not making a living with this, but the flip side is I hate buying junk. Most of my tools are good stuff, so I wanna do the same here, I am a strong believer in paying for quality and get the pain over once. Any suggestions on brands, models, or features? I looked at Occidental (pricey, seem to only be available on-line), also wondering about BucketBoss, Makita, Milwaukee, etc.

 

[bigndn]

Stay away from the crap at HD/Lowes/etc. I have a cheap set of bags from HD, because I only use them about 1 day/year.

Go to your local building center, like Ziggy's or a lumber supply store. They'll have better rigs. In my experience, you can spend as much as you want, but typically you'll get what you pay for.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Occidental, no substitution. Expect to pay $150-200+ ergonomical
http://www.bestbelt.com/

 

[KLF]

I went and found a local store that carries Occidental, just to see/touch them. If I was a pro framer doing it every day for a living, I would buy one. They are very nice, plus I like how you can actually custom-build your own belt to your liking. But I can't justify spending $200+ on one.

I ended up finding a leather one at Homey Depot, it ended up coming down to what would fit my skinny ass. I went to several other "local" yards and none of the decent belts they had on the rack would fit me.

 

[Rambrush]

I woould also suggest Occidental and mine has the shoulder harness to support the weight.

 

[craptabulous]

Cadillac . around 150-200 .

i have also have kunny's that has actually held up very well , for some reason i don't particularly like it but everyone else does . 150$ ish .

 

[kulangot]

I have an Occidental belt that I wear for large scale jobs like building an deck or finishing a basement, for everything else I wear a cheap pig skin belt. The biggest draweback to many cheap belts is how lame the buckles are. To get around this, I copied Tom Silva on TOH and had a seat belt sewed into mine as the belt and buckle. Infinitely adjustable, come off with the push of a button and I find the seat belt web hold tight.

I like the old school front apron pigskin because it's soft and flexible. However, for carrying around a bunch of gear, the Occidental is the way to go.