Use a tool belt or apron for portable, hands-free access

Wear a tool belt, carpenter's apron, or tool vest to keep your most-used hand tools on your body while working. This eliminates the need to walk back to a toolbox or workbench repeatedly and requires zero wall or floor space for storage during a task.

How It Works

A tool belt or apron has multiple pockets, loops, and pouches sized for common hand tools (tape measure, utility knife, pencil, pliers, screwdriver, speed square, nail sets). You load it with the tools needed for your current task and wear it while working, keeping everything within arm's reach.

Types

Carpenter's apron -- A simple waist apron with 2-5 pockets. Lightweight, inexpensive ($5-15), good for light tasks. Holds nails, screws, tape measure, pencil, and a few hand tools.

Tool belt with pouches -- A padded belt with detachable pouches and loops. More capacity, better weight distribution. Brands like Occidental Leather, CLC, and Husky range from $20 to $200+.

Tool vest -- Distributes weight across shoulders and torso instead of hips. Better for heavy loads or all-day wear. Popular with electricians and HVAC technicians.

Tips

• Load only what you need for the current task; a fully loaded belt is heavy and uncomfortable
• Padded belts and suspenders reduce hip and back strain for extended wear
• Leather pouches last decades; nylon is lighter and cheaper but wears faster
• Always put tools back in the same pocket so you develop muscle memory for reaching
• A simple nail apron from the hardware store ($3-5) is a great starting point
• At the end of the day, hang the belt on a hook by the door so it is ready for the next task

Limitations

• Only holds hand tools, not power tools or large items
• Can be uncomfortable for extended periods without padding or suspenders
• Not a replacement for workshop storage; it is a complement for active work