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No one wants to run back and forth from a construction project to the tool box to grab supplies, and that’s where a framing tool belt comes in handy. A good framing tool belt makes it possible to carry all the tools, accessories, and fasteners necessary for structural work. We researched more than 30 tool belts and chose the top seven picks for hands-on testing, and we found a favorite: the Firm Grip Build-A-Rig Leather Framing Belt, which took top honors in our tests due to its quality build, efficient design, and comfortable fit.
Framing tool belts include a loop for a hammer, large tool pouches for a carpenter’s square and hand tools, medium pouches for tape measures, and smaller pouches with wide openings for nails and other fasteners. These belts are made from durable materials, such as denier nylon and genuine leather, and they feature adjustable belts and (sometimes) suspenders with thick padding for fit and comfort.Anyone building walls, setting rafters, or constructing other structural forms needs a framing tool belt (among other tools!). Keep reading for shopping tips and to find out how the following belts earned their spot on this lineup of the best framing tool belts.
- BEST OVERALL: Firm Grip Build-A Rig Leather Framer Tool Rig
↓Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Melotough Pro Framer’sTool Belt
↓Jump to Review - BEST ALL LEATHER: Style n Craft 17-Pocket Full-Grain Leather Tool Belt
↓Jump to Review - BEST HEAVY-DUTY: CLC Pro Framer’s Heavy-Duty Leather Combo System
↓Jump to Review - BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Occidental Leather 8089 OxyLights 7-Bag Framer Set
↓Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: Occidental Leather 5089 7-Bag Framer Set
↓Jump to Review
Framing Tool Belt Comparison Chart
| Material | Tool holders | Suspenders | |
| Firm Grip Build-A Rig | Leather | 18 | No |
| Melotough Pro | Ballistic nylon | 26 | Yes |
| Style n Craft | Leather | 17 | No |
| CLC Pro Framer | Leather | 21 | No |
| Occidental 8089 OxyLights | Leather and nylon | 22 | No |
| Occidental Leather 5089 | Leather | 23 | No |
Our Top Picks
The following tool belts are all well suited for use by framers. The materials, designs, and prices vary, but each model scored high on our hands-on tests. One is sure to be right for your next construction project.
Best Overall
Firm Grip Build-A Rig Leather Framer Tool Rig
What We Like
- Comfortable padded belt
- Adjustable fit and quick-release buckle
- High-quality construction
- Holds a variety of framing tools
What We Don’t Like
- Suspenders not included
Specs
- Material Leather
- Tool holders 18
- Suspenders: No
Our Ratings: Comfort 5/5; Functionality 4.8/5, Durability 5/5, Value 5/5
Heavy-duty leather framing tool belts may all look similar, but there are important differences. Until we put the Firm Grip Build-A-Rig on, we had no idea how comfortable it would be. Comfort is crucial in a framing belt because those building structures are constantly in motion—climbing, kneeling, bending, or twisting. As such, a belt that isn’t comfortable will soon become a hassle.
The Firm Grip features a padded belt that widens to 4.5 inches at the back and doubles as lower back support, and an outer nylon belt that adjusts to fit individual waist sizes. Even better—rather than having to buckle the belt every time we put it on, the quick-release aluminum latch made quick work of putting on and removing the belt, once properly fitted.
While the Firm Grip doesn’t come with tool belt suspenders, it does have suspender loops for attaching standard suspenders if desired. The build quality of this framing belt is every bit as good as it is on belts that cost twice as much, and the pockets and pouches worked well for holding all our framing tools and supplies. This is an excellent framing tool belt for both DIYers and pros.
What our tester says: “The Firm Grip Build-A-Rig was comfortable from the first try-on. While some tool belts require a break-in period, I loved how this one fit great from the start.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Firm Grip framing tool belt at The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
Melotough Pro Framer’s Tool Belt
What We Like
- Massive storage capacity
- Affordable price point
- Detachable padded suspenders
- Padded tool belt
- Handy cell phone pocket
What We Don’t Like
- Can be heavy when fully loaded
Specs
- Material Ballistic nylon
- Tool holders 26
- Suspenders Yes
Our Ratings: Comfort 4.5/5, Functionality 4.5/5, Durability 4.5/5, Value 5/5
A good framing tool belt doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The Melotough Pro framer’s belt comes with 26 tool holders to carry every tool imaginable. We loaded it with our framing hammer, cordless drill, speed square, tape measure, screws, nails, and more, and we still had a few empty pouches. There’s so much storage on this tool belt; it’s like carrying an entire toolbox around the waist. Best of all, it comes at an affordable price point.
