For those professionals who need all their most useful tools within arm’s reach but also need to climb ladders, work on roofs and scale scaffolding, a tool belt can be their very best friend.  Simply load it up, clip it on and go – for no more unproductive back and forth trips with impeccable organisation and secure protection.  Some like a suspender feature for ideal weight distribution, others prefer a pouch belt for easy access when the eyes are on the job, and all have the freedom to customise the number and layout of the pockets and compartments depending on the work environment and personal preference.

All ready to roll?  Hang on just a second, because before you start using a tool belt with safety, confidence and maximum efficiency, the last thing you want to do is get high up on that ladder or in another precarious remote location and start fumbling around for the tool you need at that moment.

So how is tool belt organisation done?  Luckily, there are only a few principles you need to adhere to:

1. What’s the dominant hand?

Many tools are not specifically right or left-handed – but you probably are!  It just makes sense to first identify which are your most commonly used tools, and then give them the most intuitive home so you can reach down with your dominant hand and get to work.  It’s not just for convenience, because something as seemingly innocuous as transferring a fiddly tool from one hand to another can so easily result in a disruptive and unsafe fumble.

2. Size matters

Size may not matter for a lot of things in life, but it definitely matters when you want your tools to walk that fine line between easy accessibility on the fly and firm security when stashed and on the move.  And it’s not just enough to slip or slot that tool in a pocket. You’ll need to give it the jump and twist test as well to ensure that when you’re on the move. It won’t fall out – and for that some compartments that can be closed and secured may be necessary.

3. Give your tools a permanent home

The most efficient tool-wielding professionals are borderline obsessive about their tool belt organization. And if you’ve ever watched one busily at work. Pulling tools out and stashing them on the fly has clearly become a case of ‘muscle memory’.  Think of it like touch-typing, where once you glance down even for a moment. The whole flow of the writing of that sentence is disturbed.  The same is true for the busy tool user. So once your tools have their rightful place, that’s where they always shall live.

4. Get the right balance

While suspender features are great for taking the load off the lower back. The simple task of finding the ideal left-right balance across your tool belt is also critical for worker balance and efficiency.  An unbalanced tool belt will always pull down on the most heavily weighed side. Either affecting the wearer’s equilibrium when in the most hazardous situations or compromising the security of the tools. Which are intend to physically stash as the designer imagine.

Once you get your new tool belt in your hot little hands with all the features. And configuration that will work best for your workplace and application, here’s how to get start:

• Inspect the condition each time you use it
• Only stash the tools you’ll need for the day’s tasks
• Use the suspenders for heavy tool belts or if you’ll be moving & bending a lot.

For those professionals who are on the move and need the tools of their trade at the mere reach of a hand, tool belts are a God-send.  There’s an awful lot to choose from in the exciting modern range of tool belts. Tool pouches and other wearable work belts, however, so if you need a little bit of extra guidance with your selection, don’t be shy to get in touch with RS today.