Tool Belt Setup for Framing

If you want to learn more about framing start here • Framing Pro Tips
We are going to talk A LOT more about framing during the spec house!
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Thank you, be safe, and be grateful.

[@talschuricht4847]

I build roof trusses for years ,then framed houses for 2 yrs back in the 80's, then worked 30 yrs for a school district.. now putting bag back on because my son is a general contractor now and I get to work with him😊

[@kengamble8595]

Twenty years ago a teacher like yourself could pass on good information to a few, now with KZbin that same teacher can help many thousands......... NICE ! Thanks for sharing and take care. 👍 👍

[@MaghoxFr]

Ken Gamble And from all over the world.

[@petederksen9300]

I wish I could talk to him for about an hour...

[@benroach403]

Only a few will put it to use.

[@blimlimlimm]

@@benroach403 perhaps, but that's always been the case.

[@dejan5736]

Millions

[@xsbxsbxsb]

Note to google: This is extremely worthwhile content!

[@jamesbyrd3273]

I've been a carpenter framer for 20 plus years and you hit the nail right on the head! Hopefully the new kids will learn.

[@Ireland831]

LOL....my dad was a commercial electrician. When I got my first job as a framing carpenter I didn't have a lot of tools. He loaned me his old Skil saw. (from like 1962...LOL). Some old belt with bags that were OK...I supplemented it with a cheap leather bag that worked really well. I felt like my dad already gave me enough tools and I refused his offer for a 25' tape. I just took my 16' tape and he kept telling me that was fine for electrical work, but not for a carpenter. He started yelling at me to take the bigger tape and I just refused and said I would get some new tools after my first paycheck. Day one.......Lead carpenter wants me to extend my tape to him to get some measurements. My little 16' didn't reach. He screamed at me that my tape measure was a toy and to go buy a 30'. The kid learned the hard way that dad was right and carpenters don't like to work with people that don't have the proper tools. Pay attention youngsters, this vid will set you up to get to work right away and have what you need to be a framer.

[@rjtumble]

Sound effect on the suspenders got me, good one Nate. :)

[@MattsAwesomeStuff]

Was that just close to the microphone, or was that some Indiana Jones bullwhip? :P

[@i-love-comountains3850]

MattsAwesomeStuff I died lol

[@MattsAwesomeStuff]

It's the little things.

[@Mrcaffinebean]

rjtumble hahaha that had me rolling!

[@kengamble8595]

rjtumble First time I thought, dang, that might have hurt, second time I realized what it was ! 😊

[@lysergicheadcase]

i carry my lunch in my bags for additional productivity

[@codyreid952]

Great idea!

[@jmartinez2620]

The burrito 🌯

[@MrEazyE357]

My grandmother's 2nd husband used to tell stories about how he'd pack extra sandwiches and a flask in his gas mask case when he was fighting in WWII. Old Walt was literally one of the funniest old men I've ever met. RIP Walt. Miss ya buddy!

[@pat7473]

@@MrEazyE357 That always squishes my egg salad.

[@joelmatthews1732]

I use to carry a red bull or two on me at all times helps when ya start to gas out after a big day 😂

[@pendulousphallus]

"I don't really care what you get--you're gonna lose it anyway." Too true.

[@wildbill23c]

I imagine we could go to a few jobsites every day and pickup tools that contractors & subcontractors dropped and just never bothered to pickup.

[@frank_texas7400]

You will finde a lot of pencils, tape measures utility knifes, center punches and a load of nails

[@petederksen9300]

Maybe a speed square if you get lucky

[@ericbengtson3490]

@@petederksen9300 you can get a good one for less than 10 bucks but free is free!

[@erikblough5123]

Why not put your cats paw where your tri square, saw wrench goes on saw and maybe throw a Kline bolt bag on the back of your rig I love mine so things like chalk box, plumb Bob, torpedo level or laser, string lines ECT don't use nail pockets or put 10 strips of gun nails there so u don't have to get off said roof, or top plate, ledger? I love the old school way he does things, the right way! But there is more than one right way. Work safe guys.

[@russkendrickmartin7257]

I'm addicted to this channel. I took a construction job right out of high school. I stuck with that and welding until my early 30's. I've worked as a musician and radio personality the past 17 years. There are many days that I miss building things! I do what I can around my home but there is just something cool about bringing things into existence with knowledge, tools & and good ol' fashioned manual labor!!!

[@seantap1415]

This is the second one of your videos I have paid my framing crew to watch. The first one was your production vid....A snap line makes for a useful plumb bob in a pinch...Cheers,, love your vids they make perfect common sense.

[@JohnSmith-ud9ex]

Now, THAT'S a compliment ! Nice : )

[@samo4648]

They should be paying you for showing them this

[@717UT]

This made my day

[@Myrmidon717]

you hiring?

