I build roof trusses for years ,then framed houses for 2 yrs back in the 80's, then worked 30 yrs for a school district.. now putting bag back on because my son is a general contractor now and I get to work with him😊
Twenty years ago a teacher like yourself could pass on good information to a few, now with UA-cam that same teacher can help many thousands......... NICE ! Thanks for sharing and take care. 👍 👍
Yeah, thousands of idiots. Only a few want the knowledge. I really have no idea how the trades will continue when guys my age retire in ten years. The replacement ratio is not there and the talent pool is SHALLOW! Most kids don’t want to learn because they already know it all.
LOL....my dad was a commercial electrician. When I got my first job as a framing carpenter I didn't have a lot of tools. He loaned me his old Skil saw. (from like 1962...LOL). Some old belt with bags that were OK...I supplemented it with a cheap leather bag that worked really well. I felt like my dad already gave me enough tools and I refused his offer for a 25' tape. I just took my 16' tape and he kept telling me that was fine for electrical work, but not for a carpenter. He started yelling at me to take the bigger tape and I just refused and said I would get some new tools after my first paycheck. Day one.......Lead carpenter wants me to extend my tape to him to get some measurements. My little 16' didn't reach. He screamed at me that my tape measure was a toy and to go buy a 30'. The kid learned the hard way that dad was right and carpenters don't like to work with people that don't have the proper tools. Pay attention youngsters, this vid will set you up to get to work right away and have what you need to be a framer.
This is the second one of your videos I have paid my framing crew to watch. The first one was your production vid....A snap line makes for a useful plumb bob in a pinch...Cheers,, love your vids they make perfect common sense.
I'm addicted to this channel. I took a construction job right out of high school. I stuck with that and welding until my early 30's. I've worked as a musician and radio personality the past 17 years. There are many days that I miss building things! I do what I can around my home but there is just something cool about bringing things into existence with knowledge, tools & and good ol' fashioned manual labor!!!
Great video. A trick I picked up some years ago is to cut the top off a quart automotive oil bottle, wash it out thoroughly, and use it to carry nails or screws (I sometimes frame with both) in your pouch. The plastic container is easier (for me, at least) to grab nails from, saves wear on the pouch, and can be used to scoop nails or screws from a bucket or box, then dropped back into the pouch without dropping any in the wrong pouch. In the larger pouches, I've also used the bottom of a narrow laundry detergent bottle.
Just like you I have recycled something into a tool. I Like to use an altoids mint case for holding smaller bits this way I can easily find them instead of letting them get lost in my bags.
@@ryanmccue8180 Steal the magnets out of an old hard drive and epoxy them to the bottom of that Altoids tin. You now have a magnetic parts holder that not only holds your parts, but you can stick it to all sorts of things like a tool box or a welding table. Works for small coffee cans too. The magnets are usually strong enough to stay on the tin but the epoxy is there to keep them from sliding around on the slick surface. I use mine when working on guitars and the tiny screws from small electronics, pickguards, etc. can get away from you. So useful!
@@DriveCarToBar thank you I've got to try this I love thinking of ways to make my life as a carpenter easier. Tips from guys like you keep me clever sir.
@@ryanmccue8180 yeah that's a good thing to share. I started doing that years ago for the convenience of not losing my bits and they are always very handy to get to
My grandmother's 2nd husband used to tell stories about how he'd pack extra sandwiches and a flask in his gas mask case when he was fighting in WWII. Old Walt was literally one of the funniest old men I've ever met. RIP Walt. Miss ya buddy!
My father used nothing but a single, smallish, two and a half pocket bag on his left hip, or out front, for his entire carpentry career. His Estwing hammer swung off a steel wire loop that was attached to the belt on his right hip. His tape also hung off his belt on the right. There were small slots in the pockets where a pencil, chisel, square or punch etc could sit but, they were little more than cut slits. I asked him once why all the guys that worked for him had mega multi pockets and pouches while he wore this very humble little rig. He showed me while telling me. He got all the various nails and screws he thought he'd use during that shift and laid them out in their boxes, close to his working area. He grabbed the particular nails he needed for the job he was about to do and said... "You're almost always using only one or two types of fixing for an aspect of any job, so why carry around stuff you don't need yet?.... When you're finished doing the part of the job that required those fixings, put the excess back in their boxes and load up with what you need for the next part of the task"... Every time I worked with him after that I noticed how much easier he moved around the job compared to the big pouch characters, how quick his changeovers were and that his approach demanded he efficiently set his tasks up to suit. Less was definitely more in his approach.
