Tools for the tool belt

Over the years, I have added and deleted tools from my tool belt. I finally have it just the way I like it. Now keep in mind that I remodel and build houses, so I need to carry a fair amount of tools. You can add or delete tools as you see fit. That being said, my list should give you a good starting point. It is hard to describe some of these tools if your not familiar with them. If after reading this page, you still don’t understand what the a particular tool is, don’t worry. If you go down to your local tool supplier and ask for it by the name used here, they will show you what it is and you will see how it works right away. You can always contact me as well if you want some more information about a certain tool or any other questions you may have.


Tool Belt- There are many belts to choose from. I personally do not like the belts that buckle in the back and have the pouches in the front. I find them hard to put on and the pouches in the front make it hard to bend over. I like the belts that have the pouches on the sides and buckle in the front. They usually come in leather or nylon(for the lack of a better term). The leather lasts longer but is less flexible. The nylon is lighter and more flexible than the leather but does not last as long. I am personally willing to trade some longevity for flexibility and less weight. Either is a good choice. Unless you use your belt daily, either choice will last a very long time. I also like my belt to have detachable suspenders. They help distribute the load and also keep the belt up without having to synch it real tight around your waist as opposed to belts without suspenders. I like them to be detachable so that when I am working with my arms above my head for extended periods of time, I can take them off. When you raise your arms, the suspenders puts the bulk of the weight on your shoulders and your shoulder muscles get tired quickly.

Tape measure- I like to have at least a 25 ft tape measure if not 30. There are several brands available. Try and get one that is middle of the road in pricing. Cheap ones wear out quickly. The high end tape measures, in my opinion, are too expensive for what you get.



Utility knife- The use for a utility knife is almost endless. This is a tool that you will use almost daily if you are on a larger project.

Phillips screw driver-both regular and very small- Towel racks, lights, etc have small screws witch require a small screwdriver

Standard screw driver-both regular and very small- Again, towel racks, lights, etc have small screws witch require a small screwdriver

Adjustable pliers- Multiple uses. You will be surprised at how many things you will use your pliers for.

Wire cutters- Used for electrical repair, and stripping wire.

Chisel- Helps to remove wood material where saws wont work. Mortise doors, make holes in things so you can get a saw blade in the middle of a piece of wood, multiple other uses.

Speed square- This is a triangle shaped tool. This tool allows you to mark lineal lumber so that you can cut it at a 1 to 90 degree angle. It also has many other uses. When you purchase a speed square, it comes with instructions and tells about all it’s uses. This is a must have tool and it fits in you belt.

Chalk line- The chalk line as many uses. It’s primary job is to mark lumber over long distances. This is great for marking OSB board so that you can cut it with a circular saw. It can mark you trusses and floor joists over long distances so that you know you are putting your decking on square. It can also be used as a plumb bob. There are other uses as well simply because the chalk line is a piece of string. For example: you can stretch the string, on the floor, from one end of the house to the other. If there is a gap between the string and the floor then you know the floor is low at that point. If the string is being arced up, then you know the floor is high at that point. You can use this method for walls, roofs, foundations, finding if you ground is level……..all kinds of things.

Torpedo level- A small level that fits into your belt. It is not as accurate as a long level, but it is useful for when you just need to be in the ball park of level. It is a convenient tool to have when your hanging in the rafters(or any other situation where you need your hands) and you don’t want to be carrying a 4 ft level with you.

Nail puller- There are many different types. Get which ever one you like that will fit in your belt. You will need to pull nails……..a lot.

Angle finder- When dealing with trim, roof pitches, flooring…….etc, there will be times when you need to find what the angle is and transcribe it to what you are cutting. An angle finder does just that. It is a simple tool that can be adjusted to find an angle and then you can take the tool back to your cutting area and transfer the angle.

Tin snips- Obviously good for cutting metal. Also a great tool for cutting siding and other materials where scissors are not strong enough. Get straight cut snips as they have more uses then left or right cut snips

5 in 1 paint scraper- You would be surprised at how often that tool gets used for things not related to painting. It is good for chipping debris off all kinds of surfaces. It is a good tool for removing a lot of different types of trim. You can pry with it, chisel with it, you can use it for all kinds of things it was never intended to be used for. It is a good all purpose tool to have.



Adjustable wrench- A lot easier than carrying a complete set of wrenches.

Small needle nose pliers- Multiple uses for these, even holding a nail so you don’t risk smashing your thumb when needed.

Electrical tape - Almost as useful as duct tape but much easier to carry. I have used it to tape nails to my hammer when I was on a latter and could not use both hands to start the nail. Besides electrical, I use it as a “contractors band aid.” Band Aides never stay on and I don’t carry them. When I get cut, I just find a napkin or something, put it over the cut, wrap it with electrical tape and get back to work.



Carpenter pencil- Regular pencils break to easy and they don’t leave a very dark line. Carpenter pencils are more durable and leave a dark line on whatever your marking.

Nail set- Used to sink the nail head below the surface or drive a nail into and area where the head of the hammer does not fit.

As I said, this is what is in my belt. You can add or delete.

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