[@inyaface07]

in his comment :)

[@TheBigjake04]

I’ve been a framer and an electrician. Sparkies can’t use bags like that either. I have shared this video with so many young men in recent years and thank you so much for what you have done with this channel.

[@biggest23]

My father used nothing but a single, smallish, two and a half pocket bag on his left hip, or out front, for his entire carpentry career. His Estwing hammer swung off a steel wire loop that was attached to the belt on his right hip. His tape also hung off his belt on the right. There were small slots in the pockets where a pencil, chisel, square or punch etc could sit but, they were little more than cut slits. I asked him once why all the guys that worked for him had mega multi pockets and pouches while he wore this very humble little rig. He showed me while telling me. He got all the various nails and screws he thought he'd use during that shift and laid them out in their boxes, close to his working area. He grabbed the particular nails he needed for the job he was about to do and said... "You're almost always using only one or two types of fixing for an aspect of any job, so why carry around stuff you don't need yet?.... When you're finished doing the part of the job that required those fixings, put the excess back in their boxes and load up with what you need for the next part of the task"... Every time I worked with him after that I noticed how much easier he moved around the job compared to the big pouch characters, how quick his changeovers were and that his approach demanded he efficiently set his tasks up to suit. Less was definitely more in his approach.

[@davidmichaelseven]

Biggest 23 sounds like my dad Really likes to work near a guy who carries all the tools for him haha

[@jeremyallan6144]

Spot on brother. Tools and equipment for task at hand. Light and easy

[@simplydad2015]

Biggest 23 sounds like myself. I have a tool bag with all my things and I only transfer what I need to my pouches. Doing layout? Then carry the chalk line heavy tape measure and markers. But why carry the heavy long tape and chalk line all day???I am to lazy to heave around heavy pouches all day lol.

[@sosa3017]

Exactly the way my father is only carries what he needs for the job

[@madpladder]

When I started framing I bought a huge tool belt and it was too heavy so I used suspenders till I stopped working in framing and started doing equipment operating. When I came back 10 years later to now being self employed doing renos I have one side pouch with my belt and a hammer loop. I only carry what I need and have a tool bag handy for anything else I might need close by. I use to cary 2 hammers. One was a finishing 20 ounce and the other was a 28 framing axe. Now I carry 1 and its either my stiletto 14 or my other titanium 17. More than enough for my needs.

[@tedbownas2748]

Great video. A trick I picked up some years ago is to cut the top off a quart automotive oil bottle, wash it out thoroughly, and use it to carry nails or screws (I sometimes frame with both) in your pouch. The plastic container is easier (for me, at least) to grab nails from, saves wear on the pouch, and can be used to scoop nails or screws from a bucket or box, then dropped back into the pouch without dropping any in the wrong pouch. In the larger pouches, I've also used the bottom of a narrow laundry detergent bottle.

[@henseleric]

I like that.

[@ryanmccue8180]

Just like you I have recycled something into a tool. I Like to use an altoids mint case for holding smaller bits this way I can easily find them instead of letting them get lost in my bags.

[@Clean97gti]

@@ryanmccue8180 Steal the magnets out of an old hard drive and epoxy them to the bottom of that Altoids tin. You now have a magnetic parts holder that not only holds your parts, but you can stick it to all sorts of things like a tool box or a welding table. Works for small coffee cans too. The magnets are usually strong enough to stay on the tin but the epoxy is there to keep them from sliding around on the slick surface. I use mine when working on guitars and the tiny screws from small electronics, pickguards, etc. can get away from you. So useful!

[@ryanmccue8180]

@@Clean97gti thank you I've got to try this I love thinking of ways to make my life as a carpenter easier. Tips from guys like you keep me clever sir.

[@speedgonzalez489]

@@ryanmccue8180 yeah that's a good thing to share. I started doing that years ago for the convenience of not losing my bits and they are always very handy to get to

[@wyojess]

I"ve been a carpenter and then General contractor since 1995.I too have run the occidental bags for the last 25 years (2nd set now) yes they're heavy yes they're expensive but for longevity they are hard to beat. One thing I've always carried which is a bit unusual is a scratch awl. Not necessarily for scratching although it's useful for that. What I use it more than anything is a second set of hands, perfect for a chalk line or string line anchor, works well for setting elevation on siding anything you might use an 8P nail for. As usual these videos are great, I would recommend using the tape measure holder that occidental incorporates into their bags they're excellent, I run my chalk box in the left side high pocket... just my 2 cents!

[@Megadeadpeople]

This is hands down, the best video I’ve watched before starting my apprenticeship tomorrow. The years - or should I say decades of experience are a huge help with the little things that’ll make my life better. Thanks!

[@stevena3333]

@Bob Ross is like to know too!