Biggest 23 sounds like myself. I have a tool bag with all my things and I only transfer what I need to my pouches. Doing layout? Then carry the chalk line heavy tape measure and markers. But why carry the heavy long tape and chalk line all day???I am to lazy to heave around heavy pouches all day lol.
When I started framing I bought a huge tool belt and it was too heavy so I used suspenders till I stopped working in framing and started doing equipment operating. When I came back 10 years later to now being self employed doing renos I have one side pouch with my belt and a hammer loop. I only carry what I need and have a tool bag handy for anything else I might need close by. I use to cary 2 hammers. One was a finishing 20 ounce and the other was a 28 framing axe. Now I carry 1 and its either my stiletto 14 or my other titanium 17. More than enough for my needs.
I’ve been a framer and an electrician. Sparkies can’t use bags like that either. I have shared this video with so many young men in recent years and thank you so much for what you have done with this channel.
This is hands down, the best video I’ve watched before starting my apprenticeship tomorrow. The years - or should I say decades of experience are a huge help with the little things that’ll make my life better. Thanks!
I like your videos! Here's what I carry (pro carpenter, 51 years old, 33 years experience; frame, finish, siding) Occidental bags, right side: 16 oz hammer with hatchet handle in the front hammer loop, two pencils, sharpie, keel (when framing), 1" chisel (generally dull, used to unscrew utility knife to change blades, too), 6" tri square (don't use much, but it's light and useful as a marking gauge), chalk line, utility knife, tape measure, misc driver bits in a little foam case (T25, T20, T15, 1/4") Left side, top pocket: 5d galvie box nails (invaluable for holding string line, chalk line, used for siding to hold up shingle course boards) Middle pouch: fasteners (usually strip nail clips) Bottom pouch: fasteners (whatever I need for the job at hand) also a titanium cat's paw (japanese style) in the rear loop, three nail sets in the slots, a torpedo level in the front pocket (not usually for framing), and a speed square. Sometimes a string line, but it usually gets hung up somewhere or set down. I've never had a hammer loop wear out. I like a light hammer, not much framing without my Hitachi, and if I need to smack something I pick up a 2# mini sledge. Other necessities: Lots of sawhorses and 12' 2x12's, Makita job radio, microwave oven for lunch, folding camp chair. And a couple of dogs!
Just got an occidental belt from my wife as a gift. I’m just an active DIYer working on our house addition and I feel so guilty having such nice bags considering it’s not what I do for a living but, boy are they sweet lmao. Your comment helped me get them set up. Thanks!
This guy is honestly one of the very few guys on here that I can actually recommend to beginner framers and carpenters. I'm A journeyman and even I still watch his videos and learn some new tips/ideas now and then
I"ve been a carpenter and then General contractor since 1995.I too have run the occidental bags for the last 25 years (2nd set now) yes they're heavy yes they're expensive but for longevity they are hard to beat. One thing I've always carried which is a bit unusual is a scratch awl. Not necessarily for scratching although it's useful for that. What I use it more than anything is a second set of hands, perfect for a chalk line or string line anchor, works well for setting elevation on siding anything you might use an 8P nail for. As usual these videos are great, I would recommend using the tape measure holder that occidental incorporates into their bags they're excellent, I run my chalk box in the left side high pocket... just my 2 cents!
Great video. I am a lefty, also 125 lbs. soaking wet. My first framing rig was that apron you showed designed for wearing on the front. I spun it around on the back; my small frame set the bags comfortably on my hips and reversed the right-hand setup for a decent lefty setup. That rogue got me through the first 10 or so years. Now I have the same Occidental rig you showed, just with the bags reversed. That puts my speed square backwards and the pencil slots towards the rear but still puts food on the table for my family.
