I recently spoke with a contractor who plans to buy an Occidental Leather lefty-style tool belt, which has the tool pouch and fastener pockets on opposites sides compared to the regular righty style.
He didn’t outright mention Occidental Leather, but words like crazy cost clued me in really quick.
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I wrote about Occidental Leather only once before, when discussing their pricey now-discontinued Dr. Wood tool bag.
Contractors, and others who desire quick access to their tools and fasteners, usually look for 3 qualities: functionality, durability, and comfort. Are there any other qualities that matter?
Cost would be the fourth factor, but that’s the one quality that doesn’t really affect the tool belt or user after the first day it’s put to use.
Occidental Leather makes their tool belts and pouches here in the USA, which is going to be a plus for a lot of users. But that also contributes to their cost.
Occidental Leather’s products are also very, very expensive.
Generally, if I have to use something everyday, cost is one of the lesser factors that I consider when making a purchase. But cost cannot be ignored entirely.
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I own a tool belt – a ToughBuilt one I bought from Sears for cheap a few holiday seasons ago, and very rarely use it. I use pouches somewhat more frequently, but that still amounts to little use.
To me, Occidental Leather’s tool belts and pouches look great, but I can’t tell if their designs and USA manufacturing add up to the higher cost. Is their tool belt 5 times better than Custom Leathercraft’s at 5x the price?
If Occidental Leather’s belts, bags, and accessories are even 2x better, or better in notable ways, that could help justify the cost premium.
Occidental Leather designs look better, but a better looking design doesn’t always mean a more functional, durable, or comfortable product.
The user reviews I’ve seen are almost all extremely positive. But, with products such as these, self-justification could be at play. Nobody wants to think that their investment in a premium product doesn’t result in anything other than a better product.
For those of you who have used Occidental Leather’s tool belts or pouches before, are they worth the price?
If you use a tool belt or pouches, have you avoided Occidental Leather products due to their prices?
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Drew M
I like interchangeable pouches and such on my tool belt but something I haven’t seen is a system that allows you to lock those pouches in place on the belt. I HATE how they slide around and fall off the belt when I take it off.
schill
I use a system similar to what you want to carry my camera gear from Kinesis: http://www.kgear.com
ThinkTank Photo has similar belt systems which give you the option of fixing the pouches in place on the belt or allowing them to slide, depending on how you attach them: http://www.thinktankphoto.com
I know neither of these are systems for tools (and can get pretty expensive, too) but they are illustrations of what I think you are looking for.
I really like my Kinesis stuff.
fred
Once upon a time (before it was stolen in 1977) I had an Omnica German leather camera bag – outfitted to carry a Nikon F, extra body, several lenses, lens filters, ground glasses etc. It was superb quality – but it got replaced by a Tenba Codura nylon bag, a Nikon F2 etc. The new bag was cheaper, lighter and more practical. Nonetheless, I sometimes still mourn the loss of the old F and the leather bag – but not so much as I now typically carry a Canon SX700 in my pocket.
Larry.
Agreed! Electricians leather Klein belts ! Own one handed down from 1981 and still looks and functions like brand new/broken in……
BillMed
DUDE TOUGHBUILT! Go to Homedepot.com and search “Toughbult tool pouch” .
they are AMAZING! ive bought at least $250 worth of their stuff, including 24 extra clip hubs to hang places like in the van and shop, etc.
I have no complaints so far and ive been using them for almost a year now. Ive got just about every pouch, their knee pads, saw horses. When i had ordered my first couple pouches etc, the only place i could find them for a reasonable price was Menards. Its also worthy to mention that Menards actually has a larger stock of toughbuilt pouches and accessories thank home depot does, so you’ll find a couple extra tool bags and a few more accessories, definitely worth a look. Home depot just started stocking toughbuilt pouches recently, but had had a few other products by them such as the saw horses. TB will definitely be the new big name company soon, as they are coming out with so many great innovations in the tool world.
Cr8ondt
Grabbed a Tough Built rig at Menards on sale for $25. I’ve picked up a couple add-ons for it… Gotta say its its treated me better than rigs I’ve bought a 3x the price!!! I figured for how cheap it was I’d give it a shot, I’m impressed, I can’t find a reason to not recommend them. Wow I feel like I just gave a product endorsement and as a nobody with a hammer I guess I just did.