[@bconns39]

How’d the apprenticeship go?

[@castorchua]

@@bconns39 He's probably on Fentanyl now

[@Strawman333]

I have all the tools in my rig that i need, except when my coworkers say, "hey let me borrow your chalk line" then i dont see it again until the end of the day! Lol

[@lloydflyhuntbc9923]

or untill the boss askes then i never see it aqgain

[@alienhexican8017]

Great video. I am a lefty, also 125 lbs. soaking wet. My first framing rig was that apron you showed designed for wearing on the front. I spun it around on the back; my small frame set the bags comfortably on my hips and reversed the right-hand setup for a decent lefty setup. That rogue got me through the first 10 or so years. Now I have the same Occidental rig you showed, just with the bags reversed. That puts my speed square backwards and the pencil slots towards the rear but still puts food on the table for my family.

[@tjwiersma4406]

I have done the exact same except for the lefty righty thing.

[@justincracks]

Me and my friend who I frame with watch all of your videos and wish we could work with you for one week. On the jobsite in NYC we watch and learn from you sir and bring your ideas to our jobsite.

[@huckfinn4260]

I'm not a professional carpenter, but I am building my own house, and I find a lot of the information here invaluable. I don't want to make too much of an investment in stuff that is only going to be used for a limited number of projects, so I end up doing things a little different, but these are very helpful tips.

[@francoisbouvier7861]

67 and just acquired my first Occidental bags.

[@brianruff1133]

I like your videos! Here's what I carry (pro carpenter, 51 years old, 33 years experience; frame, finish, siding) Occidental bags, right side: 16 oz hammer with hatchet handle in the front hammer loop, two pencils, sharpie, keel (when framing), 1" chisel (generally dull, used to unscrew utility knife to change blades, too), 6" tri square (don't use much, but it's light and useful as a marking gauge), chalk line, utility knife, tape measure, misc driver bits in a little foam case (T25, T20, T15, 1/4") Left side, top pocket: 5d galvie box nails (invaluable for holding string line, chalk line, used for siding to hold up shingle course boards) Middle pouch: fasteners (usually strip nail clips) Bottom pouch: fasteners (whatever I need for the job at hand) also a titanium cat's paw (japanese style) in the rear loop, three nail sets in the slots, a torpedo level in the front pocket (not usually for framing), and a speed square. Sometimes a string line, but it usually gets hung up somewhere or set down. I've never had a hammer loop wear out. I like a light hammer, not much framing without my Hitachi, and if I need to smack something I pick up a 2# mini sledge. Other necessities: Lots of sawhorses and 12' 2x12's, Makita job radio, microwave oven for lunch, folding camp chair. And a couple of dogs!

[@SteveRawcliffe]

You must have damn big pouches if you can fit sawhorses, 2x12s and a couple of dogs in them!

[@mikec7373]

Just got an occidental belt from my wife as a gift. I’m just an active DIYer working on our house addition and I feel so guilty having such nice bags considering it’s not what I do for a living but, boy are they sweet lmao. Your comment helped me get them set up. Thanks!

[@coleelborne2565]

Hello and thanks for the video. I’m a ten year framer and I just have to say that was the single best oral explanation of tool pouch engineering I’ve ever seen or heard. 9.5/10 on tool placement, right vs left side. They say you learn something every day and I’m surprised to admit that I learned and will adopt the double sided pencil. (*expletive*) genius!!

[@jrhattenstein]

I dont care what you talk about, I love listening to you. You remind me of mr. Rogers

[@mikekrzesowiak7944]

He's like the Mr. Rogers of the Trades

[@GuyWithAnOpinion2]

@@mikekrzesowiak7944 If Mr Rogers and Obi Wan Kenobi had a child and he became a carpenter, it'd be Scott.

[@Radical_Dadical]

I started working as a carpenter about a year ago and your videos have been so crucial to my learning experience. This came at a time where I'm thinking a lot more about my bags and what I carry all day every day. It's like somehow you know the advice I'm gonna need and put it into a video at the perfect time. Thank you so much!!

[@mikemccauley9757]

Im going to tape a crayon to my pencil tomorrow, ive watched this twice atleast now. And im still getting tips. 21 years into commercial/industrial, 3+ years into residential.

[@rapidrestorationsllc2764]

Just noticed the all the thumbs down. What is wrong with people. This is a great video, especially if your new to the trades and could actually help someone in the real world. Very very informative.

[@mikez4132]

I was thinking the same thing...who wouldnt like this vid??? And...why not?

[@allukenuppercut9851]

My guess is 2nd year framers that took at least a year to figure this all out for themselves. Now a new guy can start today, watch this video, and be off to a great start. Framing can be a competitive career/job. I was a framer for 7 years before my back went and I had to change professions. I wish I'd had a teacher like Nate back then.