Fortunately, it also comes with detachable suspenders that we found very handy for supporting the weight of all the tools this one can carry. The inner waistband is padded, and the belt is adjustable for a custom fit.
A neat perk on the Melotough belt is a cell phone pocket on the right front suspender that clips on securely. We typically leave our phones in our trucks while working to avoid costly damage (and interruptions), but if we need to carry one, we can do so securely. Those looking for a framing tool belt with comprehensive carrying ability won’t be disappointed with the Melotough. Due to all its holders, this one would also be good as an electrician tool belt.
What our tester says: “I really liked all the extra pockets and built-in perks on the Melotough. They add a whole new level of convenience.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Melotough framing tool belt at Amazon.
Best All-Leather
Style n Craft 17-Pocket Full-Grain Leather Tool Belt
What We Like
- Durable all-leather build
- Very comfortable after break-in period
- Sturdy grab handles
- Built to last
What We Don’t Like
- No suspender rings
Specs
- Materials Leather
- Tool holders 17
- Suspenders: No
Our Ratings: Comfort 4.8/5, Functionality 5/5, Durability 5/5, Value 4.8/5
The Style n Craft all-leather framing tool belt doesn’t have many bells and whistles, but we found it perfect for carrying the most essential framing tools and supplies. The build quality is excellent, and while the waistband isn’t padded, after wearing the belt during our 2-week test period, the leather band had softened and became very comfortable. Like leather boots, this belt just needed a break-in period.
We loaded the belt with all our framing tools and found everything convenient and within reach—with one exception. The pencil pocket is on the front of the left pouch, positioned at an angle that isn’t intuitive for quick removal. But that could just be our impression; someone else might really like it.
The Style n Craft belt features sturdy nylon grab handles on both sides that come in handy for hoisting the belt up if it’s fully loaded and heavy. However, we would have preferred suspender rings when we carried a heavy load. Still, this is a well-made leather tool belt that will last for years, even with daily use.
Get the Style n Craft framing tool belt on Amazon or Style n Craft.
Best Heavy-Duty
CLC Pro Framer’s Heavy-Duty Leather Combo System
What We Like
- Durable leather and thick stitching
- Plenty of tool pockets
- Built-in grab handles
- Well-designed framer’s tool belt
What We Don’t Like
- A bit heavy; suspenders are suggested
Specs
- Material Leather
- Tool holders 21
- Suspenders No
Our Ratings: Comfort 4.5/5, Functionality 4.8/5, Durability 5/5, Value 4.5/5
The CLC Pro Framer’s Heavy-Duty Leather Combo System may be the tool belt for framers who like things overbuilt. This model features a heavy-duty top-grain leather construction with leather-rolled lips around each pocket, thick stitching, and multiple rivets at stress points throughout the set.
This belt has more to offer than just a durable construction. It has many pockets and tool organizers, including one steel hammer loop and one leather, allowing framers to keep the majority of their important tools with them at all times. It’s also easy to adjust, with sliding nail bags and a thick leather belt with plenty of adjustability, and it tapers in the front for comfort. Also, built-in fabric grab handles make transporting or taking the belt off a breeze during lunch or at the end of the day.
In testing, we found this to be a serious set of framing bags. The belt was slightly thinner than we would’ve liked, and our buckle came slightly bent, but other than that, it felt like it was bombproof. The thick leather was rugged, and there were rivets everywhere, meaning it’s highly unlikely that this belt will tear or rip apart down the road. Also, we counted more pockets and tool holders than CLC gives itself credit for, with 21 in total, not the 18 stated in the product description. It is heavy, so suspenders might be a good idea, though the built-in fabric handles make swinging it around the hips easy.
Get the CLC framing tool belt at Amazon or CLC.
Best Lightweight
Occidental Leather 8089 OxyLights 7-Bag Framer Set
What We Like
- Combination of rugged leather and nylon
- Nylon stitching and riveted stress points
- Plenty of room for tools and fasteners
What We Don’t Like
- We prefer side-by-side fastener pockets
Specs
- Material Leather and nylon
- Tool holders 22
- Suspenders: No
Our Ratings: Comfort 5/5, Functionality 4.5/5, Durability 4.8/5, Value 4.5/5
With a rugged leather and nylon construction, this tool belt from Occidental Leather should withstand many years of projects. Its combination of materials is designed to be lightweight and comfortable, something relatively rare in a rugged belt.
