Occidental Leather 9525 SM The FinisherSet

I just got my Occidental “Finisher” Tool Belt a week ago. I feel comfortable writing a review so soon after purchase because the brands reputation of quality and longevity speaks for itself. My previous tool belt was the Dewalt DG5617 Pro Framers Tool Belt. I have nothing but good things to say about the Dewalt and it still has plenty of years of service left on it. I chose to make the switch because I went from doing primarily framing to doing a more renovations and finish carpentry. The thing I noticed first was the quality of the make and materials on the Occidental. Yes, it’s that good. It might be the nicest thing I own lol. When worn this belt sits high, just above my hips, is light weight even when fully loaded with hand tools, and is pretty compact for a tool belt. I understand the complaints people have made about the forward facing metal hammer loop on the right pouch. It probably should be leather considering this belt is intended for finish carpentry, but instead of cutting it off, like a fool, I wrapped it in electrical tape and now I have a non-marring hammer loop. The lack of a designated tape measure pouch hasn’t become an irritant for me yet. I’ve been using the smaller bottom/outside pouch on the right side. The Dewalt tool belt had a tape measure pouch located at the top and having it located there does make access to everything underneath it somewhat challenging. With that being said, if you think this set up might work for you then I recommend you buy it. It’s a great product

I am a contractor who does finish work about 75% of the time, and framing for the remaining 25%. I used to own a big canvas belt that worked well for framing but was too bulky for interior work. For the last year or so, I downsized to smaller leather aprons, but they are a bit too small and I haven't found one yet that can even stand up to basic everyday use. That being said, I have also never spent more than $50 on one of those leather aprons either. I've been eyeballing the OL belts for the last 6 months or so, but was never able to pull the trigger on a $200+ rig. A few weeks ago I finally realized that a belt like this is an investment, and considering I'm wearing it for 8-10 hours a day 5-6 days a week it would pay for itself in no time at all. The real kicker for me is that Occidental Leather offers 2 year warranty on their products, which offered me peace of mind.This belt is extremely comfortable, and is has enough space for everything I generally carry on me. It has plenty of pockets, so that everything has a home, and I even have pockets to spare as of right now. I will update this review in the future if I feel the belt is prematurely failing, but I can tell by the look and feel of the materials and craftsmanship that's gone into this belt that it will hold up just fine for my needs. As of right now 5 stars all the way!!

I'll admit I've only been wearing these for about a week but I haven't been impressed with they layout of the bags.I do a little bit of everything on the job site. Demo, foundation, framing, cabinets and finish work so I need to carry an array of different tools. The position of some of the tool holders makes it hard or awkward to reach.Cons:-I like having my tape on the left side and if I clip it on the leather part (up by where the belt goes through), it makes it nearly impossible to retrieve anything from the pouch below it. I've resorted to putting the tape in one of the pockets but that takes space from nails or screws.-The other thing that bothers me is the position of the hard plastic holder for a chisel- on the left side bags. I like having something durable that my chisel isn't going to cut though but it is so far back and out of sight that I have to turn and look where I'm putting it every time. The idea (in my mind) was to have a chisel in the left bag because I pull my hammer from the right side and be able to extract and return without having to take my eyes off what I'm working on.-I like to slide my pry bar in between the belt and the loop that holds the belt, but the loop has a lot of extra material that impedes the pry bar from fully seating, thus it either gets in the way or falls out.-Once you cinch the bags on, it is very hard to move them into the position I want.Pros:-One thing I like about them is that they are much lighter than my McRose leather bags I've been wearing for the last 15 years.-Another thing I like is that the pouches are wider at the mouth so it's easier to get my hands in and out.Overall, I haven't been as impressed as I though I would be. I am willing to give it some more time because they are a little more comfortable on my hips and lighter, but I may have to hang these up and get some suspenders for my leather bags if it is still awkward after a bit.

This is my first ever "premium" tool belt, I was never a huge fan of belts because my work requires me to wear a harness so it just feels like a lot of weight through out the day. I caught myself getting tired of having to go back and forth for a tool so finally said okay time to get a tool belt, initially I bought a clc belt and after a week I didn't like it. I decided to look into Occidental as I've heard nothing but great things and ultimately settled for "the finisher" due to it being one of their lightest options, I also don't require many pockets. This belt is extremely comfortable, and it's crazy how light or is. Obviously I can't speak on durability but based on the material used I can tell this will last a very long time.

I love these bags, only had 1 other bag before i got the occidental framer about 15 years ago. It lasted that long everyday hard use and is still usable except for stitching busted at most of the bottoms of the holders inside the bags. Plus 1 out small bag is half ripped across the top stitching but that can be fixed. I bought this bag cause its lighter and doesn't hang to my knees which im vertically challenged at 5' 8" so it works better when im doing finish work hense the name. I do have a couple problems with it but such as the inner big bags are a little too tight to fit your hand in to grab stuff out and where you can keep your tape for easy access. Overall still nice and hope it holds up like my all leather wide mouth framer did.

Great product. Quality build, lightweight, and lots of compartments in a compact size. Only issue was the belt sizing. I am a 33 waist and ordered medium, but it fit to the second last hole with just jeans on (no cold weather gear). Would recommend going a size up for some leeway. All is removable from the belt as well, which works good if you want to put the pouches on a harness.

The size of the tool belt lengths a couple of belt holes once break-in has happened. I was worried it was going to be too small from the first time I put it on..

Love the belt everything I hoped it would be. It has great pockets for all the tools I use. Sits comfortably, i think it will be a great investment because of how long it should last.Only issue is a wish I would of gotten a large or XL. From what I read online the medium fits 31-33. I'm typically a 32 pants size but for cold weather outdoor work if I'm layered up I'd have a tough time putting on the belt. Only complaint.