[@wildbill23c]

Probably the guys wearing their bags backwards.

[@richardandrew9662]

Its probably wranglestar

[@axiom671]

@@wildbill23c I wear mine backwards, still liked the video! Hammer in the back, tape left pocket, string other left pocket, nails left bag with chisel, punch, cats paw front right ring, square and pencil right holders, right small bag random, big bag knife, miscellaneous.

[@jimmer147]

We all know you tried to catch the hammer in the loop when no one was looking! 🤫 haven’t we all? Great video keep em coming

[@mikekrzesowiak7944]

haha! I'm guilty of that!

[@TheKajunkat]

Yeah a few scratches and a bruise were my only accomplishments :)

[@smoothrollin123]

Getting real excited to see the framing begin! As an engineering student, I followed well with the site prep and retaining wall process, excited to see something I haven’t learned in school!!

[@BayAreaBrenner]

I really love these videos. My dad taught me cabinetry and framing when I was coming up, but over the years many of those muscles haven’t been used much. These videos are helping jog my memory, and I’m looking forward to building a new shed this coming spring. Thank you so much for posting these videos, keep ‘em coming!

[@Kargush]

Essential Craftsman video shows up in my feed, everything else gets put on hold. Excellent video, as always. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience, sir.

[@forgotmylogininfo]

same

[@jaxturner7288]

“If you gotta dig some wood out, you may as well get with it”. This ol guy blurs the line between cool and classic so often.

[@caseythimm5522]

12:00

[@jaredwaters4633]

I liked that line too. I love this channel. He's great at explaining things.

[@artiet5982]

And he does it so well. Hell of a man here

[@TController]

Excellent, no bullsh*t

[@popsc3202]

That’s and awesome observation Jax. He does got that old craftsman swagger!

[@daltonking3723]

I just really appreciate your videos and love knowing there is someone else out there who really takes pride in their tools their work and their life’s knowledge that they picked up over the years and want to share it so thank you sir

[@builditwithbutter]

Your videos are great. I'm working on a few projects. I just purchased a framers rig tool belt and loaded it in a similar way. I noticed I was able to work more efficiently. Thanks for the tips

[@kevindowney701]

I put my chalk line in my leather hammer loop. I open the lever and close it over the loop. Never lost it. Been using the same chalk line for almost 20 yrs. Take care of your tools and they will take care of you.

[@DrJason7]

Your bags fixed is a load of my mind.

[@mattburchett6921]

Makes me feel pretty good about my fraiming setup. I have mirrored most of what you have going on here but arrived at it independently. I do carry a cat claw, a 100' tape and a torpedo level with me at all times. It's just nice to have the things right at your finger tips. Nothing like being the hero with the 100' tape when no one can find one in the job trailer.

[@shawnstone8924]

This guy is honestly one of the very few guys on here that I can actually recommend to beginner framers and carpenters. I'm A journeyman and even I still watch his videos and learn some new tips/ideas now and then

[@ollie4dad]

You carry a plumb-bob if you have a string line, or snapper as they all have that function built into them. I wish you could get hooked up with Mike Rowe some how. You should reach out and ask for an interview, he loves talking about his foundation.

[@gregwalker4236]

hard won knowledge in an excellent video. this is pretty much exactly what i finally ended up with except as a remodeler i always had 7 inch end nippers in the bag along with a cats paw for stubborn rusty nail pulling. add a flat bar for removing siding.

[@dunawam]

Great vid! Great info for young bucks.

[@LunarFurorGames]

Your straightforward, kind, and concise information and wisdom is the reason you're on my notifications. I cannot tell you how much I've learned from this channel. Thank you so much for all of the videos.

[@Midwesthoosier]

My best purchase when I framed was an adjustable speed square, it has a gauge you set for your different pitches of roof. One side for plumb cuts, flip it over and seat cut on opposite side, awesome for cutting rafters

[@scruffy6151]

So true loading your belt is based on the job you are doing. Where you put your tools in your bags is a personal preference there is no set rules. Good video Scott thank you. Stay safe and GOD Bless.

[@dangiles5038]

Great video, I agree, only carry what you use everyday, save your hips and back! Have to say though, I always carry a cats paw though,I tend to use it a lot for things other than just pulling nails, got a little trick for moving steels with it, wedging walls over, putting it under plates when back-framing for toe-nailing studs between floor and ceiling. It’s a very versatile tool. Plus it saves breaking wooden handles on your hammer when you do need to pull nails out!

[@davidsalais3850]

Yeah same here cats paw has a lot of uses besides pulling nails.

[@DM-pl8mz]

55 years as a carpenter, i've enjoyed it enough to still ply the trade at 70. I can assure you the vids you post are an assist to anyone starting out or honing skills. Thank you, stay well.🔨😎

[@paulrobinson5833]

You might as well keep working,what else are going to do. You'd be bored.

