You do not have to be a professional electrician to realize the importance and convenience of unique tool belts. Those are not only electricians who require tool belts both for comfort and safety measures. The choice of such items is overwhelming, and finding the best tool belts for electricians might be a challenging task, especially when you do not know which criteria to consider before selecting the right product.
Needless to say, you will not manage to complete your job fast if you work on a ladder and have to climb up and down each time you need to fetch a particular instrument. Thus, many electricians prefer to wear electrician work belts with many pockets that are ideal for keeping screwdrivers, pliers, spanners, etc. In this review, I will tell you how to pick the right belt that will meet all your requirements and will serve you for years.
Best electrician tool belt reviews
Gatorback B240 – best overall
If you are a commercial electrician, you need to have the most comfortable tool belt that will be capacious enough for all your instruments. You have to rivet your attention to Gatorback B240 since it is a sturdy girdle that comes in all sizes, from S to 3 XL. The product combines several materials to provide extra durability. While the main belt is made of classical leather, the pouches are produced from 1250 DuraTek nylon, and the inside material is an ultra-breathable Lycra fabric. Such a vantage combination delivers maximum comfort and prevents overheating and sweating.
Like any top-notch tool belt, Gatorback B240 features two pouches on both sides, one of which is designed for the dominant hand and the other one is smaller and is meant for the helping hand. The right side pouch includes 18 pockets, while the left side pouch comes with 9 pockets. All the pockets feature a boxed design for enhanced accessibility. In addition, the belt is equipped with a tape holder, a hammer holster, carrying handles, and suspender rings.
If we compare Gatorback B240 and DEWALT DG5617, it becomes obvious that the latter features fewer pockets (only 20 compared to 27) and is more lightweight (2.7 pounds compared to 5 pounds) and less durable. DEWALT DG5617 comes with adjustable suspenders, while they can be purchased separately for the rival.
In my opinion, some pockets are too small and too shallow and could not hold all my instruments. I would prefer fewer pockets of a bigger size.
All flaws aside, Gatorback B240 is the overall best electrician tool belt due to its durability and maximum comfort.
Key specs
- Material: metal, leather, nylon.
- Waist size, inch/cm: 26-55 / 66-140.
- Dimensions inch/cm: 14.3 x 12.2 x 7.5 / 36.3 x 31 x 19.
- Weight, lbs/kg: 5 / 2.2.
Pros
- Comes in various sizes – S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL.
- Made of durable leather with nylon pouches.
- Includes 27 pockets.
- Boxed design of pockets for better accessibility.
Cons
- Too small and too tight pockets.
CLC 1608 – budget tool belt
When your budget is limited and you need to find a great tool belt for a reasonable price, then CLC 1608 should meet your expectations. The girdle is made of polyester fabric and ballistic binding, which is usually a cheap and less durable material, so the belt is recommended for household needs. It is an adjustable belt that would fit waist sizes from 29 in. to 46 in.
The electrician tool belt includes 28 pockets of different sizes for the convenient storage of instruments. It also includes a built-in cordless drill pocket as well as a tape strap, a metal hammer holder, and a tool snap. A zippered top flap electrician tool belt pouch helps to keep all the instruments in place and prevents spillage.
Even though CLC 1608 is a budget version of a tool belt, it still has all the same features as the finest tool belts like Gatorback B240. It features the same number of pockets and even includes suspenders to distribute the load evenly.
I liked this belt for its Velcro feature that lines most of the belt and keeps the bag in a proper place on the waist. At the same time, I should say that this girdle will not be comfortable for a slim person as the Velcro isn’t long enough on the outside of the belt.
In general, CLC 1608 is an adjustable, modestly priced tool belt that comes with suspenders for extra comfort.
Key specs
- Material: polyester fabric, ballistic binding.
- Waist size, inch/cm: 29-46 / 74-117.
- Dimensions inch/cm: 22.6 x 13.2 x 6 / 57.4 x 33.5 x 15.2.
- Weight, lbs/kg: 4 / 1.8.
Pros
- An adjustable belt fits waist sizes from 29 in. to 46 in.
- Includes 28 pockets of different sizes.
