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brucebay t1_iqyu3ai wrote

Anything similar for hobby users that have sub $75 budget? I understand real leather is expansive, so other material is fine.

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edit: I meant not electrician specific but a general belt/pouch for weekend handymen.

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Reaching4ThoseGrapes OP t1_iqyupqu wrote

Carhartt sells a modular nylon/canvas tool belt system that seemed pretty reasonably priced to me.

It’s handy you can only buy the pieces you really think you’ll need—I carry a stupid amount of screwdrivers at work, but maybe you don’t need as much real estate for home improvement projects.

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Justadudethatthinks t1_iqyy7c4 wrote

Nylon/canvas won't have the life of quality leather like the OP, but for a weekender, they are cooler and lighter and can be made well. (Enough to last if this isn't your profession)

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hereforthekix t1_ir01x5i wrote

There are nylon pouches that will outlast leather. Occidental is one of many brands that makes high quality nylon gear. They're kighter, more comfortable, don't require maintenance, and last an incredibly long time

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haunted-liver-1 t1_iqz1j4a wrote

Depends in the quality and thickness. There's a reason luxury car manufacturers switched from leather. If you use the good stuff made for yacht upholstery, it bifl and zero maintenance.

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scottb84 t1_iqz31f0 wrote

I certainly don't disagree that there are textiles that are least as durable as leather for many applications.

But luxury car manufacturers definitely have not "switched from leather."

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Clean-Hat2517 t1_ir0u5ue wrote

Perhaps they meant to refer to the rise in Alcantara use over suede.

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scottb84 t1_ir1jd3w wrote

Maybe. But I'm not sure that suede was ever commonly used in luxury cars, other than maybe at the very top end (e.g., Maybach, Rolls Royce, etc.). And my understanding is that alcantara is mostly used in sports cars, where a lightweight, grippy material can be very useful (e.g., steering wheels, seat bottoms/bolsters, etc.)

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LockeClone t1_ir0yl89 wrote

Dude, the nylon 3" belt from occidental is where it's at. I ditched my full leather belt for one maybe 10 years ago. Waaaaay more comfy and breathable. And robust as hell.

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S0me_Thing_Clever t1_ir029ot wrote

ToughBuilt has neat modular belt system that’s actually pretty well made and is perfect for occasional use by homeowners or weekend warriors. Google them.

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Tacpacker t1_ir0oq50 wrote

+1 for Toughbuilt! I bought a toughbuilt pouch for a job that doesn't allow leather. I don't expect it to last as long as my Occidental pouch, but it definitely feels like a quality product and an excellent value for the $15 I paid. I don't think I'll have any problems replacing it when the nylon wears out in a year or two.

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S0me_Thing_Clever t1_ir17423 wrote

They look kinda flimsy, but once I held them in my hands I realized how robust the nylon is. If anything’s going to break, my bet is the clip-on connection for the belt - but like you said it’s no big issue to replace every 3rd year if needed.

What initially drew me to the company was their sawhorses. Get a set of their high-end versions and be amazed at their clever design.

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Brandon3541 t1_ir46jjp wrote

Out of curiosity, why is leather not allowed at your job?

I can't think of a safety reason off the top of my head other than it won't break free easily if snagged, but no belts that aren't specifically built to do so will either.

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Tacpacker t1_ir5tihc wrote

Semiconductor fab. Can't use leather, cotton, rubber, or pretty much anything organic because they produce particles that can harm production. Makes shopping for new toys a bit more challenging sometimes.

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jasonsgood t1_ir06dpe wrote

Start with this guy

I wear this every day whether in the shop or on a jobsite. I clip it onto my belt with other bags when I’m doing heavy work on jobs, but it’s mostly just on my regular belt. You’ll eventually want more. A 15’ fat max fits perfectly, and you can form/stretch it to fit bigger tapes if you want.

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PrimeIntellect t1_iqzd7cz wrote

Tons of stuff...it will probably all be lighter and more comfortable too lol

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LockeClone t1_ir0y6aj wrote

My old bags were gator. I still run their electrician bag on my occidental belt.

A gator electrician bag, a 3" belt of some flavor and a tape measure holder would be a great setup for a diy/household kit.

Keep it light, you know? Hobbies are for fun, and heavy duty carps are getting paid to run whole bags.

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CrazzyJoeDavola t1_ir1b527 wrote

Look into Veto , they make great quality constructed bags & pouches. I have 2 pouches and a tech mc bag that has lasted me 4 years so far without issue, hvac tech

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handicappedpooper t1_ir1m48c wrote

eBay “leather tool belt made in USA” not much selection right now but check every couple days. Also check your local pawn shop, they are ridden with contractors stuff.

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cheaganvegan t1_ir1x3en wrote

Look at Ironworker gear. It’s all built to last. Ironworker.com I think is where I’ve gotten my gear

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brucebay t1_ir3ljc5 wrote

Thank you all for the great suggestions. Instead of spamming all your replies I upvoted each one.

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