If you shop for a tool belt these days, you’ll often find two types of material: leather and nylon. If you are unfamiliar with these materials, it may be perplexing to decide what to get. To help you with that, this article will elaborate on some of the significant differences between the two when crafted as a tool belt.
Weight
A tool belt made of top-grain leather typically weighs 3.7 pounds, but a nylon belt with a bag weighs just about 2.7 pounds. This means that the top grain is somewhat heavy, while nylon is light. Therefore, the utilization would be different because of this reason. As far as belts go, electricians should use nylon, while carpenters should opt for top-grain leather.
Size
Top-grain leather and nylon both work just as well for a tool belt. However, the exterior construction of a nylon tool belt makes it an inch longer compared to top-grain leather. In a practical sense, the difference isn’t that noticeable.
Durability
Compared to a nylon tool belt, the top-grain leather will last a lot longer. It’s because the material itself is more durable, and the sewing will add another layer of durability. Because of this, leather tool belts can bear more weight.
Comfort
The comfort of the toolbelt is usually tied to the load it carries. This is generally true whether it’s made from leather or nylon. Hence, the more load you carry, the more uncomfortable a tool belt gets.
Usage
A genuine leather tool belt is ideal for woodworkers, contractors, carpenters, and DIYers. Alternatively, electricians are increasingly opting for the nylon tool belt as they weigh less and are easier to carry when climbing up ladders.
Maintenance
Nylon tool belts that are less expensive may not be the norm, but they do exist. These tool belts are more affordable options for DIYers and weekend warriors. To wash them, just toss them in the washer along with the rest of your laundry. However, there are a few exceptions.
For example, the temperature inside the washing machine could not be high enough to remove stains properly. However, you can try this solution: use a fabric stain remover and leave it on for a few hours before washing. Some stains may require additional brushing to remove. If the pre-washing treatment and brushing don’t remove the stain, then there’s a good chance that it never will come off.
The great majority of available tool bags are crafted from leather. The reason is leather can stand up to abuse from a typical work environment. Unfortunately, it readily absorbs most forms of stains or dirt. Understanding the characteristics of a leather tool belt is the key to properly maintaining it.
Wrapping It Up
Hopefully, after reading this article, you learned the fundamental differences between nylon and top-grain leather tool belts. This can help you choose the right type for your situation.
Builders, carpenters, and do-it-yourselfers benefit from using these tool belts. Both types are useful and practical, although their respective uses will vary mainly because of the durability factor.
A tool belt that is made of top-quality leather will last much longer than nylon.If you want a tool belt that will be your companion through the years, consider getting a premium quality top-grain leather tool belt. You’ll be pleased to know that BUILDPRO Store carries an excellent line of leather tool belts.