I started working as a carpenter about a year ago and your videos have been so crucial to my learning experience. This came at a time where I'm thinking a lot more about my bags and what I carry all day every day. It's like somehow you know the advice I'm gonna need and put it into a video at the perfect time. Thank you so much!!
Hello and thanks for the video. I’m a ten year framer and I just have to say that was the single best oral explanation of tool pouch engineering I’ve ever seen or heard. 9.5/10 on tool placement, right vs left side. They say you learn something every day and I’m surprised to admit that I learned and will adopt the double sided pencil. (*expletive*) genius!!
Me and my friend who I frame with watch all of your videos and wish we could work with you for one week. On the jobsite in NYC we watch and learn from you sir and bring your ideas to our jobsite.
Apprentice Carpenter here in Australia. Have been framing for the past 6 months and have only just discovered your videos now. Mate, thank you so much for the excellent content, you have earnt a lifetime subscriber :)
I'm not a professional carpenter, but I am building my own house, and I find a lot of the information here invaluable. I don't want to make too much of an investment in stuff that is only going to be used for a limited number of projects, so I end up doing things a little different, but these are very helpful tips.
I am settling up my first real bag for framing at 45yrs old. Have been doing G/C for tje past 4 years and now landed a real job at a good local construction company. Your videos have been of invaluable to me. Thank you! P.S. loved the suspenders sound effect!
Essential Craftsman video shows up in my feed, everything else gets put on hold. Excellent video, as always. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience, sir.
You are speaking my language in your videos. I am a 58 year young carpenter and learning from your videos makes me feel even younger. It is an exciting time to be a carpenter with all the new tools, materials and building design concepts out there. That being said a lot of what you teach is timeless. Young men should be so lucky to find your videos learn how to make a good living.👍🏼
Just noticed the all the thumbs down. What is wrong with people. This is a great video, especially if your new to the trades and could actually help someone in the real world. Very very informative.
My guess is 2nd year framers that took at least a year to figure this all out for themselves. Now a new guy can start today, watch this video, and be off to a great start. Framing can be a competitive career/job. I was a framer for 7 years before my back went and I had to change professions. I wish I'd had a teacher like Nate back then.
@@wildbill23c I wear mine backwards, still liked the video! Hammer in the back, tape left pocket, string other left pocket, nails left bag with chisel, punch, cats paw front right ring, square and pencil right holders, right small bag random, big bag knife, miscellaneous.
What a great video. The title of the video seams simple when you read it. The amount of knowledge shared can’t be put in a title. I’m no framer but my wife calls me the man that can do everything. I try to learn as much as I can. Not a huge fan of UA-cam but this is a channel I’ve grown to love. Thanks again for sharing.
So true loading your belt is based on the job you are doing. Where you put your tools in your bags is a personal preference there is no set rules. Good video Scott thank you. Stay safe and GOD Bless.
I loved your comment about young tradesmen and air nailer and not knowing the beauty of driving nails. I look back 38 or so yrs as a carpenter remembering trimming by hand nail and Pounding framing nails.Things have changed. Best wishes Paul from Ontario, Canada
You carry a plumb-bob if you have a string line, or snapper as they all have that function built into them. I wish you could get hooked up with Mike Rowe some how. You should reach out and ask for an interview, he loves talking about his foundation.
hard won knowledge in an excellent video. this is pretty much exactly what i finally ended up with except as a remodeler i always had 7 inch end nippers in the bag along with a cats paw for stubborn rusty nail pulling. add a flat bar for removing siding.