CarpenterJames
Garbage! tough built is absolute garbage! I got suckered in by all the bells and whistles. I thought I’d take a shot when I needed to replace my 8 year old leather bags from Lowe’s. Didn’t even last a year. I use my bags almost every day, and I’m hard on my tools. If you’re just a weekend warrior, a DIYer or work in a shop you don’t need Occidentals. But any real carpenter that works in the field will tell you, they are the best, and worth every penny. Made in America and holds true to the idea of what that really means.
Kenny J
God damn right!
Tom Smith
I have worn Occidental tool belts since 1983. Just purchased my third one. They are worth every penny. I’m 63 years old and know I won’t wear it out before I die but when I find something this good I stay loyal to the product.
Mr. X
I have an Occidental belt and bags that I use for carpentry work. I brought it to the local cobbler shop and had him install two rivets through the bag loop of each bag, right through the belt. ($10, five minutes) This locks the bags exactly where I want them. I do the same with my electrician belt and belt/bag.
Occidental products are not for hobbyists. They are professional level and built to last. There is a break-in period and it takes time and effort to make them custom fit. This is worth it as is the high price. My Occidental stuff is going on 10 years of regular use. It works and looks great with regular saddle-soap cleaning and a light coating of Bag-Balm. (yes, that stuff)
Chris
Kenny J
Amen
Jonno
Have you heard of Buckaroo? The keepers on the upper belt act as separators so your tool holders and bags can’t move around.
jesse carty
Buy a back support and when you loop the belt through it has loops like your pants do so you put your pouches in between the loops and then they dont move
Ryan Garrott
Dead On Tools Belt from home depot had velcro around the belt and it locks each pouch into place
fred
Toolbelts in general seem to spawn lot of comments. I had guys who used them out of something akin to love, some out of necessity – and others who felt they were useless or even perhaps dangerous. As they say “there is no accounting for tastes”.
I don’t recall ever buying an Occidental toolbelt – but did buy some from CLC – with mixed thoughts. We used to use some PowerNail brand floor nailers – and wanted to replace one Powernail toolbag that was somehow lost. We found out that it was sourced from Occidental Leather – and cost something like $75 – we decided on something else.
In my home shop – I more often wear a shop apron – I have 3 of them (Bucket Boss, Husky and one I got as a promotion from a Woodworking magazine). None of the aprons are perfect – but I like them better than tool belts for my style of work
Kimber
I have an early(1985) Occidental set of bags that served me very well for many years for framing and trim carpentry. Very well made and well designed. These seemed quite expensive when I got them, but they were leagues(way more than 5x) better than the competition; I would buy them again if I was still working in the field full time. The roomy pouches have dedicated sleeves for essential items: chalk reel, Chisels, catspaw, various pencils, speed square, tri-square.
I preferred separate components with tape measure in the back so I could reach it with either hand. It is pretty easy to set up snaps or suspender hooks that keep the bags rom sliding off and then easy enough to add a block plane holster(no one but Occidental made one of those), a clip for drill or nail gun or a custom scabbard for a large timber framing chisel.
These days I wear carpenters pants(Duluth, Skillers, Bjornklader, Blaklader) that are easy to add pouches or tool holders to. Thats great for most activities, but for framing I will still don the old occidental rig. It’s like an old friend that never let me down.
Kenny J
That’s right, it’s always some asshole that doesn’t know the pain of dat in and day out go till you drop framing that has anything to say negative about occidental
Todd H.
I have several great tool belts and have tried the Occidental Leather one as well, my verdict? Their nothing special, just another company like Festool that thinks they’ll charge whatever they want. Don’t get me wrong Festool is a great Brand what but how much more can it do compared to Dewalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, etc??? Exactly! Not too much more! Little but higher price for quality, okay i’ll pay it, but double or triple the price. Your just a fraud that should be put out of business.
John G
My sentiments exactly!
Brandon
I agree mostly about festool, they’re great if you work alone or in a shop, but they’re really not cut out for typical job sites.
I disagree about oxy’s. They’re worth the mark up 10 fold. They’ll last longer, they’re more convenient, and they’re custom built for different trades. You’ll blow through half a dozen sets of clc pouches before your oxy’s need to be sent for repair. At that point you’re wasting money and time.
Also, they’re made in the usa, that’s always a bonus.
Tom
Please tell me about your experience using a milwaukee track saw, or Dewalts Rotex style sander, or Bosch’ domino machine. You can’t because they don’t exist. It’s not a true comparison if you’re comparing brands that don’t offer the same tools. It’s as simple as that…
You’re paying for for innovation and engineering, not just a name. It’s always the guys that won’t spend the money that complain about the cost
Same as these belts. You get what you pay for.
