The 3 Best Electrician Tool Belts of 2020

Electrical work requires a lot of specialized tools. Instead of lugging your tools around in a heavy toolbox or bag, you can conveniently access them on the job with a high-quality electrician tool belt. 

Of course, any old belt won’t do. You need a comfortable, durable, and reliable tool belt designed specifically for electrical work. With the right tool belt, you’ll be able to store your:

• Pliers
• Strippers
• Screwdrivers
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Level
• Electrical tape
• Small screws and bolts

…all on your belt for quick access. Save time and fuss on the job site by investing in a quality electrician tool belt. 

Of course, with hundreds of tool belts on the market, you might have a hard time distinguishing one from the other. Obviously, you don’t want to waste your money on a dud. After all, you might wear this belt for 8+ hours on certain days. Use this handy buying guide to look for the right qualities in your next tool belt. Try one of our three favorite picks to get you started. 

Four Qualities to Look For in an Electrician Tool Belt

1. Comfort

First and foremost, the belt must fit you correctly. Some belts are adjustable, while others come in non-adjustable sizes. Always measure yourself (while wearing clothes) before you order a non-adjustable belt.

Many belts include a padded suspension system that distributes weight away from your back and hips. See if your belt includes a suspension system or if you should buy it separately.

Breathability is also a factor. Nobody likes a belt that makes you sweat like a pig. Modern fabrics like nylon are lighter and more breathable than leather, so if you hate sweating through your shirt, go for these lighter materials. 

2. Quality and Durability

Your electrician tool belt should last years, so you want a quality build from the start. Always look for nylon or leather belts if you want to consider durability. Other materials just won’t cut the mustard for long-term use. Check that the belt features reinforced seams or rivets, too. You don't want your pouches to fall apart mid-job.

3. Storage Capacity

How much stuff do you plan to carry? Your electrician tool belt needs to offer capacity for all of your tools. Most belts include around 30 individual slots for your equipment, so take stock of what you truly need to store on your belt and buy accordingly. 

4. Maintenance

Like any piece of quality equipment, tool belts require maintenance. If you decide to use a leather belt, regularly clean it with a leather conditioner. Other materials, like nylon, require an occasional rinse in warm, soapy water. This will not only remove the funk factor from your belt, but ensure it lasts even longer. 

Our Three Picks for Electrician Tool Belts

Stumped on where to start your tool belt search? We’ve selected three popular tool belts to kick off your search. 

1. Occidental Leather 5590 Electrician’s Tool Belt

Price: $285 on Amazon

Occidental Leather is a trusted brand specializing in leather tool belts. We like the adjustability of this belt, which also locks your customizations in place. It’s the most expensive option on our list, but it’s a quality build designed to last you years. 

This belt is American-made and includes a quick-access pocket for your small screws and nuts. With 37 compartments total and 2 pockets, Occidental Leather’s tool belt has a lot of room for your tools. 

This belt doesn’t include a suspender system, so if you need to have extra back support, you’ll need to purchase something separately. 

2. Tradegear Electrician Tool Belt Combo

Price: 74.99 on Amazon

While Occidental Leather makes their belts from high-quality leather, this piece from Tradegear uses lightweight nylon. This makes it a great budget buy. The Tradegear Electrician Tool Belt Combo features a memory foam backing with air ventilation. If your back or hips normally start killing you after a day on the job, this belt gives you some much-needed support.

The TradeGear belt has 27 compartments and 2 pouches. Be sure you order your correct size in this belt. It has a Velcro closure for a more custom fit, but sizing still matters. If you want suspenders, the belt includes attachment hoops to slide them on, but you’ll have to purchase these separately.

3. CLC Custom Leathercraft 1608 Electrician’s Comfort Lift Combo Tool Belt

Price: $50 on Amazon

The great thing about the CLC electrician tool belt is its combo offering. You get both a belt and a suspender set all in one, making it perfect for weight distribution. The padded suspenders are great for minimizing back and hip pain. 

The CLC tool belt includes 28 pockets, zippered pouches, and even a built-in drill pocket. For convenient carry, the CLC also features a handle on the side of the belt for when you’re not wearing it. 

These three electrician tool belts make for a great place to start your search. Instead of settling for an all-purpose belt, get one designed specifically for the electrician trade. You’ll get more value for your money and get more use out of your belt, too. 

At the end of the day, buy the belt that’s right for you. When in doubt, check the return policies before you order a new belt and pick the option that’s right for you.