Tool belts aren’t for everyone, but keeping your hand tools within reach makes any project much easier. Here’s an alternative: Make your own tool vest to fit every tool you need.
The ubiquitous toolbelt is a must-have for those who work in the trades as well as ardent DIY enthusiasts. Most offer the ability to add pouches of various sizes and include a loop to hold a hammer. But not everyone loves having tools and hardware dangling from their hips, especially if they are spending most of their day standing next to a workbench or doing a lot of crouching.
Tool vests like this one from Occidental Leather are becoming more popular with builders of all types. Chuck Miller of Fine Homebuilding is sporting one in a recent video we featured.
A more stylish option is making your own leather tool vest. The Samurai Carpenter has a disdain for tool belts, which drove him to make his own vest. Starting with 3mm thick leather that can be found at any leather supply store and a few tools and hardware, you can make a vest to your size and to fit your favourite tools.
Working with leather can be frustrating, and he makes it sound easy regarding the stitching and rivets, but with practice and patience you can make something you’ll be proud of.
Watch the video above for a full explanation of how he made his vest with tips to make your own. Skip to 6:06 to see how he attaches his Japanese saw which is fitting for a guy who calls himself the Samurai Carpenter.
The Ultimate Tool Vest [The Samurai Carpenter — YouTube]
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