This framing belt features a 3-inch–wide belt that comes in six sizes. The belt tapers in the front to allow for bending, and the bags will slide wherever they’re needed for comfortable access. There are also 22 pockets and tool holders for tape measures, utility knives, hammers, and fasteners. Many of the pockets are actually made of leather, while others feature leather-reinforced corners as well as riveted stress points for plenty of durability.
In our eyes, this framing tool belt very well may be the ideal combination of rugged and lightweight. With a durable combination of waxed linen and nylon stitching as well as leather-reinforced pockets and tool holders, this belt seemed very strong. We also liked that despite it having enough pockets and bags to hold everything we needed, it was less bulky than an all-leather belt. Our only slight complaint was that we like side-by-side pockets for two fasteners on the left side, and this belt has them in a tiered-like fashion. This is more of a preference than a qualm, but it’s the one thing we’d change about this bag.
Get the Occidental Leather OxyLights framing tool belt at Amazon, Acme Tools, or Occidental Leather.
Also Consider
Occidental Leather 5089 7-Bag Framer Set
What We Like
- Extremely thick and durable leather
- Plenty of pockets
- Design allows for comfortable bending
- Good construction tool belt
What We Don’t Like
- No spot for a pencil
Specs
- Material Leather
- Tool holders 23
- Suspenders No
Our Ratings: Comfort 4.8/5, Functionality 4.5/5, Durability 5/5, Value 4.5/5
Serious framers who want a set of hard-wearing nail bags should check out this framer set from Occidental Leather. It comes with a heavy-duty belt, a hammer loop, and two bags with plenty of tool pockets. The set is offered in various sizes, and the bags slide on the belt for maximum adjustability.
This framing tool belt is made of high-quality top-grain leather. It has reinforced leather lips around all of the pockets, slots, hammer loops, and tool holders for keeping things organized. It has a thick combination of nylon and waxed linen stitching as well as stainless steel rivets all around for durability.
With its thick material and ample stitching and rivets, we found that there was no doubt about this belt’s quality and durability. The belt itself was comfortable and distributed weight nicely, and since it tapers at the front, it’s comfortable when bending forward. Being able to slide the bags around on the belt was also a big part of that.
We will admit that we initially only counted 21 of the 23 tool holders, including the oversize hammer loop, but we found those 21 pockets to be most usable, and they held almost all of the tools we’re used to carrying around a jobsite. The two pockets that we didn’t find right away seemed more like folds between sections and were rather small. The one complaint we do have is that we didn’t find a pocket suitable for a standard pencil, though we were able to stash a carpenter’s pencil without an issue.
Get the Occidental Leather 5089 framing tool belt at Amazon, Acme Tools, or Occidental Leather.
ALSO TESTED
We liked that the Bucket Boss Airlift tool belt was lightweight, highly adjustable, and came with very comfortable suspenders. However, it didn’t have many pockets and did not have any organizing slots inside the bags, which would have been handy.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Framing Tool Belts
| Products tested | 7 |
| Time spent testing | 2 weeks |
| Tests performed | 4 |
| Price range | $100 to $300 |
We researched more than 30 tool belts and then narrowed our list to seven highly rated ones for hands-on testing while working on our own construction projects.
We carefully examined each bag’s build quality and then loaded it with the tools we always carry on framing jobs, including framing hammers, utility knives, chalk lines, tape measures, chisels, pry bars, and more.
Then, we performed a series of usage tests with each model. We bent over to drive nails into a chunk of wood and picked up lumber to see whether the belt would shift or prevent efficient movement. We climbed up and down ladders and wore the belts while climbing into and out of a truck bed to see if fasteners or tools would fall out. We awarded points based on a rubric for each test and assessment. After testing, we averaged the points to determine our best overall pick and determine the best use for the rest of the belts.
| Comfort | Functionality | Durability | Value | |
| Firm Grip Build-A Rig | 5 | 4.8 | 5 | 5 |
| Melotough Pro | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5 |
| Style n Craft | 4.8 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
| CLC Pro Framer | 4.5 | 4.8 | 5 | 4.5 |
| Occidental 8089 OxyLights | 5 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.5 |
| Occidental Leather 5089 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 5 | 4.5 |
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Framing Tool Belt
There’s quite a bit to framing carpentry, and as such, there’s a lot to choosing the best framing tool belt for construction. The following are some of the most important considerations to keep in mind when comparing framing belts. While each framer’s setup is different, these tips can help in the decision-making process.