- Comes with a cordless drill pocket.
- Includes suspenders for even distribution of loads.
Cons
- Would not fit a slim person.
Occidental Leather 5590 – premium pick
If you need a premium quality tool belt, you will undoubtedly like Occidental Leather 5590. It is one of the most expensive products on the market among belts, but the price can be justified by the convenience and durability of the item. This classical leather belt weighs 5.3 lbs and comes in different sizes from S (34 in.) to XXXL (53 in.).
Furthermore, it is a long-lasting well-designed tool belt that comes with 37 pockets and tool holders located on both pouches. One of the advantages of this model is that it comes both in the right- and left-handed options. The belt is hand-crafted to secure extra sturdiness and long-term use. Owing to the no-spill tool holder system, you can be sure that all your instruments will stay in place any time you have to bend.
The tool belt by Occidental Leather 5590 is heavier than Gatorback B240 due to its all-leather components. Moreover, the rival is equipped with fewer pockets (only 27) and does not allow you to switch pouches.
When I started to use the belt, it was pretty rough and stiff, as it was brand new, but in a few weeks, it felt very comfortable on my body. It was no problem to access any of the instruments in the pockets. Yet, I have noticed some scratches on the leather belt, and I was not surprised because it is a common issue with leather belts.
To sum up, Occidental Leather 5590 is a premium quality electrician’s tool belt made from leather in a classical design.
Key specs
- Material: leather, nylon.
- Waist size, inch/cm: 34 / 86.
- Dimensions inch/cm: 16 x 16 x 10 / 40.6 x 40.6 x 25.4.
- Weight, lbs/kg: 6 / 2.7.
Pros
- All-leather components of the belt.
- Comes with 37 pockets and tool holders.
- Right- and lefthanded options are available.
- Hand-crafted to provide extra durability.
Cons
- Can be easily scratched.
- Heavy weight of a belt without tools.
DEWALT DG5617 – great tool belt with suspenders
In case you need an adjustable tool belt with suspenders, I would highly recommend you pay attention to DEWALT DG5617. It is a universal lightweight tool apron that fits waist sizes from 29″ to 46″. The tool belt comes with yoke-style suspenders and 20 gusset-style pockets that are distributed on both sides to provide easy access. Thus, there are 9 main pockets for bigger instruments and 11 smaller pockets for nail sets, pencils, parts, etc.
The girdle has many comfortable features like a zippered pocket to secure valuable things or a carabineer to hold keys and lanyards. This leather 5″ padded belt with Dri-Lex comes with a breathable mesh and a double-tongue roller buckle for enhanced comfort. You can carry the tool belt with one hand using a pouch handle.
The design and characteristics of DEWALT DG5617 are quite similar to the features of CLC 1608, as both are adjustable and come with suspenders to reduce body fatigue. Nevertheless, CLC 1608 includes 28 pockets, but it is made of polyester fabric that is of lower quality than leather.
My experience with this tool belt was quite pleasant; the pockets have enough space for all my instruments, and they would not spill over every time when I bend over. What I liked the most was the pouch for the speed square. My only complaint is a small neoprene cell phone holder that does not have enough room for any modern smartphone.
All in all, DEWALT DG5617 is a great electrician’s tool belt with suspenders that help to distribute the weight evenly.
Key specs
- Material: polyester.
- Waist size, inch/cm: 29-46 / 74-117.
- Dimensions inch/cm: 24.25 x 7.5 x 17.25 / 61.6 x 19 x 43.8.
- Weight, lbs/kg: 2.75 / 1.2.
Pros
- Fits waist sizes from 29″ to 46″.
- Includes 9 main and 11 smaller pockets.
- Comes with a breathable mesh to reduce sweating.
Cons
- The cell phone holder is small for a smartphone.
Klein Tools Tradesman Pro
If you prefer a tool belt with removable pouches, you should take a look at Klein Tools Tradesman Pro. The key feature of this product is the ability to pick and use only those pouches and pockets that you need for your particular instruments. The belt is made of a 1680d ballistic weave with rugged leather belt ends to provide enhanced durability of the item. You can pick a medium (31-34 in.), large (35-39 in.), and extra-large (40-44 in.) size of the girdle.
