Old Carpenter Invents Revolutionary New Hammer Holder

All hammer holders on the market are inefficient and problematic. After thinking about this idea for years, I finally made it happen. Why hasn't someone else thought of this?

[@herrickkimball]

To clarify... The hammer holder that I show in this video is a CONCEPT PROTOTYPE. It is NOT a fully developed idea for a handle-up hammer holder. If I were an equipped and experienced leather worker I would craft the handle holder using all leather (no wood sides) and I would incorporate large and small pockets, along with tool holder slots, similar to the Occidental Leather bags I have. ALSO, I am aware of handle-up axe and hatchet holders. They are a great idea that has been around a long time. But I have never seen a handle-up hammer holder. It would not surprise me if someone else has come up with this idea. If you are aware of another You-Tube video showing a handle-up hammer holder, please post the link or links. 👍

[@RoyatAvalonFarms]

Oh, I should have come back to read this before I added my most recent comment. This was what I was thinking too. Good plan.

[@hardwareful]

BullWhip Hammer Holder ;)

[@zpdrsn6315]

Hey Herrick I am a 22 year old student who has worked on a framing crew every break from school since I was 17 I really like ur videos, I also keep my hammer head down in the nail bag, It keeps it from hitting my knee as-well as allows for a quick draw, I have been a asked many times why I do this and have never seen anyone else carry their hammer this way. It’s nice to kno I am not completely alone.

[@herrickkimball]

Excellent. It's so logical to have the handle up in a convenient location for fast access. Especially if you are a framer. 👍👍👍

[@wallace49]

I've been using an Occidental metal loop type hammer holder for 50 years. I can remove my hammer with one hand and slide my hand down the handle in one smooth motion that takes about one second. I don't like the feeling of the handle sticking up against my side when I put the hammer upside down in my pouch, and it doesn't feel stable either. I know it's just a prototype, but your holder seems bulky while blocking access to pouches and allowing the handle to bang against my funny bone. I love your enthusiasm but I'll have to pass on this one.

[@alesrus7660]

Exactly what I thought… idea is interesting, but because of concept of hammer’s body it’s not practical, takes too much space, handle sticking out can be problematic and it restricts the way to other tools

[@elizabethjohnson475]

I only see my husband using a hammer and tool bags when he's framing. Time is of the essence when framing, and you want your hammer in and out quickly. For this reason I can appreciate this new invention. Afterward, his tool belt is in the back seat of his truck. For the right job, you need the right tool. On a paying job, time counts, especially when you have a crew. They don't want to wait on you, and you don't want to wait on them. This is the right tool!

[@chanaguerrero5762]

This man is a national treasure.

[@jimmierodgers2397]

The only problem with this is when you start crawling around on roofs, rafters and in crawl spaces it could fall out. Look out below right? Put a strong magnet in the bottom to hold the hammer in and it would be much safer. I'm going to make one of these (with the magnet). Thank you.

[@RoyatAvalonFarms]

Herrick, I understand the problem as you explained. I use a similar rig to your belt with 2 bags. My biggest problem with my hammer is that it flops around as I walk or twist as I'm working and that's an aggravation. However, I'm not in love with the design of your holder. It is very similar to the axe holders which foresters use and I dont like those either. Heres why. From its width, it takes up a bunch of real estate frontage around the belt and basically eliminates the capacity for one of the side pouches. Adding places for other tools will help, but still not as much as a good multi pocket pouch. Second, i dont like the rigidness of the pouch with the wood sides. It's not as flexible as a soft sided pouch. Plus, that hollow clinking sound of the hard hammer dropping into that hard wood box of a pouch would drive me insane. And not only from dropping it into the slot, but also from it rattling around. I think your prototype definitely accomplishes the purpose you intended. I agree that it could be handy to have access to the handle, though it never was much of a problem for me. But for me, the initial design does not look appealing as something I'd go after to buy. And I dont mean any offense on any of these points. Just an honest opinion as you asked for. These kind of options for tools are very personal from one man to another. None of them wrong. Just my preference. Thanks.

