Although tool boxes and rolling tool bags offer plenty of storage, tool belts allow greater mobility and provide quick and easy access to the tools that you use most often. They are especially useful when work needs to be done from a ladder or on a roof. But the weight of a loaded tool belt can cause discomfort during long work hours, which is where a pair of tool belt suspenders (or a tool-belt-and-suspenders combo, also called a rig) comes in, taking some of the load off the lower back while still keeping essentials in reach.
These helpful pieces of gear come in a wide variety of materials, capacities, formats, and prices, which can make it challenging to decide on the model that best suits your situation while still providing good value. Use this guide to learn about important physical and technical aspects to keep in mind when shopping and read up on some of the best tool belt suspenders currently available.
Jackson Palmer Comfort-Rig Tool Belt has a range of features that will make it attractive to DIYers, home remodelers, and even light-duty trade users.
Of the five attachment points, three are fixed at the back to a very supportive, padded yoke that extends over the shoulders. The other two straps attach at the front in a traditional vertical layout, with the additional benefit of a chest strap. Although it is not the lightest rig, it is comfortable and spreads the weight well.
Those looking for a bargain on suspenders to add to an existing tool belt should check out this pair from YYST. The material is a high-density nylon webbing that is light but tough. There are two vertical straps in front, while the back uses an X-style strap layout that helps spread belt load. All the straps are adjustable, and there is double stitching at high-wear areas. Thick neoprene pads protect the shoulders. The drawback in our view is that snap hooks, swivels, and attachment hoops are plastic, not metal, which would be stronger and more resistant to impact.
DIY enthusiasts who take on a host of home improvement projects should appreciate the Bucket Boss Airlift Tool Belt with Suspenders because of its ability to carry a variety of different tools and accessories. Made of tough 600D ripstop polyester, it also boasts durable construction that is able to resist tearing, even if cut or punctured. Shoulders are well padded, and the material is breathable to reduce sweat buildup.
Dickies’ 4-Piece Carpenter’s Rig—a belt-and-suspenders combo has an impressive capacity: There are two main pouches with a total of 14 pockets and three tool loops, plus a phone pouch on the suspenders. A 2-inch-wide outer belt allows for further accessories to be added.
The rig is made of heavy-duty canvas with a cotton-polyester woven webbing that’s tough enough for jobsite use. Moisture-wicking shoulder straps have gel padding for all-day comfort. The 5-inch-wide belt is also moisture wicking. It has a double row of steel grommets and fits waists from 32 to 50 inches.
There is little to criticize here, though slimmer DIYers may find that it fits large. Also, the suspenders are permanently attached to the belt and thus cannot be used separately.
Electrical Work
TradeGear Electrician’s 4-Point Suspender Harness
Buy at Amazon
Photo: Amazon
Electricians who feel weighed down wearing their existing tool belt may find this TradeGear model the perfect solution for support and comfort. The suspenders are made from wear-resistant polyester mesh with a shoulder harness that is padded to deter soreness. The four-point attachments can be hooked directly to D rings on an existing belt, if available, or electricians can use the Velcro loops provided. There’s a large phone pocket on one side that could also hold a circuit tester or multimeter. On the other side, there are carabiners to keep important tools or rolls of tape and wire handy; loops for screwdrivers, pliers, and pencils; plus a magnetic pad for screws or other small components.
Framing
DeWalt 20-Pocket Pro Framer’s Apron and Suspenders
Buy at Amazon
Photo: amazon.com
Framing up a building requires having at least one heavy hammer and plenty of nails at the ready, and this DeWalt apron-style belt-and-suspenders combo has the versatile capacity to serve and satisfy professional framers. The two main pouches, which have useful carry handles, offer a total of 20 pockets for tools and accessories, and they’re tough enough to carry nails. Of course there’s a hammer holder, plus a detachable phone pocket on the right-hand front suspender.
The belt fits waist sizes from 29 inches to 46 inches, which isn’t as large a range as some other belts.
Magnetic
Photo: amazon.com
These MeloTough suspenders can be clipped onto the belt loops of work pants (they fit 32-inch to 44-inch waists). They are made of tough nylon webbing and have a particularly wide and supportive shoulder yoke.
The tool belt suspenders’ key feature is its removable magnetic pad, which can either fit on the suspenders or be worn around the wrist. Six magnets provide powerful grip for screws, nails, or small tools.There’s also a large, removable phone holder, and a three-loop area for pencils, screwdrivers, and other small items. The MeloTough magnetic tool belt is available in six colors, including high-viz yellow.
The Occidental Leather Stronghold Suspension System is made in the U.S. to a very high standard. Both the leather and the associated hardware are of excellent quality.
The shoulder yoke is extremely broad for maximum support, and with moisture-wicking Dri-Lex padding, it is also very comfortable. An adjustable chest strap has a quick-release catch for easy in and out. The suspenders can either clip into a tool belt or the included loops can be used to fit belts up to 3 inches wide. The only real downside is that these suspenders are expensive. For those over 6 feet 2 inches, an extension kit is recommended, further adding to the price.
The reflective high-visibility strips on the Aisenin tool belt suspenders are designed to increase safety in low-light situations. The Aisenin suspenders are made from ballistic nylon, which is very strong and resistant to cuts and tears. The supportive shoulder yoke has breathable mesh with Dri-Lex moisture-wicking padding. A chest strap is also fitted. There is a large phone pocket on one side and a three-loop tool holder on the other.
Having only three attachment points means we would not recommend it for heavy tool belts. There have also been a few complaints that the padding tears easily. This isn’t a heavy-duty option, but, in terms of visibility, it’s a safety boon for folks working in dim light.
FAQs
If your tool belt has existing D rings or loops, the suspenders will attach using the clips fitted to them. Most suspenders also provide nylon or leather loops with a D ring that can go around the belt, and usually have Velcro closures to keep them in place. The clips then attach to the D rings.
We believe all of our top picks are the best-rated tool belt suspenders in their categories, though brands like Jackson Palmer, Bucket Boss, DeWalt, Dickies, and Occidental Leather are perhaps the best known. Equally important to a quality brand is how well the suspenders suit your needs and budget.
The best tool belts can carry a wide variety of equipment and fixings. You would normally carry the things that you use most often or those tools that are relevant for a particular job.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a fully loaded tool belt can weigh over 50 pounds. It’s important to balance the weight as much as possible to avoid lower back or hip strain.