55 years as a carpenter, i've enjoyed it enough to still ply the trade at 70. I can assure you the vids you post are an assist to anyone starting out or honing skills. Thank you, stay well.🔨😎
Excellent video! I am a 71 year old retired carpenter/builder who managed multiple 24 man production framing crews 30-35 years ago and still do small jobs. Over and over I watch videos done by these young guys who carry a hardware store around their waist all day on the off chance that they may need one of those things once a day, if that. My own framing bags are set up pretty much the way you have yours. On days when I do a lot of layout work I do add an awl made from a small screwdriver to my bag. I find it handy to lock my 100 ft tape at the beginning of long plates before laying them out, or for keeping my chalk line hook from slipping. As far as suspenders go, I use a shoulder harness made for nail aprons that has a small cross strap at chest height to keep the harness from falling off my shoulders. Before I had that I used a small Velcro strap pulled tightly around each side of the harness and hanging toward center. When I put on my belt I just pressed either one of the straps against the other. That solved the problem. I'm subscribing right now.
I put my chalk line in my leather hammer loop. I open the lever and close it over the loop. Never lost it. Been using the same chalk line for almost 20 yrs. Take care of your tools and they will take care of you.
It is so impressive to see a good brain at work. There is no subject that is too simple to prevent it from addressing issues that have been tested by experience and ripened by thought. When this is accompanied by a superior ability to communicate, you have a good teacher, mentor, or father (if you are very lucky). You Tube is raised in its social importance by such superb teaching as Essential Craftsman. And this by a man who does not know the working end of a hammer. Fascinating! Congratulation!
Yep perfect. One thing, coming from the painting world, that I love to have on me is the 5-way. It’s a funky-shaped “scraper” kind of tool but you can get a very low-profile one that doesn’t take up much space or add much weight, and I find I’m reaching for it all the time for pulling staples or clearing a jam on a tool or scraping or prying something, all day it’s got lots of uses and I feel naked without it. Check it out.
Thanks for making great videos! I’m a carpenter of a carpenter. Grew up framing with my dad and to this day I set up my bags exactly like he did based on watching how efficient he was at work. Like you he only carried what he needed (based on what type of work he was doing) and tool placement was intentional and not haphazard. These are great tips. You’re one of the only subscriptions I have where I watch every episode. Thanks again!
Great video, I agree, only carry what you use everyday, save your hips and back! Have to say though, I always carry a cats paw though,I tend to use it a lot for things other than just pulling nails, got a little trick for moving steels with it, wedging walls over, putting it under plates when back-framing for toe-nailing studs between floor and ceiling. It’s a very versatile tool. Plus it saves breaking wooden handles on your hammer when you do need to pull nails out!
Glad I was taught right before watching. The cat paw. Or pry bar. I barely carried unless doing other people's repair work !!! There is an amazing refreshing feeling I get watching your instructions. I wish anyone wanting and needing to continue the skill trades. That must go on for human life to keep thriving. Watch and learn. And practice it.
I have all the tools in my rig that i need, except when my coworkers say, "hey let me borrow your chalk line" then i dont see it again until the end of the day! Lol
A small quick-clamp is handy for all sorts of tasks when working alone. I always carry one. ...and call me a cheat, but a credit-card sized pocket calculator adds little weight but gets regular use.
I love to speak your western lingo with the guys i work with, it throws them off and makes me look like i know my stuff and after watching your videos i do learn much more.
I'm 40 years old & I've been working construction heavily since age 16 at least, &know pretty much everything you said to be true . But I have installed thousands of Garage Doors since 2001. And I have the bad habit of leaving my Garage Door tool belt almost as is when I need to do framing or other work instead of simply taking out all tools that aren't needed out to save weight and room . Now thank u very much for reminding me to work smarter because the lazy thing to do is what I've been doing. Your reminding me to work smarter not harder. There is a rule is almost any profession ( That for 10 minutes of preparation you save 1 hour of execution) Hard to believe but probably very true !!! Imagine how much time alot of people like myself loss because of early fatigue and having to look through tools or fasteners we aren't using . You Sir are deeply appreciated & a blessing. I enjoy your up building speech language positivity truthfulness ect . Credit you give to others teachers u had ect & humble admissions. Your my favorite construction video maker that I know of . Much of what you say in every video I've seen of yours are things I already knew but often forget to apply & it is super, to have a reminder so as to the importance to put in action. Some of your saw tricks I did not know. I set my tuck up similar to yours but welded my rack in 6 parts that bolt together with grade 8 bolts & nylon locking nuts where the bolts aren't under direct load . So I can remove my rack solo to repaint or pull fithwheels or gooseneck trailers my rack goes all the way back . Or travel out of state without extra weight or wind drag and noise or being top heavy balance. My rack has carried 1,750 pounds of steel beems on in with no problem. My tuck is a 2000 3/4 ton silverado with homemade auxiliary two leafs working together on each side springs under no load when truck is empty. I like your truck better I'll trade u then make your same rack bolt together with nylon locking nuts . Your right your truck is as good as a person can do . I don't love things because I've been told & warned not to love the things of the world but I like your Truck alot alot . I like mine too alot alot . But I like yours more . LOL. Thank you I do still learn new things from you some I forgot, some I never did know .
