- A good tool belt is
very useful to carry your hammer, notebook pouch, and pocket
transit. A standard width
or lightweight belt can't take the weight of the hammer, and will curl
over and become
uncomfortable.
|
- Leather and padded nylon
web
tool belts are
the two choices. There are some very good
nylon belts on the market, but we have found that the bulky
quick-release
buckle makes it quite difficult or imposible to get some items onto the
belt.
|
- The best leather belts are
made
by Gfeller for
the professional
market. A Gfeller belt could last for an entire career with a
little
care. They are made with solid brass buckles that are
non-magnetic. You can buy them directly from Gfeller
Casemakers.
|
- A contractor grade
leather tool belt is fine for student use. You can find
them at most any hardware or building supply store. Look for one
about 2" wide, and
pay a few bucks extra to get one with a
roller style buckle. You will find the roller
buckle
makes it very easy to get the belt on and off, which you might do many
times a day depending on your style of work.
|
- To keep a leather
belt in good condition for years all it will need is an
occasional cleaning
with saddle soap, and maybe a little neatsfoot oil dressing at the end
of a field season. After a few years, sunlight and
use will turn
the leather
a dark brown color that is a status symbol that a field geologist can't
buy off the shelf.
|
