Wanted to start a thread for guys that dont wear tool belts, but have tricks to work efficiently. I won't wear a tool belt myself but I've noticed a few times where the material part of the pouch could come in handy. Thought of it today while i was running emt, on a 8' ladder on block wall. I know the only tools i needed with me on the ladder are my reamer and linesman but my issue was the material i needed. Hammer drill for the block, wall plugs, #10 screws and 1/2'' straps. So i filled up my pockets with some in each but it sort of felt awkward. Just wondering if anyone had learnt tricks over the years for being efficient without a tool belt. Maybe carry a box up the ladder with all the material or maybe a better way than i can think of. Not looking for only my situation, feel free to post any tips that relates to it. Whether its running emt, tying in bx to fixtures or anything else that you feel requires more material than tools :thumbup:
Pocket Sparkys
1 - 20 of 100 Posts
I make all the electrons line up for their Flu shots
Joined
·
37,465 Posts
Joined
·
9,279 Posts
Are you a waiter??![]()
I make all the electrons line up for their Flu shots
Joined
·
37,465 Posts
Hell yes. I used to wait on tables at Rivers Edge in Cocoa Beach.
I worked industrial long enough to become allergic to tool pouches. Then I went back into resi and some commercial. I fought wearing a tool pouch and did the pockets thing. Didn't work. Then I bought a Klown shoulder bag. It might be nice to take to the gay parade but that's about it. I finally broke down and dusted off the tool pouch I used as an apprentice and now I use it almost every day.
Get yourself a tool tote to go along with the tool pouch. Only put the tools in the pouch that you need for the specific task. It's the only way to be efficient, especially when you're doing ladder work.
Get yourself a tool tote to go along with the tool pouch. Only put the tools in the pouch that you need for the specific task. It's the only way to be efficient, especially when you're doing ladder work.
I avoid wearing my tool pouch as much as possible. But I do wear it when I'm doing ladder work with lots of little bits and pieces that are hard to keep in your pockets.
Get something comfortable and it's not so bad. I have Occidental Leather bags with their suspenders.
Get something comfortable and it's not so bad. I have Occidental Leather bags with their suspenders.
Joined
·
10,730 Posts
Over 39 years in the trade I've tried every way.
A tool belt wins hands down, you know the task at hand so just have what you need in your belt.
Get a good heavy duty leather belt with a pouch for hand tools on one side and a pouch for Materials for the other side and just carry what you need in it.
Dump it out at least once a week so it won't get too heavy.
When cutting in a panel you can use a table for your tool belt and other crap.
A tool belt wins hands down, you know the task at hand so just have what you need in your belt.
Get a good heavy duty leather belt with a pouch for hand tools on one side and a pouch for Materials for the other side and just carry what you need in it.
Dump it out at least once a week so it won't get too heavy.
When cutting in a panel you can use a table for your tool belt and other crap.
Joined
·
10,730 Posts
Those are great for bucket truck work..:thumbsup:
I make all the electrons line up for their Flu shots
Joined
·
37,465 Posts
I agree with you about the speed with a set of bags, you get to where you don't need to move your eyes, your hands know right where to go to grab the wire stripper, knife, phillips driver, you name it, but over the course of a lifetime wearing one the right hip starts going bad and then the overall speed goes down from the old man limp so , on a bell curve , it actually is the slower method in the long run. Tool bag suspenders helps.
Joined
·
10,730 Posts
Suspenders yes, that way you don't have to make the belt so tight.
Also work for four hours and charge for 10....:laughing:
I make all the electrons line up for their Flu shots
Joined
·
37,465 Posts
I do the same with a bracket single gang box. Hangs over the front edge on the outside.
TIME FOR A MACTIP OF THE DAY! Take a Dotie brand nail plate and screw it horizontally with drywall screws to the front edge of your ladder at the top. Makes a great place to clip your measuring tape to while you are working up the ladder.
Joined
·
6,229 Posts
I like using the left over sides from ganging steel switch boxes together. They also make dandy notch plates with a couple nails, plus I still charge them out as notch plates.
Joined
·
207 Posts
Joined
·
41 Posts
I always avoided tool belts like the plague, hate to wear them. I just throw on a pair of gym shorts and a shirt then put my bibs on over them. Other than that I use the nail pouch if I have screws, connectors, small parts etc., but I used the Carhartt brand pouch, not sure if they make them anymore though.
Joined
·
10,730 Posts
Yes they do, you can find them at the work and gear stores.
1 - 20 of 100 Posts