All the pockets for tools and drills are wide and open to secure convenient access. This girdle includes a drill bit pocket, a hammer holder, and a loop tape measure. In addition, this padded belt with mesh interior is breathable to reduce sweating and overheating.
If we compare Klein Tools Tradesman Pro to DEWALT DG5617, you will notice that the latter comes with suspenders for even distribution of the loads. While Klein Tools belt comes in several sizes, DEWALT DG5617 is a one-size adjustable girdle.
Even though the tool belt includes 26 pockets, I could hardly find space for all my instruments; there were not enough screwdriver holders that would store the tools and prevent spillage. Unfortunately, the material around the waist is not durable, so it tore after a short time of use.
In short, Klein Tools Tradesman Pro is a great electrician’s tool belt with removable pouches for your needs.
Key specs
- Material: ballistic nylon.
- Waist size, inch/cm: 31-44 / 79-112.
- Dimensions inch/cm: 11.5 x 13.5 x 10.25 / 29.2 x 34.3 x 26.
- Weight, lbs/kg: 4.3 / 2.
Pros
- Comes with removable pouches.
- Wide and open pockets for tools.
- Mesh interior to reduce sweating.
Cons
- The tools would spill while bending.
- Non-durable material around the waist.
Electrician tool belt buying guide
Belt type
Commonly all the tool belts can be divided into two categories – standard ones and electrician tool belts with suspenders. Standard belts are fastened around your waist, and, as a rule, they come with a dozen of small pockets for different instruments. Such girdles are usually less expensive and quite comfortable if you manage to find the right size. Keep in mind that such a belt can cause muscle pain in case you wear it continuously.
You should pick a belt with suspenders or harnesses if you know that you will work for hours and you want to distribute the weight of tools throughout your body. Even though this kind of girdle is more expensive, you will enjoy using it for hours without any soreness of muscles and body fatigue.
Tool belt size
When you choose a tool belt, it is crucial to find a product of the right size so that it is neither too tight nor too loose. The majority of belts come in small, medium, and large sizes, but you can also find an adjustable tool belt that will be comfortable for various sizes.
Tool belt materials
Traditionally all the tool belts are produced of leather, polyester, or nylon.
Leather
Commonly leather electrician tool belts have a conventional design and are extremely durable and resistant to tears and scratching but susceptible to cracking and need special care. Such a girdle is quite expensive, but the price can be justified by its extreme robustness.
Nylon
Unlike leather, nylon is a reasonably priced material that is still sturdy and stretchy for continuous use. Moreover, it is ultra-lightweight and unreceptive to damage, so it is often chosen by electricians.
Polyester
In comparison with leather and nylon, polyester is the cheapest and the least durable material for a tool belt. You should pick such an item for your household needs if your finances are limited and you do not need to use it continuously.
Belt comfort
It is no wonder that you want to feel comfortable when you wear an electrician tool belt for hours. Thus, it is necessary to pick a product with added air ventilation and optionally built-in padding as well as suspenders to reduce muscle fatigue.
Tool belt carrying capacity
The carrying capacity of a tool belt should be taken into consideration when you choose an item either for home maintenance or for professional use. On average, a tool belt comes with 10-25 pockets of different sizes for different tools that you might need at hand.
How to organize an electrician’s tool belt?
It is unquestionable that a proper electrician tool belt setup provides maximum comfort and efficiency. Ideally, a belt should come with 2 big pouches on both sides and many smaller pockets. Since you want to move freely when you work, place the girdle in such a way that the pouches are above your hips. Use the pouches for relatively big tools like pliers and scissors, and put the tape measure in the front pockets. There are special loops and hooks on the belt that are meant for keeping drills or hammers or any other big instruments.
If you are not ambidextrous, then you have one dominant hand, and one helped hand. You need to group your tools in such a way that you have all the tools for the main hand on the dominant side and all the instruments for the helper hand on the other side. As a rule, heavy instruments are used by the dominant hand while lightweight or minor tools are used by the other hand. You can always turn your belt or switch the pockets for your convenience.