Nice video. I’m not a carpenter but have used bags in the past and time to time now. Seeing someone who has used them for years gives new ideas and reassures old habits. Always appreciate you sharing your experience. Thanks.
i am REALLY loving this channel! his advice to leave stuff in the toolbox is spot on. i spent the last 20 years seeking to lighten up the bags as best i could. the titanium hammer was a great start and losing that elbow wrecker Dalluge cal framer was the best thing i ever did. and i found that the plastic speed square was also as accurate as needed. picked up a Dead On cats paw with a built -in saw wrench i like a lot. the blue flat bar gets tucked in the belt loop. still looking for the chalk line i like best...anyone have suggestions for slim, light and durable and not $50?
Cheap DeWalt or Stanley ones. I actually like the DeWalt plastic ones from Home Depot because they have the button to release so no idiots complain about their thumbs getting hooked
I wear bibs/overalls and no suspenders on my bags. Bibs also give some nice chest pockets for your cell phone, extra pencils/crayon, and whatever else you don't want getting beat up. Literally, everything else with my bags is the same as Scott's. Pro tips: 1. My tape goes on the left side, pencil on the right. Those are the two hands I'll be needing to use those in. 2. Lay your nails flat in your hand and straighten them all out before you put them in your bags. that way you won't be getting poked every time you grab for nails. 3. Speed square is also on my left, when I put the tape back, I grab the square. 4. 16d nails go in the same pocket EVERY TIME. Same with 8d. The other pockets are for anything else I might carry (screws, finish nails, etc.) There's nothing worse than reaching for something and it being something else when your hand gets there. The muscle memory for all my items let's me continue thinking about what I'm working on and not about where my nails are. Also, I sometimes carry a finish hammer (smooth faced) in the front loop if I'm working on something I don't want to leave waffle marks on. I also use it to pull nails sometimes because my dad always yelled at me if I used my straight claw California framer.
Your straightforward, kind, and concise information and wisdom is the reason you're on my notifications. I cannot tell you how much I've learned from this channel. Thank you so much for all of the videos.
I'm a repairman with most of my work being plumbing, electrical, and mixed finished and rough carpentry. At the moment I only use a bag on my hip for electrical. It just so happens that I can do 99.99% of all electrical work I need to do with just the tools I can fit in my small bag. A bag is less practical for most of the other tasks I do for work but there's something primal about approaching a job with a bag on your hip and going to work with tools you can grab, use and replace in seconds without ever reaching into a bucket or a box or even looking for that matter. I find keeping a dedicated bag loaded is an excellent way to keep up with the tools in it too. Always interested in seeing how other workers arrange and carry their tools, especially when they are wise as you. Thanks for another great video!
Lol it is crazy that this setup is pretty much what me and everyone else settled into after a couple years. I switched to a metal handled hammer when I started doing more concrete and added a double jack but kept everything else pretty close. The only main addition was I always carried a roll of Mason line as well. Btw we had a great older framer that had us frame with a hammer on slow days so we would learn how to live without a nail gun and it paid for itself when we were trying to meet a deadline and the compressor died. We kept on working and got it done before the boss got back from buying a new compressor.