[@ambracol]

Thanks for putting up these tidbits of info based on practical experience. I, for one, am glad you're passing on your know how. Sure hope there's some young folks wise enough to listen, learn and put into practice.

[@MikeJones-vb1me]

Yep perfect. One thing, coming from the painting world, that I love to have on me is the 5-way. It’s a funky-shaped “scraper” kind of tool but you can get a very low-profile one that doesn’t take up much space or add much weight, and I find I’m reaching for it all the time for pulling staples or clearing a jam on a tool or scraping or prying something, all day it’s got lots of uses and I feel naked without it. Check it out.

[@DEADB33F]

A small quick-clamp is handy for all sorts of tasks when working alone. I always carry one. ...and call me a cheat, but a credit-card sized pocket calculator adds little weight but gets regular use.

[@keithklassen5320]

James Bradwell Y'know you can get construction calculator apps for your phone? Real sweet deal, that...

[@dustinpomeroy8817]

James Bradwell I do the same thing,clamp it right on one of the other hammer loops

[@Foomba]

@Greg Spolar I carried a solar powered calculator as well. I'm long retired and had forgotten. I think they were about 4 bucks at the time.

[@jaymanning6541]

Great video! I am electrician but I always love learn new things about the different trades on the job, or learn some new things for when I do some of my own framing jobs. Keep up the videos!

[@flybryfly]

Thank you for sharing and saving these videos. I have watched so many of your videos more than once. I feel like a pro helping the wife, kids, and neighbors thanks to your advice.

[@patrickhance7348]

You now what you are talking about Nate. I have mij baks for 30 years PS . I work with us 🔨 hammers I work on a laching Cru on federal schips from the us in Antwerpen (docks) Pat from Belgium 🔨

[@Knal031339]

Lol it is crazy that this setup is pretty much what me and everyone else settled into after a couple years. I switched to a metal handled hammer when I started doing more concrete and added a double jack but kept everything else pretty close. The only main addition was I always carried a roll of Mason line as well. Btw we had a great older framer that had us frame with a hammer on slow days so we would learn how to live without a nail gun and it paid for itself when we were trying to meet a deadline and the compressor died. We kept on working and got it done before the boss got back from buying a new compressor.

[@riverbuilder2251]

Knal031339 what’s a “double jack”?

[@paulrobinson5833]

Good learning experience.

[@tallinlarsen6922]

Great video I'm starting deck building for a summer job this was very helpful! Thanks again

[@jsherzog]

Thanks for your wisdom. Your clarity, brevity and sincerity are greatly appreciated.

[@johnhall7350]

"What you dont carry in tools, you can carry in nails." Loved that.

[@cowboydoc]

I wear bibs/overalls and no suspenders on my bags. Bibs also give some nice chest pockets for your cell phone, extra pencils/crayon, and whatever else you don't want getting beat up. Literally, everything else with my bags is the same as Scott's. Pro tips: 1. My tape goes on the left side, pencil on the right. Those are the two hands I'll be needing to use those in. 2. Lay your nails flat in your hand and straighten them all out before you put them in your bags. that way you won't be getting poked every time you grab for nails. 3. Speed square is also on my left, when I put the tape back, I grab the square. 4. 16d nails go in the same pocket EVERY TIME. Same with 8d. The other pockets are for anything else I might carry (screws, finish nails, etc.) There's nothing worse than reaching for something and it being something else when your hand gets there. The muscle memory for all my items let's me continue thinking about what I'm working on and not about where my nails are. Also, I sometimes carry a finish hammer (smooth faced) in the front loop if I'm working on something I don't want to leave waffle marks on. I also use it to pull nails sometimes because my dad always yelled at me if I used my straight claw California framer.

[@theElderberryFarmer]

Nothing speaks more clearly than the voice of experience! Thanks for sharing this.

[@priceb713]

I love how much wisdom and tips are packed into a video about what to carry!! Please keep them coming

[@brocktonma.1816]

The side loop also has the added benefit of allowing the hammer to destroy the side of your kneecap.

[@soxnpats4lyfe]

Metal framing where i live so i add a pair of snips and a torpedo level if im doing any frame punch

[@chuckpreston4981]

Love to see an expert sharing his hard-earned knowledge. I started "bending nails" at about the age of 7 and still love doing it at 60 - of course, that's probably because I took a "break" from it for nearly a quarter century while serving in the military. After I retired from that though, I was back at it and now run a small contracting business. Thanks for taking the time to pass on your knowledge in such a wide forum.

[@gschlais]

Great video as usual. Your advice reminds me a lot of my dad. He was a general contractor in Iowa for many years. Please keep em coming.

[@rootvalue]

That whip crack killed me. Thank you so much.

