Tool Belt Setup for Framing

Summary

The video script discusses the importance of the right tool bag setup for framers, emphasizing the need for mobility and accessibility. It covers various tool bag styles, from traditional canvas aprons to modern hip bags, and how they adapt to different carpentry tasks. The speaker shares personal preferences for tools like tape measures, pencils, utility knives, and hammers, and explains why certain tools are essential for framers, like cat's paws and chalk lines. The script also provides insights on tool organization and the evolution of a carpenter's rig over time.

Takeaways

• 🧳 The speaker emphasizes the importance of having the right bags for framing work, which should allow for full range of motion and be adaptable to various tasks.
• 🔩 The old Occidental bags are mentioned as a starting point, but they have been fixed with rivets to prevent flopping, indicating the need for secure tool storage.
• 👷‍♂️ Different trades have different tool carrying systems, such as canvas aprons, coveralls with integral bags, and roughout leather bags, each tailored to their specific needs.
• 🏗 Framing is described as the most athletic type of carpentry due to the physical demands of the job, which includes climbing and moving around in the construction of a house's skeleton.
• 💼 The speaker suggests that the first set of bags a carpenter buys will likely influence their tool organization habits for life, highlighting the importance of choosing wisely.
• 📏 Essential tools for a framer include a 30-foot tape measure, two pencils, a utility knife, and a combination square or speed square.
• 🔨 The choice of hammer is personal, with the speaker preferring a steel-handled hammer for its durability, despite the vibration it can transmit.
• 🔩 The speaker carries a variety of nails, with the most used ones being in an accessible pocket, and less frequently used ones in a different pocket.
• 👖 The use of suspenders versus a belt is discussed, with the speaker opting for a belt due to the restriction suspenders can cause when working at height.
• 🔩 The speaker has moved away from using a hammer loop on the bags due to the risk of injury from the hammer slapping against the knee while moving.
• 🛠️ The speaker emphasizes the importance of not carrying unnecessary tools to reduce weight and improve efficiency on the job site.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is discussing the tools and setup a carpenter, specifically a framer, should carry in their bags or tool belt for work.

Why did the speaker use rivets on their Occidental bags?

The speaker used rivets on their Occidental bags because they were flopping in the breeze and needed to be fixed.

What is the significance of the type of bag a framer uses?

The type of bag a framer uses is significant because it needs to allow for full range of motion and agility, as framing involves athletic movements like climbing and maneuvering in tight spaces.

Why did the speaker stop using a hammer loop on the front of the bags?

The speaker stopped using a hammer loop on the front of the bags because it would slap against their knee when walking or running, causing bruises.

What is the importance of having a good tape measure for a framer?

A good tape measure is important for a framer because it's a frequently used tool for measuring accurately in the construction of a house's frame.

Why does the speaker recommend carrying two pencils?

The speaker recommends carrying two pencils because one is likely to break the lid on one, and it's important to have a backup for continuous work without delay.

What is the reason behind not carrying a plumb bob or a saw wrench while framing?

The speaker does not carry a plumb bob or a saw wrench while framing because they are not frequently used tools and it's more efficient to retrieve them when needed rather than carry them around.

Why did the speaker switch from using suspenders on their bags to just using a belt?

The speaker switched from using suspenders on their bags to just using a belt because the suspenders restricted mobility when working at heights or in tight spaces.

What is the significance of the tool the speaker still owns from their initial set of gear?

The significance of the tool the speaker still owns from their initial set of gear is that it represents their long-standing career and the durability of quality tools.

What is the speaker's view on the use of pneumatic hammers by young framers?

The speaker expresses concern about young framers relying on pneumatic hammers, suggesting that it's important for them to learn traditional hammering skills.

Why does the speaker emphasize not carrying unnecessary tools in the bags?

The speaker emphasizes not carrying unnecessary tools because it adds dead weight and reduces efficiency and agility on the job site.