Great idea with the pencil & a lumber crayon in a tube! Wish I had thought of that 30 years ago! I framed for many years but have slowed down quit a bit. Framing will take it's toll on your body, my knee just isn't what it used to be, but I wouldn't trade the experience & pride it has given me. Just knowing that there are places in the world were my craftsmanship will long out live me & go on for years & bring others joy & comfort. Great video as usual & keep doing what you do, your the best!
All UK tapes have both . Metric on the right old money on the left .. Dont know why . Knowing what 400 mm is in imperial is like knowing something in Latin. Purely academic and totally useless.
For me it is humorous watching you because of all the similarities. I have the same bags with a relatively similar setup. I started out framing and now am the whatever needs doing fella, I suppose. Started in construction 12 years ago and love watching your videos. There is nothing like learing from the veterans. Keep it up!
Love the videos! Been framing since I was 19. Now 33. I pretty much carry the exact tool setup and it just feels right. Been swinging a 22oz Steel ESTWING since 2006 and gotta say, it's the best feeling hammer I've tried so far. I have an old hickory handled steel hammer from my wife's grandpa that he made back in the 60's that I use for finishing work(14oz) Love that hammer! Keep up the good work and I pray you stay safe!
Around here in Virginia almost everybody uses an estwing. The nose on them is like a sixteenth longer than mine. Throws my swing off whenever I use one tho. For the past 5 years I've been using a Stanley antivibe. I like it but most people must not. Haven't seen them since then.
Google Woodpecker’s “Angle Square” and watch their video. Pretty much the same thing but it was much more expensive but I enjoy the craftsmanship. Not sure mine will ever go in a toolbelt but it sure is pretty to stare at! :) p.s. stay out of the a Woodpeckers store there is nothing but trouble in there and empty wallets... :D
mine are pretty close, i keep a key hole saw i use for alot, including digging screws out of the box. nothing better than that and watching the young guys try bare handed
My rig is almost identical too. I do not carry a chalk line. Hardly ever use the thing since I don't do a lot of framing. I do carry a vise grip and a small crescent wrench. I also have a speed square and this nice little combination square I bought at home depot. I use them both a lot. I do keep a torpedo level in there but after watching this video I might take it out. I almost never use the thing. Anyways gave a great day guys. Cheers
Love to see an expert sharing his hard-earned knowledge. I started "bending nails" at about the age of 7 and still love doing it at 60 - of course, that's probably because I took a "break" from it for nearly a quarter century while serving in the military. After I retired from that though, I was back at it and now run a small contracting business. Thanks for taking the time to pass on your knowledge in such a wide forum.
This video is just in time for me! I'm going to be framing my new backyard shed within the next few weeks. Does that mean I'm finally going to be able to call myself an "athlete"?
I already have a set of bags that I've used for various weekend DIY projects for many years. It was neat to see how a pro loads theirs, and I realized that I've been carrying around too much stuff in mine. His advice of "if you don't need it before lunch, don't carry it" is really great.
Thank you for sharing and saving these videos. I have watched so many of your videos more than once. I feel like a pro helping the wife, kids, and neighbors thanks to your advice.
Newtronwest I threw out my metal one years ago in favour of the plastic ones with gearing. They only last maybe two or three years, but they're much faster to wind up, and are much lighter.
BJ Willis i have 2 older chalk lines and on the bottom they say plumb bob. Not sure what brand. One has blue and one red chalk. Most the tools i have were my grandfathers. Great old quality tools.
I keep my hammer loop on my hip I never liked it on my back. When I was coming up the old timers used to say WHEN you fall not IF you fall so I wasn't messing around with it. I carry 4 pencils because why not they're light. I like the rubber hose trick it's a great way to use up the short pencils. I could talk about tool pouches all day. You can tell a lot about a guy by what he keeps where! Thanks for the chat. Always a pleasure.