Brandon
You can get track saws from other manufacturers, and biscuit joiners aren’t new. I don’t actually need any of that stuff for the carpentry I do. Either way, festool just isn’t cut out for production carpentry.
Jerry
Even my budget minded carpenter friends balk at their cost, but the few I have seen are top notch. Part of the cost seems to be in the quality of the tanning, as Occixental items don’t seem to crack split or age like cheaper ones will. In my mind, they are probably worth double or a little more, but not 5X the price. What I would like to see would be a system of interchangeable pouches/holders that lock to the belt. It can be done, I sometimes use a military surplus belt (the one with two rows of holes all around it) and pouches in my work. The pouches that fit are limited in selection, but they go on/off easily, and don’t slide around. For most construction, though, I use a regular tool belt.
Ross
I have several of their pouches and think that they are great. When comparing their products to the other high end professional tool belts that are available their prices seem pretty much in line. For example look at another well regarded manufacture Diamond Back ( http://www.toolbelts.com/ ) to see what their competitors charge. If comparing them to mass produced big box store tool belts then they seem very expensive though I don’t think they are really competing in that market.
Jim D
We sell occidental belts and they have had only positive feedback. The quality and warranty are unmatched.
When you work 40-60 hours a week and always have your tool belt on, you start to know where everything is without having to look. When your belt breaks and you have to get a new one, the learning curve for the new belt can cost you a lot of time on the jobsite. This is what makes Occidental so great. They have been making belts for decades and you can buy most of the same styles.
This allows you to replace your belt with no downtime.
James
I am another retailer of occidental and while some customers mouths go agape when they see the price, that’s usually not the reason why they don’t buy it. And I’m in Canada so my prices are even higher right now! I had a customer come in with a belt that was 30+ years old. Some of the stitching was starting to go so we sent it to Occidental and they fixed it, no questions asked! Lifetime warranty on stitching and rivets is what sells the belts. Their leather products are top notch and really hard to beat. If you wear a belt all day, an occidental system should definitely be a consideration for you.
Donal
I were a tool vest I find that it spreads the weight better than a tool blet.
Marty
I was going through this same scenario earlier this year and opted for the belt that is at the header of this article. I wear a belt on a daily basis and I would usually get 1-3 years out of one. I’ve had CLC, Dead on and Dewalt belts in the past and after some deliberation decided that the extra cost was warranted.
I’ve been using this Occidental belt since about April and have never regretted the money. It still looks brand new and even tough it’s mostly fabric, it’s incredibly durable. I also had a set of suspenders from a past belt that I set up on this one and that makes it even more comfortable to wear all day.
I prefer the fabric over leather for weight and flexibility. The only issue I had was with the hammer loop. I ended up buying a leather klein branded loop because I was having trouble with the hammer handle getting caught up.
mike aka Fazzman
Never had a need for a supergood one but these are supposed to be really well made. on another note,ive heard the milwaukee belt was really good. If i were a contractor type or similar id totally have one of these. I wouldnt mind one just for my electrical gear.
The issue id probally not like is break in time with good leather ones.
Brandon
There’s really no break in, the leather is pretty supple. Over time they do conform to you and your tools though.
mike aka Fazzman
Excellent to know,thank you 🙂
sloth
I’ve got a couple of different Occidental bags, belts, and vest.
The love the leather ones but they have one very very bad quality: when sweating a lot, the dye reddish dye will leach out of the leather and stain the clothes you are wearing underneath. I’ve ruined some pants and shirts this way. Other than that the leather ones are great.
I did not care for their nylon electricians sets. Just too big and bulky for the type of work I do. I also found the vest too be too hot during the warmer months but I lent it to a coworker and he loved it. Never went back to a tool belt after that.
Brandon
Leather occidental pouches will last the better part of your career while pouches made of cordura and cheaper leather like the junk from clc will last a couple years at best if you wear them every day. My oxys are a decade old and still going strong. If they get holes you can send them in for repair. All the tool holders are permanently molded to the tools I use and my body.
I’ve used a few cheaper sets of pouches, they don’t last nearly as long and they just don’t offer the convenience either. Occidentals are purpose built for the trade you’re in. You buy their framers and you have a spot for every framing tool you’d carry daily with easy access. Buy the trimmers or the electricians pouches and it’s the same.