[@herrickkimball]

Thanks for the feedback. The holder is a concept prototype. I don’t envision that any company would ever sell a holder made like I show here, especially with a pine frame. If I had the tools and skills to make it all leather, with accessory bags and tool spaces, I would have done that. 👍🏻

[@brotherbreeze8351]

If the sound is an issue one might line the box in felt or leather - maybe put a magnet in a corner to kinda hold it in place? But it does take up a lot of room if you have other bags in your belt.

[@RoyatAvalonFarms]

@@herrickkimball ah that's some good modifications. So it could be made of fairly stiff leather in the box shape to reasonably hold it open for shape. Leather could definitely take that form to bend at corners and use good brass rivets and stitching. Maybe somehow that pocket could be designed into the traditional carpenter pouches where that pocket is closest to the belt, while the others are softer flexible leather for the additional pockets as part of a whole pouch. And if in the hammer well, the leather is not stiff enough by itself, maybe it could be designed with 2 layers of leather with a rigid plastic stiffener sandwiched inside the layers to help hold the shape. Surely a quality belr/pouch manufacturer could modify an existing large pouch to accommodate a hammer well.

[@8chohgee135]

@@brotherbreeze8351 I like that magnet idea.

[@robertfrost5020]

from your comment - it's not really rocket science to overcome these issues - great feedback :)

[@danielabel3826]

They have those for loggers and wild land firefighters but they are made for large hatchet or small axe called a pounder (you can use whatever size or make as pounder, that name is not specific to one make or size) and it’s called that because they use it to drive wedges when felling trees. Weaver leather supply makes one and somebody else makes one out of metal.

[@repoman6034]

Have a look at the newer hammer sleeves from Diamondback and others. Using a sleeve is even faster because the hammer always stays in a vertical orientation. It is more stable and secure when in the sleeve, and also very light and compact.

[@kencornelius9584]

Same concept as a fallers wedge banger holster or pouch. Great idea "reimagining" that concept! I like it!

[@joshuarosevelt6476]

I feel like it is just a hard shell tool pouch. Enjoy the creativity!

[@Karl_B]

When I was wearing tool belts I gave up on the included hammer holder and went with the closed metal loop or "snap-in" open metal loop. I liked the snap in kind as I just reached around back and snapped it in while holding the claw/head of the hammer. When I needed the the hammer I reached around and grabbed the head and pulled it up and out. When I brought it up front I just tossed it upwards and caught it by the handle in short order. Now I rarely ever wear a tool belt. I just keep a hammer near me as I am installing cabinets (rubber/plastic hammer.) Conceptually you have a great idea, but then again you are an idea man! I still have your "Chickenhead door knocker plan" (2017) which I haven't made -- yet. Best wishes and keep the ideas coming. Using our brains is great for our brain health!

[@8chohgee135]

Sounds like what most guys I work with do. Some of these guys can kick the bottom of their hammer and pop it out and catch right on the handle without even looking. I ain't got that kind of coordination.

[@herrickkimball]

Hi Karl, Perhaps 2023 will be the year you finally get that chickenhead door knocker made! 😂 I took mine off the house a couple months back (5 years after I put it up). It still worked perfectly, but the paint was significantly weathered. Thanks for the comment.

[@VaderViktor]

this is great and all, but I see issues with this. People use hammer loops for more than just claw hammers, they use them for mauls, mallets, smithing hammers, etc. With a box like this, wouldnt you have to manufacture different kinds of hammer slots? maybe this is still possible, having a larger slot closest to you in a tool pouch, with the rest of the pouches hanging off that. The hammer pouch is a bit more rigid and protected, both for the sake of your leg, the accessibility and efficiency of the pouch, and more. Perhaps once that balance between rigid and soft is found, there will be a hammer slot that isnt too large but still works for most hammers.

[@sktruesdale]

I would recommend using kydex as your material for the frame. It's light weight and durable. Maybe lined with leather.