[@CMOSBOSS]

Lmao at the audio when he lets go of his suspender.

[@JoshuaRPearce_]

This! I was cracked up as well

[@okie-rider]

SNAP!!

[@Romaobb]

I'm not the only one that went back and listened to it like 20 times am I?

[@scottlanger832]

MetaTaylor... yes, me too watched it 3 times so I could hear the snap. This comment is for the man ( essential craftsman)..you should look at anvils on eBay..there is an ancient ( circa 1700's) anvil from France, that is the coolest looking anvil I have ever seen..part of the face has been worn away from hundreds of years of hammering..so the side view is worth the price of admission..would make a great piece for you collection..all hand forged about 7 big heavy pieces..someone out there who knows the man, please make sure he sees this message.. maybe he will do a video about this anvil..thanks Scott Langer

[@scottlanger832]

Today is May 11, 2018 ( FYI as a reference)

[@andrewrotter8592]

Great video, I like the suspenders taking weight from the belt and putting it on my shoulders

[@gregarrell6132]

Great practical advice. I have used a single tool bag set up for years that I use for all types of work. I am currently doing some framing. After watching the video, I am going to get myself a better set of belt and bags to suit framing based on the observations that you made. Thank you.

[@bobsmith-ru7xp]

I think I'm gonna start carrying a metric tape just so I can hand it to someone when they ask to borrow mine.

[@arthursoto4285]

Lol mind blown!

[@leonm9231]

Same but imperial. LOL

[@goodollotw7904]

Lol

[@avancalledrupert5130]

All UK tapes have both . Metric on the right old money on the left .. Dont know why . Knowing what 400 mm is in imperial is like knowing something in Latin. Purely academic and totally useless.

[@s.e.wagger3888]

I'm an Aussie. I do the same but lend out the Imperial tape. No one gets my Metric!!!

[@silvergrizzly316]

WOW Scott, I got laughed at more than a few times for wearing my bags on the side and back, but it was out of the way and more comfortable. I don't do carpentry work anymore but if I did I would tell them to go check out the Essential Craftsman and get back with me on them remarks! 😂LOL!!! Btw, all of my tools I kept in the same pockets as you do. 😁😁😁GREAT VIDEO and thanks for sharing Sir.

[@ismu34]

Hog Man one guy asked me why I was wearing my belt backwards haha, for some reason half the guys here in Australia wear them on the front.

[@henseleric]

In the 'States it seems to be regional -bags and hammer in back in the West - bags in front in the East. Same with saws where everybody ran worm drive saws in the West, and sidewinders in the East. This was a lot more the case when I started 45 years ago, than now, I suspect.

[@__-ni1kz]

I did a couple years tin bashing, and a year general site work and back framing. I use the Klein pouch I got for electrical, and I always use the suspenders (I carry a lot of weight typically). Steel hammer loop on the back, pouch on either side, screw pouches on the outsides of those. A lot of the other tin guys I worked with ran electrical pouches as well. It’s served me well no matter the job, only problem is no convenient place for my speed square. I still use a bunch of my Klein starter kit on the regular. My linesman pliers are probably the most-used tool I own, I’ve used it for automotive, tin, framing, forming.

[@InvaderMyk]

I’ve been roofing for a measly 22 months now (mostly doing metal roofs and finishing touches on jobs (like fascia and soffit installation, chimney cap and spark arrester fabrication, and coping cap stuff...)). Your craftsman videos have been inspiring to me: And, I’ve only watched three or four thus far!

[@ensinitas]

i am REALLY loving this channel! his advice to leave stuff in the toolbox is spot on. i spent the last 20 years seeking to lighten up the bags as best i could. the titanium hammer was a great start and losing that elbow wrecker Dalluge cal framer was the best thing i ever did. and i found that the plastic speed square was also as accurate as needed. picked up a Dead On cats paw with a built -in saw wrench i like a lot. the blue flat bar gets tucked in the belt loop. still looking for the chalk line i like best...anyone have suggestions for slim, light and durable and not $50?

[@jonmagnus3510]

Cheap DeWalt or Stanley ones. I actually like the DeWalt plastic ones from Home Depot because they have the button to release so no idiots complain about their thumbs getting hooked

[@robertgoodwin4730]

You are speaking my language in your videos. I am a 58 year young carpenter and learning from your videos makes me feel even younger. It is an exciting time to be a carpenter with all the new tools, materials and building design concepts out there. That being said a lot of what you teach is timeless. Young men should be so lucky to find your videos learn how to make a good living.👍🏼

[@anonymoususer5794]

He said most framers don't carry a steel handled hammer, and I remembered framing log homes with my 28 oz. Estwing for years. When I swapped to conventional framing, I eventually switched to a 22 oz. Mainly because I got sick of listening to people's comments. He's right about the vibrations, though. It's also a tradeoff you sometimes have to make for that extra oomph driving spikes, and moving big wood.

