Occidental Leather: the Tool Nut talks belts, bags, and more
With a collection of over 100 manufacturers across multiple industries to shop through here at The Tool Nut, we're proud to offer a varied selection of tools, accessories, safety gear, and more for our customers.
It's easy for manufacturers like DeWalt, Festool, or Milwaukee to take center stage. Not only do these brands offer excellent products that span multiple industries, but each has a wide-spread and dedicated following, often giving them the limelight over some of the smaller guys.
But there's more to The Tool Nut than just these major players. Carrying a mix of the top brands in the industry, as well as some lesser known manufacturers you may not be aware of, we're always on the look out for products that readers like you want and need.
That's why each week, we'll put the spotlight on manufacturers and brands that don't often get the loudest callouts, to make sure you don't miss out on the excellent products they offer. This week, let's look at one of the best tool belt manufacturers on the market — Occidental Leather.
A Little Bit About Occidental Leather
Makers of some of the best tool belts and bags on the market, those who prefer leather over nylon belts often swear by Occidental Leather — and for good reason. High quality, top grain leather is used for all of its products, making for a much more durable and comfortable fit that'll stand the test of time.
Finely handcrafted and made in the USA, Occidental Leather offers tool belts and systems in both high quality leather, as well as hybrid leather and nylon versions of its more popular systems. For most Occidental Leather die-hards, however, pure leather is the way to go.
With proper maintenance and care, even with regular use and the wear of the jobsite, you're likely to see upwards of 10 years or more of service with one of Occidental Leather's leather tool belt systems. Each of which is customizable to your specific needs, with additional tool bags and belt add-ons including sheepskin hip pads, harnesses, and more.
Pair that with tool bags, vests, knee pads, and suspender systems, and it's easy to see why it has such a dedicated userbase. Occidental Leather makes some seriously impressive leather products, and their reputation shows it. Plus, there's nothing like the feel of good, worn in leather.
The Tool Nut's Top Picks
5055 Stronghold Suspension System
The Stronghold Suspension System is Occidental Leather's most popular add on, adapting a standard tool belt into a complete harness system to help prevent sagging and drift on the jobsite. A padded harness provides even additional comfort for extended use, and features two small pockets on each shoulder for quick access to pencils, markers, and other quick-grab tools.
Adjustable in both length and width, the 5055 Stronghold Suspension System is also suited for wearers of almost every shape and size. It's also a great way to reduce backpain on the job, providing additional weight support for carrying heavier tool sets throughout the day. The four replaceable leather belt hooks fit even wider belts, and easily attach via quick-open hooks.
1550 Stronghold Insta-Vest Kit
Similar to the Stronghold Suspension System, the 1550 Stronghold Insta-Vest Kit provides additional tool belt support by acting as both suspenders and as a convenient tool vest. Multiple pouches and pockets allow wearers to keep their most used hand tools within quick reach, with room to clip on additional accessories such as phone holders if needed.
While this one may currently be unavailable, you can pick up the "vest" portions of this setup separately through the 8577 Clip-On Stronghold Insta-Vest Kit, which does not include the additional suspenders or harness that the 1550 does. If you have a harness, however, this is a great way to expand your tool holding capabilities and efficiency.
9855 Adjust-to-Fit Fat Lip Tool Bag Set
Occidental Leather's adjustable 9855 Adjust-to-Fit Fat Lip Tool Belt System offers a complete carpenter tool bet set that features adjustable sizing as opposed to the standard set sizes the manufacturer offers. Sizeable from 32 inches up to 41 inches, it's based off the original buscadero design, but utilizes high-density neoprene nylon combined with leather for a resizable fit.
As with the rest of Occidental Leather tool belts, D-Rings come pre-installed for use with its suspension systems, and it features hand specific tool holders that are placed to promote improved work efficiency on the jobsite. A great choice if you want the durability of leather, but also a little more breathing room and flexibility around the waist.
Image Source: Occidental Leather
FAQ
What does Occidental Leather produce?
Starting out with just simple leather tool bags, Occidental Leather has grown its offering over the past 40 years to include belts, suspenders, tool vests, and other fine leather-crafted products and accessories.
All of which is crafted with some of the highest quality leather and craftsmanship you'll find, making Occidental Leather one of the top choices for tradesmen across the country. It offers a pretty large selection of trade-specific systems that can get a brand new apprentice started off right, or even give the seasoned Journeyman a more accessible and durable setup.
How do you maintain Occidental Leather?
Most of Occidental Leather's products require minimal maintenance due to material quality and construction, but it's always good to keep your new belt or bag clean by washing away any dirt, debris, or other substances.
Just be sure to wipe down any leather surface with a damp cloth once anything gets on it. Certain oils and lubricants, concrete, and even mud can draw out the natural oils in leather, so be sure to clean your gear before anything dries on it.
How do you wear an Occidental Leather tool belt?
As far as positioning goes, your tool belt should sit firmly around your waist, preferably just above your hips, for the best fit and most comfort. If you have a pair of suspenders, however, this allows for a bit more freedom in where your belt can actually sit.
When it comes to actual sizing, however, you'll want to take your current belt size and add about 8 inches to it to get the proper Occidental Leather belt size. This'll provide enough give in each direction to let you set the sizing of your belt for maximum comfort and minimal slippage.
