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October 2002 - Tool Belt Essentials |
| What
to wear when there’s work to be done |
The tool
belt is the icon of workshop honour—the more battle scars
the better. But the respect behind the well-worn appearance
comes from tools—the right ones in the right place at the
right time. Your tool belt collection may change depending on
the job at hand, but some will never leave your waist. Here's
a sampling of what our pros say should be in a well-stocked
tool belt. Top left pocket to bottom right pocket.
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[1]
Pencils: regular ones are fine for many jobs; stout carpenters
pencils last much longer and are necessary for rough framing.
Keep sharpeners on board.
[2,
3, 4]
Screwdrivers: models with large diameter handles are easier
to grip and twist. Readily available Robertsons are one of the
many unique advantages of being Canadian. If you prefer a multi-head
driver, make sure it can handle tough jobs.
[5]
Six-inch torpedo level: this tool helps to orient small items
during installation and is small enough to carry around; use
at least a 24" level for framing.
[6]
Rectractible utility knife: make sure the blades are at least
3/4" wide. Anything narrower will break too easily.
[7]
Sidecutters: useful for more than just snipping wire, this tool
is great for pulling small nails and other finicky tasks.
[8]
Tape measure: choose a 16' or 25' model for general DIY use.
Compact 12-footers are ideal for building furniture and small-scale
projects.
[9]
Adjustable
wrenches: No matter the job, nuts and bolts will be on the scene.
[10]
Swanson
speed square: designed in 1927, this tool packs more woodworking
utility into the smallest possible space than any other tool.
It’s useful for everything from marking a board square
to cutting hip rafters. This one’s a classic.
[11]
Chisels:
make sure they’re sharp. When you need to carry them in
your belt, cap the tips with plastic guards.
[12]
Safety
glasses: there are some pretty cool styles these days. A neck
strap keeps your pair handy between uses.
[13]
Drill
bits: obviously, which ones you have depend on what you’re
drilling. Pack a few sizes just in case.
[14]
Hammer:
as symbolic of the craft as the tool belt itself, be sure to
choose a solid one, properly weighed. A 16 oz. hammer is perfect
for general use; a straight-clawed 20 oz. model is ideal for
framing.
Tool belts come in a variety of designs. Think about the type
of work you’ll be doing before purchasing one. The dual-pouches
shown here fasten to a web belt as one unit. Another style has
independant pouches that slide onto a separate leather belt
and offer greater flexibility, allowing you to add or remove
pouches, depending on the task at hand. Tired of the belt? Get
a beltless tool belt that connects to your body with leg straps
and wide suspenders. —Jay Somerset
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