[@markbernier8434]

My first thought was to mount a rare earth magnet on one side near the bottom. On the side so the hammer slides out when pulled not in the bottom where you would have to yank hard. The magnet would ensure the hammer stays put when you lean or bend. I'd also make it all leather with a reinforced mouth and bottom.

[@frogtoesdynamite5741]

it's a good idea, however you are trading practicality for functionality, depending on the trade you work in, you will likely need to carry more than just a hammer so that means you are adding extra bulk and weight just to save 2.8 seconds to flip your hammer over, so this only works if the only tool you use excessively all day is a hammer, and if you use a hammer that much you'd be faster and more efficient with a framing nailer

[@jmarylastone]

how about adding 2 "loops" - kind of like a gun holster - one that keeps your hammer "in place" when not using it (so it will not fall out) and one to keep it "tight" to your leg so it doesn't flop around

[@highwatercircutrider]

That’s just a west coast tree fallers ‘wedge banger holder’. Or in other words tree faller’s ax holder, to bang in wedges.

[@chrislamarr]

Hello Herrick!! Long time follower, since the old Taurus wagon field car. This is really a neat little gadget. Could even be incorporated into a standard tool pouch/mail pouch. Have a Merry Christmas!!!! Chris

[@herrickkimball]

Wow. The Taurus wagon field car was a very long time ago. Those were the "good old days" for my kids. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[@ComfortablyNumbMusic]

This is awesome!!!! I know you say that you don’t want anything, but you deserve 50% of the profits. To whoever takes on the manufacturing of this you better give this man his due!

[@unionse7en]

haha.. i get your drift, but ideas are worth no where near 50%.... all the hard work happens after the idea.

[@clovisprojectdiy]

I have been developing my own tool belt system for the past few months. Some of my add ons will be made of kydex. It is a heat moldable "plastic" that is very sturdy and fairly lightweight. This would be easily doable with such a material and could be slid into a pouch if you wanted to achieve a certain look or simply be the visible piece. It is used to make holsters and knife sheaths typically. I watched this with the sound off. Maybe it was mentioned, maybe not. I've been doing some update vids if interested in checking me out. Any time I see a vid like this pop up, I check it out. Pretty solid idea. I see a few guys every now and then drop in like this in a bolt bag around back...

[@jayyski9387]

Hey! I find the idea very good and let be honest; revolutionary, nobody thought about that or I am not aware of it. Can it be upgraded in some ways? Yes, maybe include a tool bag attached to this system, but the idea is great! I really am looking forward to see it become an actual product 😊

[@shermanhofacker4428]

I use a wire loop on the end of the handle that is grabbed by clips on the belt. One on each side so I can clip it no matter which hand is swinging the hammer.

[@bencaron7880]

Good idea but has already been done for fillers for their axes. That's how they keep their axes On their tool belt.

[@beerdrinker6452]

The Hammer Caddie. Nice video.

[@miketayse]

Looks great!

[@Mike-yl6hs]

DUDE you could carry an elephant in there!

[@peterbarlow8912]

You need some spaghetti western music when you whip the hammer out of the whiz bang hip box. What you don’t have a 3D printer?! Dickies work pants have the old school loop built in. I have the metal part of an old leather and rod hammer loop ready to screw to a wall to hold a hammer and a cordless drill belt clip center stage.

[@wolverine1694]

You got something there brother... simple and efficient... I like it... God bless

[@pareidoliarocks]

Interesting idea

[@TheSavagederek]

I think ill stick with the steel loop on my bag . That is one very bulky holder 😂

[@1jumbox]

I have use a left hand draw, the right hand bag is just too busy for a hammer. Keep the hammer on the left side , reach acrossed, and it is there. Every time!!

[@henderstoned]

I loved it! Wish I had one when I was in the framing trade!

[@ajcosson1370]

Excellent idea the problem is the size of the prototype. At least I mean you’re talking about having to replace an entire side of your toolbelt. Otherwise it would be way too much weight cause they’re does need to be a better hammer holding solution though that’s for sure.