[@hgtydjdjdgh67889]

All of your videos are good and enjoyable but these type of videos are the most useful for me. I found you because of your videos on the skill saw.

[@stinkeye460]

One pouch for nails. One for chewing tobacco. Another for a can of beer. Small pouch for a tape and a ring for my hammer.

[@keystonecarpenter3002]

I wrap my steel hammer loop with a extension cord jacket so I don't hear it click all day long.

[@paydenladeroute7129]

Friend of mine did something similar, he liked to wrap all his metal on the belt in hockey tape.

[@DylansDIYWorkshop]

I like the clicking

[@passivesolarhousingcoop1903]

Phenomenal idea!

[@Nightman2152]

I keep my hammer loop on my hip I never liked it on my back. When I was coming up the old timers used to say WHEN you fall not IF you fall so I wasn't messing around with it. I carry 4 pencils because why not they're light. I like the rubber hose trick it's a great way to use up the short pencils. I could talk about tool pouches all day. You can tell a lot about a guy by what he keeps where! Thanks for the chat. Always a pleasure.

[@Odi426]

Thanks for making great videos! I’m a carpenter of a carpenter. Grew up framing with my dad and to this day I set up my bags exactly like he did based on watching how efficient he was at work. Like you he only carried what he needed (based on what type of work he was doing) and tool placement was intentional and not haphazard. These are great tips. You’re one of the only subscriptions I have where I watch every episode. Thanks again!

[@marvincarvin1846]

Interesting. My bags are setup EXACTLY like your setup. Since I am older than you, I will assume that you copied me! hehe

[@redecks336]

My bags are set up pretty much the same way as well. Always carry a flat bar too though, then again, I don't do just framing.

[@jontheroofer1968]

Anthony Roofing too?

[@redecks336]

I occasionally roof. Don't really wear a belt for that unless I'm laying out or rolling felt.

[@erikbogart676]

mine are pretty close, i keep a key hole saw i use for alot, including digging screws out of the box. nothing better than that and watching the young guys try bare handed

[@randymcarn]

My rig is almost identical too. I do not carry a chalk line. Hardly ever use the thing since I don't do a lot of framing. I do carry a vise grip and a small crescent wrench. I also have a speed square and this nice little combination square I bought at home depot. I use them both a lot. I do keep a torpedo level in there but after watching this video I might take it out. I almost never use the thing. Anyways gave a great day guys. Cheers

[@gregoryvschmidt]

4 in one rasp/file can be extremely useful

[@henseleric]

Especially for finish work.

[@kylekoverola8654]

Glad I was taught right before watching. The cat paw. Or pry bar. I barely carried unless doing other people's repair work !!! There is an amazing refreshing feeling I get watching your instructions. I wish anyone wanting and needing to continue the skill trades. That must go on for human life to keep thriving. Watch and learn. And practice it.

[@quan_ftw]

just want to let you know, I'm an apprentice and you've taught me a lot! keep up the good work! thank you

[@benkovacboy2544]

You can use your chalk line as a plumb Bob

[@bjwillis43]

As for you not carrying a plumb bob... if you find you need one you can use your chalk line.

[@natejm]

Newtronwest I’ve found the aluminum ones are good for that, some of the plastic ones today are too light, especially exposed to wind

[@notsofresh8563]

Plastic tools are for home gamers. Real professionals use professional tools, and they are made of metal and wood.

[@jared3158]

Newtronwest I threw out my metal one years ago in favour of the plastic ones with gearing. They only last maybe two or three years, but they're much faster to wind up, and are much lighter.

[@Mixwell1983]

BJ Willis i have 2 older chalk lines and on the bottom they say plumb bob. Not sure what brand. One has blue and one red chalk. Most the tools i have were my grandfathers. Great old quality tools.

[@henseleric]

"Newtronwest I threw out my metal one years ago in favour of the plastic ones with gearing." Yep -lighter, and faster.

[@budchin1]

Excellent advice. Thanks for spiking some good thoughts.

[@JohnSmith-mv6bw]

Solid advice and no BS...man, is this day and age desperately in need of that!!!

[@pronkjap]

Two days I started wearing my belt reverse. Why didnt you post this vid like 16 years ago!?

[@davidkirkpatrick712]

I'd love to have seen you work with Larry Haun in a video

[@bmollak02]

Im sorry to inform but larry passed in 2015

[@davidkirkpatrick712]

@@bmollak02 I know, thats why I said " have seen"

[@bmollak02]

Oh sorry my bad

[@randallace]

Correction - larry died at 80 years young after a long battle with lymphoma on October 24th of 2011 in coos bay Oregon - he was a legend , a gentle soul and a true mentor to anyone who knew him - the world lost a great one that day .