I make damn good money as a carpenter, so barely a days pay for something I’ll have for 15-20 years is a no brainer. There’s a good chance over that time they’ll pay for themselves with the added convenience.
If you’re pinching pennies on tools and work gear, you might be in the wrong trade.
Ray
I bought a set of the Occidentals when the hardware store had a 50% off sale on them , they are great pouches for framing work (metal or wood) and for working off staging or anything drill intense as they fit a impact driver in them well without needing a special holster.
I still prefer my old Craftsman leather bags (still going strong after 8 years) as they are smaller for trim work and tight spaces.
I think if I could get in a groove of doing the same thing for a few months in a row and leave my Occidentals set up one way and really take advantage of the storage space I would be head over heels for them. They are definitely very well made.
Matt
I have the electrician’s pocket caddy and absolutely love it. Just diy, not a pro though. I’ve used belts on and off but they just end up collecting dust. The pocket caddy design is great though. I’m rewiring a whole house and being able to grab my tools and slip them in my back pocket has been great. Totally worth it.
http://www.occidentaltoolpouch.com/Occidental-Leather-5053-Electricians-Pocket-Caddy-5053.htm
Grady
I have two leather tool belts each of which are for different jobs. One is a Craftsman from the mid 80’s, the other is a store brand from a construction supply. The Craftsman is still rocking, the store brand has been patched and repatched.
The thought of purchasing an Occidental has never crossed my mind. The cost was beyond prohibitive.
However, I can think of nothing more impressive than showing up for work the first day wearing a beautifully crafted leather tool belt. EMPTY be cause I had no money left over to buy tools!
Lukas
Most of the people who use tool belts at work have Occidental ones, but we live pretty close to where they’re made. That might have something to do with it. I have one I bought for work that I don’t use, but I don’t like wearing a tool belt. I do have one of their totes I use around the house. It’s beautiful. Personally I have zero problem paying extra for quality made in USA items, especially if it’s a small local company. Diminishing returns are present no matter what product you talk about so I’m not sure what the big deal is
Robert
I purchased a canvas style one several years ago, the left hand options along with USA made sold me, don’t regret the purchase.
Scott Arnold
Occidental has designed the NoSpill ™ Tool Holder System to prevent tools from fallout of your belt when you bend over. This is a nice feature especially if you are working in bathrooms with beautiful tile floors or freshly laid dining room hardwood floors. There is nothing worse then having our tools fall out of your belt and damage the flooring.
There is something to say about a company that has been turning out top quality, and industry leading tool belts since 1980. While significantly priced higher then other brands, you are getting far better quality.
Occidental Leather is the cream of the crop of tool belts, and I’m sure you’d agree if you tried one out. So now that I have had my “Occidental Experience,” I must say Occidental was right on point. If you are a professional contractor and wear a tool belt daily, why not wear the best?
John Kenny
I’ve bought 3 different bags for me from Occidental (and a couple of their pocket caddies as gifts). I like a couple of things about them-made in the USA, small shop, near custom quality.
My pouches are used for handtools. I’ve done maintenance work and their designs hold what I need and also hold up. Lesser pouches have worn down, discolored, just look beat up. These still look good. The oldest one is 25 years old. You pay a price for this but what my father told me about work fits this product “You can argue about price but never about quality”.
Daniel M
I really enjoy my occidental leather tool pouch. I wear it 40 hours a week. I find it quite comfortable. It is an industrial pro electrician, Adjust to fit style. I have only had it for a year but it seems to be holding up very well. I use the suspension system with it too. Once set up correctly you hardly notice it and having the tools right there where you need is awesome. Every time I pick it as I am putting it on I am astonished at home much weight I carry around with me and not notice. It’s very well built, obviously made in the USA. The cost I think can mostly be associated with limited production runs and handbuilt nature. If they were mass produced in a foreign country I think they would be making out like bandits. A few improvements I would and likely will make would be to add some snaps to the bigger open pockets to stop small parts from falling out. For me and what I do as a pro electricain it works wonderfully and intend to use it for many years to come.
duke5572
Here’s my story. I dragged my girlfriend into Harry Epstein’s retail store about three years ago, and she saw me slobbering over the seven-bag framer belt. Next Christmas, I found it under the tree. Now, the worst part—it’s still sitting in a box, unused. I just can’t stand to beat on it and ruin it. I’ve been wearing the same CLC belt for a few years now, and it is getting worn out, especially the corners of the bags. Nothing more annoying than getting stabbed in the leg by a chisel or screwdriver as it pokes out. The CLC has, in general, worn pretty well considering the level of abuse I subject it to. I spend a fair amount of time on shingles, often laying down doing siding. This beats the hell out of shoes, pants, tool belts, everything that touches asphalt shingles takes a beating.