[@kevinparmelee5609]

You’re losing that entire side of the tool belt just for a hammer spot

[@robertfrost5020]

you are missing the fundamental design of an Estwing hammer here and their massive market - great video - thanks

[@josephlinares96]

Love the idea, especially if we can put some bags on it

[@MrJbunch1]

Nice idea but trade men are the hardest to convince, learned this 40 years ago but what I like about you is the your still thinking

[@talltimberswoodshop7552]

Forestry Service uses an aluminum holder like that for their hatchets they carry.

[@jechezeqel7376]

amen brother

[@gon2westexas]

A similar concept to an aluminum axe scabbard used in logging.

[@8chohgee135]

Aint' similar. It's exactly the same concept. Just executed a bit differently.

[@lightbulb68]

Nice idea. Could be practical to some people. Can you consider to place rare earth magnets on the bottom so the hammer will never going to lose its place.

[@RO8infinity]

Put strong magnet on the belt

[@christopherblare6414]

My biggest concerns are: Weight - young folks will carry around 10 lbs of nails for fun. Not everyone is that though. Space - how does this work as a larger system? I need a better hammer holder, I don't need to replace an entire side pouch to get it. On that front, mobility could also be a concern, but honestly less so. Is the juice worth the squeeze? I'll agree it's annoying to have to grap the head of the hammer. But how much time does it cost me? 1-2 seconds? Tops. That's not nothing but it's also not the end of the world. I think this is a good idea, I see the potential. But like you said, this is just a prototype.

[@k.d.8924]

as a hammer holder that's great, but you lose the bag on that side. Seems to me like that design would be best adapted to an extra slim-line pouch on the bag, like the speed square holster only larger.

[@TheBloodyKnuckle]

Iron workers have been carrying their beaters in a bolt bag like that for ever, and most all loggers in the PNW carry their axe in a similar aluminum sheath for many years, so it's not a new idea, except maybe for carpenters.😉

[@jameslyons1661]

Thank you ❤

[@Mr539forgotten]

You actually want the head up when operating a hammer, rather than having the head down. When you draw this hammer you have to rotate it 180 degrees; not efficient at all. Imagine, instead, you draw the hammer in the correct orientation, that being head up, expending less energy on the draw and saving a precious few seconds not rotating the hammer 180 degrees in order to operate. Such a modus operandi would of course require some kind of hammer loop through which the handle slides. This appears to present problems with the drawing of the hammer, however these can be easily negotiated by 'throwing' the hammer up by the head and catching it at the handle. When resheathing the hammer one would simply loosen their grip dropping the hammer down such that you're choking it just under the head; from which you can simply insert it into any loop type device handle first. Of course, this skill is called proprioception; it is a skillset common among serious athletes and most production oriented tradesmen should have a reasonable level of proprioception. In a nutshell, although the average person may lack developed proprioception skills, an experienced tradesman should be able to locate all tools effortlessly, without looking. Additionally, such a head down hammer hoslter would inherently be an incredibly bulky device, as shown.

[@jerebigler7520]

I like the concept. Appears a bit bulky but, it's a prototype, right? I'd call it "Herrick's Hammer Holder", bur that's just me. Thanks for sharing.

[@dumbassloser]

H3 or H^3 (H cubed)

[@judyofthewoods]

It's about High -Noon- time this gets to market.

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Why the wood?

[@herrickkimball]

Because I don’t have the tools or skills to make it all leather. It is a concept prototype, put together with things I had on hand.

[@cynthiafisher9907]

@@herrickkimball Ok, I was just wondering what the benefit would be for it to be wood. I don’t do construction work, so I wasn’t sure about that aspect. Thanks for your reply!

[@miguelruiz4613]

Wouldn't a diagonal hammer sheathe be better?

[@johnclancy3957]

OK well I've spent the last 40 years building houses and I think its a bad idea. way too bulky I know its a prototype but is never gonna work. just my opinion , Sorry

[@JulianA-ui8cz]

I appreciate your experience, your knowledge and the time you invest sharing it, so don’t get me wrong…. Your videos inspire! But having clambered about when framing, leaning forward in a stretch as you shouldn’t do… I wonder if the handle-up holder could ever tip the hammer out? However, missing the conventional hammer loop has sent many a hammer to the ground in a close call. And your idea is just a prototype. It would be interesting to know if you’re using it as is, now five months on. Thanks for the wonderful content!!!