Capacity and Design
A framing tool belt’s design is arguably the most important consideration when comparing models. Everyone’s preferences are different, but it’s important to find a bag that holds the tools and fasteners that the user is most likely to carry. For instance, small pockets for items like pry bars and chisels can be important, as well as pouches for chalk lines and tape measures. Some framers like to keep it light, though, and they prefer wide-open pockets. All framers need hammer loops: steel, leather, or nylon.
Also, tool belts can be very heavy, especially when fully loaded. For this reason, they typically come with very wide and sturdy leather or padded nylon belts. Many tool-belt manufacturers also solve the weight problem by including suspenders to distribute the weight over the shoulders and hips.
Material
Framing tool belts generally come in two materials: leather or nylon. Each material has its pros and cons, and which option to choose depends on the user.
Leather is the traditional choice. It’s durable against punctures and tears and can last for years if cared for properly. This includes keeping the leather clean, conditioned, and treated with oil or another waterproofing agent. However, leather bags tend to be very heavy and expensive, and they don’t breathe well on hot days. They do break in and get more comfortable over time, however.
Nylon is lightweight and breathable, allowing the user to remain comfortable in hot weather. Nylon framing bags tend to be a bit less expensive than leather (but not always), and while they’re not nearly as puncture- and tear-resistant as leather, they’re still durable enough for most jobsites.
Some very high-quality construction work belts may feature nylon bags with leather pockets and lips (the edges around the pocket) as well as leather belts. These bags are a nice blend between the two materials, allowing users to remain comfortable but also providing extra durability.
One other point to consider is the stitching and riveting. Look for tool belts with thick, easily visible stitching as well as rivets along the pockets and seams. These details can ensure the bags will last.
Comfort and Fit
Most professional framers wear their belts for hours on end each day. With that much weight hanging on the hips, these belts need to be comfortable and secure. Look for a belt that offers plenty of adjustment holes to ensure a snug but comfortable fit. Some tool belts feature hook-and-loop adjustments that shorten or lengthen the waistband, allowing them to cover a wider range of sizes.
Also, consider the weight. Leather bags are extremely durable, but for folks with back or hip problems, nylon—or even a tool vest—might be a better option. Also, framers who like to load their carpenter tool bags might prefer suspenders tool belts rather than cinching that belt down tight enough to keep the tools up.
Finally, size is also a consideration to keep in mind. Most framing bags are large because they have to be able to accommodate speed squares, pry bars, screwdrivers, pliers, chalk lines, plumb bobs, fasteners, knives, and a host of other gear. Bigger can be better, but it almost always means more weight.
FAQs
Choosing a framing tool belt can be a complicated business, and even with all the information above, there might still be some questions. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about framing tool belts.
Every framer is different, but a good start includes:
-Framing hammer
-Carpenter’s pencil
-Tape measure
-Bubble level
-Chalk line
-Plumb bob
-Chisel
-Utility knife
-Pry bar
-Screwdrivers
-Pliers or adjustable wrench
-A small clamp
Absolutely. Suspenders can help distribute the load from the tool belt over the shoulders, reducing back and hip pain throughout the day.
Most are designed to split the load uniformly around the waist and are pretty comfortable. However, those with existing back problems may find it more comfortable to attach tool belt suspenders for carrying support.
Tighten it around your waist so it’s comfortable but not so tight it binds when you bend over. Most framers wear their belts just an inch or so below their natural waistline.
Hang it on a hook in a cool, dry place when not in use. When necessary, wipe it down with a damp cloth. For the longest wear, consider conditioning it periodically with a leather oil.
Meet the Testers
Tom Scalisi is a freelance writer specializing in the home design, construction, tools, and automotive industries. He has been involved in the trades for over 15 years as both a contractor and a commercial building mechanic.
Glenda Taylor is a contractor, product tester, and writer focusing primarily on construction, DIY tools, and home appliances. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.
Additional research provided by Tony Carrick.
