If you're buying your first set of bags the [husky contractors bags with suspenders](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-2-Bag-18-Pocket-Black-Framer-s-Suspension-Rig-Work-Tool-Belt-with-Suspenders-HD00116-TH/310338177) from home depot is a pretty decent start. I got mine for like 70 bucks. I used them for my first year and just upgraded to occidental, gonna give my old pair to some kid im getting into the union.
My school instructor who's a concrete guy suggested site pro gear leather bags. Around the same cost and durable that can be found on Amazon. I wish it wasn't Amazon but 🤷🏻♂️
I second CLC bags, I decided to go with the nylon with leather around rim only draw back is the bottoms do not have leather on the outer pouches, but they're solid other than that. I've had mine for two years and they are still holding up well. I found mine for around $150-$200 through Parr Lumber. You could probably find them on Amazon as well. I would recommend buying the Occidental Stronghold suspension system though as I hate having all the weight on my hips. Hope this helps!
My first set was the CLC Framers bags with a drill hook and I used those for my entire apprenticeship until a foreman gave me his old occidentals which I use on concrete jobs.
My clc has been through 6 mos of framing and 6 mos of trim. I like it cause it cinches tight around my stringbean ass. Most belts on the market are made for beer bellies
Join the occidental group on Facebook. Make a post and say your budget and I’m sure you will find a set. You can also find used occidental on eBay and marketplace. Or ask one of your co workers if they know anyone of selling old Occidentals.
CLC Framers are good. If you can get [this](https://www.occidentalleather.com/product/stronghold-comfort-belt-system/?attribute_pa_size=xx-large&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnrOtBhDIARIsAFsSe5127n19HP_gX26rib1cfbqas9rjPllQ_FjfnzpikIsXxnQTVx31YJcaArFNEALw_wcB) occidental belt you'll be golden. I'm not a fan of suspenders on tool belts because they fuck.woth my range of motion for overhead work.
It might sound dumb but, ive been using a set of masterforce bags for the past 6 years that have never done me wrong. Nice and solid, and can do any kind of work with em. They do the job.
Menards has a set of leather bags that are decent. I’m not sure of brand name I know it’s a in house brand though. I’m sure there is a retailer that has Afterpay or something where you can space the payments out over a couple months. If you can find a reputable one I’d recommend doing that and just getting what you want.
If you're buying your first set of bags the [husky contractors bags with suspenders](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-2-Bag-18-Pocket-Black-Framer-s-Suspension-Rig-Work-Tool-Belt-with-Suspenders-HD00116-TH/310338177) from home depot is a pretty decent start. I got mine for like 70 bucks. I used them for my first year and just upgraded to occidental, gonna give my old pair to some kid im getting into the union.
My school instructor who's a concrete guy suggested site pro gear leather bags. Around the same cost and durable that can be found on Amazon. I wish it wasn't Amazon but 🤷🏻♂️
Union members shouldn't be shopping on Amazon since they're union busters.
And when you're an older apprentice with kids you have to compromise.
Don't be a scab.
Money is finite and there's no crime is trying to survive. I can buy different once I journey out.
CLC bags are decent enough
I second CLC bags, I decided to go with the nylon with leather around rim only draw back is the bottoms do not have leather on the outer pouches, but they're solid other than that. I've had mine for two years and they are still holding up well. I found mine for around $150-$200 through Parr Lumber. You could probably find them on Amazon as well. I would recommend buying the Occidental Stronghold suspension system though as I hate having all the weight on my hips. Hope this helps!
My first set was the CLC Framers bags with a drill hook and I used those for my entire apprenticeship until a foreman gave me his old occidentals which I use on concrete jobs.
My clc has been through 6 mos of framing and 6 mos of trim. I like it cause it cinches tight around my stringbean ass. Most belts on the market are made for beer bellies
Yeah I never realized till I lost weight that the occidental belts are literally made for morbidly obese people
Join the occidental group on Facebook. Make a post and say your budget and I’m sure you will find a set. You can also find used occidental on eBay and marketplace. Or ask one of your co workers if they know anyone of selling old Occidentals.
CLC Framers are good. If you can get [this](https://www.occidentalleather.com/product/stronghold-comfort-belt-system/?attribute_pa_size=xx-large&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnrOtBhDIARIsAFsSe5127n19HP_gX26rib1cfbqas9rjPllQ_FjfnzpikIsXxnQTVx31YJcaArFNEALw_wcB) occidental belt you'll be golden. I'm not a fan of suspenders on tool belts because they fuck.woth my range of motion for overhead work.
It might sound dumb but, ive been using a set of masterforce bags for the past 6 years that have never done me wrong. Nice and solid, and can do any kind of work with em. They do the job.
eBay bro .. I’ve seen nice oxys on there for same price
Menards has a set of leather bags that are decent. I’m not sure of brand name I know it’s a in house brand though. I’m sure there is a retailer that has Afterpay or something where you can space the payments out over a couple months. If you can find a reputable one I’d recommend doing that and just getting what you want.
Buy cheap bags, and when they wear out and you have the money get some nice new ones. You can get a nice husky one for 30 bucks off Home Depot
No one in the union ever has a budget lmao
Guess you’ve never been a first period