[@herrickkimball]

Thanks for the intelligent comment. The hammer does not fall out of the holder under any normal work situation. I would have to be nearly upside down for it to slip out. Since making the video I have incorporated the hammer holder into another idea… A tool bandolier. I have used it in that capacity and like it a lot. I will be showing the bandolier in an upcoming video. It is also a prototype idea. Thanks again for this comment. 👍

[@roseshirk2810]

My husband loves it

[@717UT]

Sorry friend, not my taste. I think the ring in the back center of a tool belt is superior in every way.

[@zippitydoodah5693]

Not new. Not revolutionary. Woodcutters, foresters, and backcountry firefighters have used pretty much that same style holder for their hatchets and small forest axes *_for years_* . Sorry to pop your bubble, but you can find guys online, IN VIDEOS, already using them. I'm sure you came up with the idea independently, but you are no where near "the first" .

[@herrickkimball]

My bubble is not popped. Please show me a link to a video of someone with a hammer holder that employs this concept. I’ve looked and have not seen it. I know about the Axe and hatchet holders. Those are common. I’d really appreciate a handle-up hammer holder video link. Thank you. 👍🏻

[@zippitydoodah5693]

@@herrickkimball Sorry buddy. That's nothing more than semantics. Putting tea in a Mason Jar doesn't make the Mason Jar a tea glass. It's still a Mason Jar. It's just been repurposed for drinking tea. Putting a hammer in a hatchet holder doesn't make it a hammer holder. It makes it a hammer in a hatchet holder. But you go ahead and call it whatever you like if it makes you feel better. Just trying to save you some embarrassment.

[@brotherbreeze8351]

I was about to say the same thing. Wranglerstar has been using one like that for years. He even shows how to make one yourself, though I think he uses aluminum or tin or something. But same thing. Handle up, quick in / quick out, holds a small axe, or a hammer, or a roofing hatchet, or any tool the size of a framing hammer. There's a forestry channel with a bunch of guys using them too.

[@herrickkimball]

@@brotherbreeze8351 I've seen Wranglestar's videos. I've seen the handle-up axe sheathes in aluminum and leather. Great idea. They make perfect sense. But I've never seen a similar handle-up holder for a hammer. You have actually seen this? Just about every new idea is a take-off of already-made ideas. Ideas generate ideas. There are very few truly original ideas, and that is certainly the case here. I'll stand corrected if someone can produce a video link showing a handle-up hammer holder. It's probably out there. I just haven't found it, and I've looked. 👍

[@brotherbreeze8351]

@@herrickkimball I'm sorry. I don't follow your logic. It is the same thing. Wranglerstar's holder will easily hold a hammer. And it's gotta be much lighter than what you showed here. How does which tool you put in it make it different? I have a leather sheath for my fencing pliers . . . but I use it for my pruning shears sometimes and my lineman's pliers sometimes. It doesn't make the sheath a different holder just because there is a different tool in it. Maybe explain your logic for me so I can understand? Because you saying you've seen Cody's handle-up holder for his hatchet but you haven't seen one that would hold your framing hammer makes no sense to me. What am I missing here?

[@az57man65]

Looks great, add a tape measure clip.

[@STVODVIL]

Hell yeah!

[@randalkilgo2684]

👍👍

[@edwardmmanns7454]

Retired finish carpenter... sorry, I will keep my metal loop.

[@clapp1n259]

Whizbang Hammer Holster

[@eddiecruizeify]

This has to be an Aprils fool!

[@resdawgs]

No way no how. Good try

[@jameslyons1661]

Whizbang 🏁👍

[@ryanengelke6573]

Hammer holster

[@bwojak3226]

That is the most ridiculous looking thing I’ve ever seen. Even more ridiculous than your square

[@CP-fe6jr]

Wyatt Earp eat your heart out.

[@Heybarf]

Much respect, but no thanks.