I’ve considered setting up my Occidental bags just as a “finish belt” to be used for interior trim work or light framing, but it seems inefficient to drag two belts around. At some point I’ll just have to bite the bullet and start wearing it!
Ben
I’ve been using occidental leather tool for 3 years and see no end in site. I have the original one peice tool belt with sheep wool lining. It has pouches that are attached to the belt. They are perfectly crafted for carpenters who want something that is going to look and perform as well as the day you bought it 3 years ago.
Also this is the only company that fit waist size of the smaller men like myself. This tool belt get more comfort each time I wear it. The tools are put in places that maximize working functionality.
I don’t know how o ever worked with anything else. Now I see every other pouch system as leases quality. It goes to show you get what you pay for. That is in tool pouches ( leather ones).
Robert
Although not tool related, I have an interesting perspective. I’ve been wearing gun belts to work for about 30 years now. In the beginning, leather was of course the thing. It was generally believed that if you took good care of them, you could get decades of wear out of them.
When the nylon tactical stuff came out, I was very reluctant. I had it in my mind that it would have nowhere near the longevity of the leather. I’m the type who’s the first to admit when I’m wrong. I firmly believe in giving credit where it’s due. What we’ve discovered is that the nylon is not only holding up BETTER, but it’s lighter and requires far less maintenance. I never thought I’d say it in the beginning, but I’m sold on nylon these days. Leather is not my first choice anymore.
Although some nylon products can be pricey too, I’m not willing to pay for the so-called longevity and durability of leather anymore.
Sean
I wouldnt use any other tool belt. When you wear a belt for 8+ hours a day you want it to be comfortable and efficient. I used the production carpenters set of green bags until I was fed up with the tape being on my right. I switched to the Nylon black trim pouch fastener bag on my left and just a nylon utility pouch on my right. I try to keep everything minimalistic. Its perfect for cold framing, drywall, ceilings, doors and much more. For everything interior trim related I just use a tape on my pocket and a pencil in my ear.
Vaheh
Occidental is hands down the best tool bags money can buy. If you’re a professional who relies on your tools to make you money then chances are these are around your waist. Maybe it’s just in LA but guys don’t balk at the prices because they all know the value and truth be told they’re the cheapest bags you can buy because they last. They are the default tool bags for tradesmen around here. The price argument is really yawn inducing.
Sam
Thank you. They really aren’t expensive if you look at.
Richard
I am a Remodeler……and I own the Occidental Leather Pro Framer (all leather). It serves ALL my needs from frame to finish . But comparing to CLC…..is apples to oranges. I paid $250 for my Oxy’s…….and CLC is over $100 for a set……or if you buy the individual componenets. Oxy’s are not 5x the cost where I work in North Carolina…..and I bought them on Amazon.
The Oxy’s will probably outlive me!. But CLC certainly will not. Plus…..CLC design seems to sag after break in……and fasteners spill out at the slightest movement.
Besides superior function and durability…..Oxy’s end up less expensive in the long run.
I’ve worn both brands …….and my CLC’s have been in storage since my Oxy’ s arrived 5 years ago. The Pro Framer…..with the 3 inch nylon padded belt provides more comfort and function than anything else I’ve ever had. Your toolbelt is you most used “tool”…..so quality is important. Does anyone on this thread (who is a pro) have a $40 circular saw?
Sam
It depends on what you do? I work everyday an use my belt everyday. I bought occidental leather for that reason. I like good quality and I don’t mind spending the money for it. You can wear tough built that’s fine. Anyways. I think occidental leather is worth the cost. They’re just such a great product an the more you use them they become more comfortable, handy, an just down right awesome rigs.