[@jonguthrie8554]

Thanks for reinforcing the need to take care of your tools - the tool pouches being on the top of the list for obvious reasons. Nice rivets!

[@a.g.silverbane6335]

This is just the video I needed. Starting a new job doing framing tomorrow. Thank you!

[@jontheroofer1968]

My main goal was to hit the Thumbs Up Button before the skip ad button popped up. ... NAILED IT!!! Okay okay. I'll watch the video now :-)

[@naioti]

Think I’m going to start wearing suspenders just so I can make that sound, WHHHAAAAP!

[@hollowayscarpentry]

Watching your content has improved my working life and made me more efficient keep up the great work

[@rockystone7949]

THANK YOU....THANK YOU....THANK YOU.....I ALWAYS LEARN FROM YOUR VIDEOS......IMORTANT INFORMATION THAT I CAN USE ON THE JOB......(CARENTER 56 YEARS)

[@AmplifyDIY]

This video is just in time for me! I'm going to be framing my new backyard shed within the next few weeks. Does that mean I'm finally going to be able to call myself an "athlete"?

[@rightlanehog3151]

No.

[@JC-gs3br]

No. And for one small job, don't waste the money on a nice set of bags playing dress up.

[@AmplifyDIY]

I already have a set of bags that I've used for various weekend DIY projects for many years. It was neat to see how a pro loads theirs, and I realized that I've been carrying around too much stuff in mine. His advice of "if you don't need it before lunch, don't carry it" is really great.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Yes.

[@mikelandreth8773]

Never sen the tool at 9:22 can you do a video on it please. Thanks

[@jasonrreilly]

mike landreth Mayes still makes a Squangle. They are old school and only like $16

[@bengraham5776]

I'd be interested in how to use a squangle as well!

[@jasonrreilly]

Google Woodpecker’s “Angle Square” and watch their video. Pretty much the same thing but it was much more expensive but I enjoy the craftsmanship. Not sure mine will ever go in a toolbelt but it sure is pretty to stare at! :) p.s. stay out of the a Woodpeckers store there is nothing but trouble in there and empty wallets... :D

[@wildbill23c]

Only go there if your wallet is already empty.

[@islandbushcraft]

Just finished up a patio door on the backside of my house where a small window used to be, I wish I had some sort of knowledge on what types of tools I needed before I started. Anyways, 4 trips to the hardware store later; the job is done and done well. Now to better prepare for the next project with the help of your videos and expertise. Thank you. -I feel a tool belt purchase coming in my near future.

[@Jekudo]

Great idea with the pencil & a lumber crayon in a tube! Wish I had thought of that 30 years ago! I framed for many years but have slowed down quit a bit. Framing will take it's toll on your body, my knee just isn't what it used to be, but I wouldn't trade the experience & pride it has given me. Just knowing that there are places in the world were my craftsmanship will long out live me & go on for years & bring others joy & comfort. Great video as usual & keep doing what you do, your the best!

[@longcaster]

Scott, on all the carpenters pants, coveralls, and painters pants have a hammer loop on the left leg. The majority of carpenters are right handed, why isn't the hammer loop on the right side?

[@613kc]

You pull the loop open w/ Left hand insert hammer that is in your rt hand. That's how I do it on my Carhartt Carpenter bibbed coveralls

[@kiwibird8441]

Joe Bauers put it where you want lol

[@paulmcfadyen689]

longcaster They are on the right in the UK. I'm left handed and I wish I could find a pair with the hammer loop on the left leg!

[@kiwibird8441]

Paul McFadyen get the removable hammer slot that ESC has is an option. mine came with one which is good

[@paulmcfadyen689]

Kiwi Bird I used to use one of those when I swung a hammer all day long...now my nail gun does most of the work

[@microaggressor8746]

I had lower back pain for years. I tried everything from new shoes to a new mattress. Nothing helped until I started wearing suspenders. The pain went away and never returned.

[@2002jaiden]

Same here, I suffer from chronic low back pain. Been a framer for 25 years. I've had my Oxy Lights for about 15 years, and just got the suspenders a couple of years ago. Wish I got them the day I bought my kit. Back pain has been greatly reduced. When the new kids come into the trade, I tell them, do yourself a favorm and get a good pair of suspenders. Your back, hips, knees, and feet will thank you later.

[@50DesotoCoupe]

My bags are almost a mirror of what you have set up.. Functions well when framing, hanging board & lathing.. Also love to hear my plum hatchet sing when it hits that nail square on the head, ting! ting! ting!

[@kenhomeier8629]

Nice video. I’m not a carpenter but have used bags in the past and time to time now. Seeing someone who has used them for years gives new ideas and reassures old habits. Always appreciate you sharing your experience. Thanks.