Tool Belt

[ErgoCue]

Hi all!  I'm soon going to be ASMing a show where I'll be the only crew member backstage and need to keep my hands free for quick changes and set changes.  Does anyone have any recommendations for a light-weight, sturdy tool belt (or something like it)?  It just needs to hold a flashlight, pencils, and a few other small items.  Thanks!

[Maribeth]

I've used a waiter's half apron backstage before. They're cheap and easy to get at any restaurant supply store. They have big enough pockets to hold a run list, pencil, flashlight, and bobby pins/safety pins.

[AKBowman]

Nite Ize has a variety of tool belts ranging in size. I have the XL Utility Holster and really like it.
newbielink:http://www.niteize.com/collections/tools [nonactive]

[iamchristuffin]

The last time I needed somewhere to put things, I made my own little holster using some black fabric offcuts - making your own means it will do exactly what you need it to!!
C

[G.Miciak]

I usually go to my local military supply store. Their pouches are very sturdy and have clips rather than Velcro, which will eventually wear out. There is also usually a wide selection of sizes and shapes (and they always come in black). I just thread them on to my belt and I am set. Military grade pouches will be more expensive, but they will hold up to a lot.

The stuff I use: http://www.dropzonetactical.com/pouches/fireball.html

[nick_tochelli]

I've used an older version of this pouch here for years.

And it's perfect. I have a large pouch that can hold my multi tool and knife. I also usually keep two spare flashlights in that pouch too. The holsters on the outside fit most pocket flashlights, as well as pens/pencils/highlighters. The Nylon loop is where I tie my cue sheets (which I attach to index cards etc etc....I'll explain it again if people want to know, but this isn't the thread for that). Best part: Very inexpensive. Less costly than a roll of gaff.

As long as you're wearing a belt, these are an excellent option. I abuse everything I own (especially backstage) and this pouch still looks brand new.

[ErgoCue]

Thanks for all of the tips!  It looks like a trip to the army and restaurant supply stores is in order.  I'll let you know when I find a good one!

[BARussell]

I used to use this one:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_46184-1492-LTH-804_4294770562_4294937087_?productId=1209095&Ns=p_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl_Miscellaneous%2BTool%2BBelts_4294770562_4294937087_%3FNs%3Dp_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr%7C0%7C%7Cp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=

then I upgraded cause I needed more room and gave this to someone

[teachsneech]

I used to use a gardening pouch thing that I found in a hardware store and painstakingly taped black.
But I am now doing a degree in SM (and other things) and the first thing we did was learn to use the industrial sewing machines and we made ... tool belts!!
It was a bit tough giving the old one up, lots of memories

[NomieRae]

Manhattan Wardrobe supply sells wardrobe aprons which are fabulous, and while you're there, throw a bite lite from them in there as well. they make them with the cord on the front end of the light so you can actually bite down comfortably... any run crew member should have one cause sometimes you need two hands to get stuff done

[Maggie K]

Just got this and used it on my last show.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/c616/?srp=2

There are a few tweeks I want to make to it, like switching the belt buckles to something a little more durable than plastic and I also had to buy the extension belt from another web site.  But overall I loved it!  I was able to fit everything I need including my cell phone, gloves, and spike stick.  Also loved that it didn't attach to my belt so I didn't feel like my pants were being pulled down all the time.  It was really easy to take on and off so I could actually go get lunch without being weighed down by all my gear. It was very comfortable and easy to move in.