James
I had a low end CLC belt that I really liked but it disintegrated after about 6 months of use. I bought a higher end CLC full framer rig with suspenders and I absolute hated it. The bags were massive and widened out at the top, causing the bags to be even bigger when full and let tools and fasteners fall out constantly! After 6 months as a full time carpenter I bit the. Ulcer and bought an Oxy Trimmer rig with the stronghold suspenders and the essentials organizer for the left side of the suspenders. Now, after another 6 months I could never go back. The bags are not only plants big but they are stocked so they kind of tuck back in when not filled. The fabric looks like new, which is pretty amazing considering I got through about one pair of carhartts every 2 months or so her in the Seattle winter/mud. There’s room for everything I need as a remodeler, which is much more than a typical framer. Combine all of these things with the warranty and I’d buy another one tomorrow if this one was stolen. Like someone above said, we make pretty damn good money in the trades. My entire Oxy rig was about $350 after everything was said and done. That’s 10 hours of work in trade for the most important tool that I must use 8 hours every day. All I could think about when I wore the CLC rig was how I wanted to change it to be better and more comfortable. All I think about when I throw on my Oxys every day is what a wise investment I made. I do t wear cheap, uncomfortable boots to work. I’m for sure not settling for a poorly planned and uncomfortable 25lb weight that I have to wear around my shoulders and waist all day, every day. Cheers
Richard
I am a Remodeler so my work varies from Framing to trim…..Cabinets…..Decks….flooring and specialized Carpentry Projects. I wear my tool belt about 10 hours a day 6 days a week. At first……I could not justify the cost of an Occidental rig. But then it hit me…..I already spent more than that on “regular” tool belts from all the well known companies.! They would last about 2 years then would need replacement. So I purchased the Occidental Leather Pro Framer and never looked back. It is a FAR SUPERIOR product in all the ways that matter. I also purchased the Finisher Belt. Also great. Then my feeble little exhausted mind realized I didn’t have to purchase a “set”…….so I gave some thought to creating ONE tool rig. I wear the Occidental leather 5018 on my right side…..and the Occidental Leather B8064 on my left. The Occidental 3 inch padded Belt and the occidental leather hammer holder. With this setup…….I am ready for anything the day calls for. I won’t bore you with what tools I keep in them……but no matter what the days work is……I just grab my rig and I’m ready. I’ve had this setup now for 7 years and it still feels “new”. Believe me…..they get a lot of abuse…..and have been wet and dry and hot and cold. But most importantly……they are designed very well and increase how efficient I work. Ocudental Leather claims thier bags are designed by tradesman……and I think that’s true. The initial cost may seem high…..but for the durability and design…..in the long run…..they are actually a bargain.
Just a nother bill payer
One can’t explain what you don’t know. All of us think we’re king of the hill. But sadly there is always a bigger hill, and some mountains. I had an Oregon contracting license, and loved my oxys. Had to roll up little shop, and join the union as a carpenter, in 09. Now I work under tower cranes and hang my bags in a konex. Every set of bags on every harness, is Occidental.
If there is a better built set of bags out there we’d buy them. They last union guys two to four years, residential guys three to five at least. Just my experience, facts to me, opinion to you.
Bill Johnson
I am using an Occidental Leather 8580 . It’s a great tool belt but bit expensive. recommend tool belt to buy.
Jamie
Toughbuilt tool belts are total shit. Mine lasted 7months. Wearing that thing for 8 hours a day was a miserable experience. You can spend $80 every 6 months on a Chinese hunk of crap or $300 once for a nice set of Occidentals. In the long run you save money with Occidentals.
Richard Smith
Just my 2 cents.
The reason for the cost is there made in the USA by adult Americans of whom deserve an honest wage.
If we used child labor at $1 a day then the price would be reduced considerably.
As for the quality of them, nothing better for a heavy construction Carpenter and if your in the Union as I am then USA all the way.
Local 777
King Aaronbz
ive had my occidentals for 12 years now and they still are in great shape, leather os faded like an old baseball glove but they are so comfortable and fit me perfect still. its like a good pair of redwing boots, u cant beat it. for the last five years i havnt really used them that often i must admit cause i do mostly finish work now and we dont wear tool bags cause u dont want tools swinging from ur waste and damaging the finished product. now im mostly working in my tool vest, i have a skillers vest which i liked at first but couldnt stand things falling out of my pockets everytime i bent over, my current vest is from a brand called tiger trend and its the best vest out there in my opinion and the pockets are only attached at the top so when u lean forward they swing so nothing falls out
Edgar
I bought mine 10 months ago and one of the bags is caming a part so I call Occidental for repairs that was 3 weeks ago and still waiting for them to return them. Well on my experience with the bags I will not recommend to buy because they dont last long. If any one here can recomend a good brand.