Looking after your toolbelt

As with many things in life, taking a little care and attention of any tool belt will help to get the maximum benefit and longest lifespan from it.

Before using each time - with safety being the prime consideration - it is most important to check for serious rips, splits or any fraying that may cause the belt to fail. You should also carefully examine buckles and loops for damage. Clearly, spilled tools falling from heights could be a major site hazard.

Work Belt Protection

Try not to wear a tool belt in very damp conditions, unless fully waterproofed and don't certainly never leave it for long periods in the wet or in contact with chemicals and solvents, particularly if leather construction.

Always fully tighten the belt and avoid over-stretching through forcing tools that are too big to fit into the pouches and pockets available. Never put liquids directly into any pouch or pocket.

Even with the toughest leather or synthetic material tool belts, you should always take care when putting back really sharp tools such as wood chisels unless edge protectors have been replaced.

Cleaning a Tool Belt

All work belt options will benefit from cleaning. Leather should be treated with a recognised waterproofing dressing to prevent possible drying out and cracking, but do not overdo it or use a coloured compound as it could transfer to your clothing.

You should clean manmade fabrics with water, taking care not to dry with excessive or direct heat, such as leaving on hot appliances or placing in a tumble dryer.

Finally, do not store a work belt in direct sunlight for prolonged periods, particularly when not in use, such as during holidays.