You now what you are talking about Nate. I have mij baks for 30 years PS . I work with us 🔨 hammers I work on a laching Cru on federal schips from the us in Antwerpen (docks) Pat from Belgium 🔨
Oh man, I love this, a metal loop is so much faster than a leather loop that acts like a breaking mechanism when you need your hammer. Loosing tools is inevitable, being in a hurry is inevitable, you are preaching to the choir here. Much respect from Lloyd , roofer 35 years.
MetaTaylor... yes, me too watched it 3 times so I could hear the snap. This comment is for the man ( essential craftsman)..you should look at anvils on eBay..there is an ancient ( circa 1700's) anvil from France, that is the coolest looking anvil I have ever seen..part of the face has been worn away from hundreds of years of hammering..so the side view is worth the price of admission..would make a great piece for you collection..all hand forged about 7 big heavy pieces..someone out there who knows the man, please make sure he sees this message.. maybe he will do a video about this anvil..thanks Scott Langer
You impart practical information in a sensible way. These how to videos will ensure the knowledge lives on. Wondering where our next generation of tradespeople will come from? Thank you very much sir.
WOW Scott, I got laughed at more than a few times for wearing my bags on the side and back, but it was out of the way and more comfortable. I don't do carpentry work anymore but if I did I would tell them to go check out the Essential Craftsman and get back with me on them remarks! 😂LOL!!! Btw, all of my tools I kept in the same pockets as you do. 😁😁😁GREAT VIDEO and thanks for sharing Sir.
In the 'States it seems to be regional -bags and hammer in back in the West - bags in front in the East. Same with saws where everybody ran worm drive saws in the West, and sidewinders in the East. This was a lot more the case when I started 45 years ago, than now, I suspect.
love these little carpentry videos brother. I've been swing a hammer in local 441 heavy highway Pittsburgh pa. for 20 years and I learn a little somthing on every video.thanks
You got my thumbs up just for the chuckle I got over the bullwhip sound on the suspenders, but this is GREAT advise for someone getting into the trades. My use of a tool belt has evolved over time as I've used them and changed how I do things, but this is all excellent advise.
Correction - larry died at 80 years young after a long battle with lymphoma on October 24th of 2011 in coos bay Oregon - he was a legend , a gentle soul and a true mentor to anyone who knew him - the world lost a great one that day .
Scott, on all the carpenters pants, coveralls, and painters pants have a hammer loop on the left leg. The majority of carpenters are right handed, why isn't the hammer loop on the right side?
I remember when I was 16 or 17, working on a job site. The guy I was working for could hear a cat's paw getting beaten with a hammer from 10 miles away. One time he came up to me when I was fixing my own work and said give me your hammer and cat's paw. I did. He then said do you know what's the noise of money flowing out of my fingers sounds like? I said no I don't. He then took my hammer and started tinking it on the back of my cat's paw in his other hand. He then handed them back to me and walked away. I got the hint :-) now 20 years later I'm My Own Boss and tear apart my own work as much as I darn well please!
Had a guy on my jobsite ... I kept hearing him cutting nails with sawzall ... told him if I hear the sawzill one more time, you are fired. He did not even know what I was talking about. So, I had to explain, every time you cut nails to move a stud you are wasting nails, studs and time ... and if you don't know how to do layout, then get off the site.
Occidental leather has got to be the best set of bags ever made. I work commercial construction and often don't have time to chase down a tool. On big concrete jobs me and my crew will load our occidental bags down with a cold chisel, cats paw, torpedo level, cold formed scratch scratch awl, crescent wrench, telescopic magnet, stick rule, tin snips, channel locks, vise grips, linesmans pliers, dykes, plumb bob, pencils, marking crayons, and a utility knife on the right bag, left bag holds our tape, speed square chalk lines, and spud wrench. And dont forget the 22oz estwing! Most everyone on the crew wears all this and it's always strapped to the belt of a harness. It's heavy hard work but it is a blast climbing up and down the formwork all day long I'm sure just as you do your framed walls. Keep the videos coming and stay safe!
I had lower back pain for years. I tried everything from new shoes to a new mattress. Nothing helped until I started wearing suspenders. The pain went away and never returned.
Same here, I suffer from chronic low back pain. Been a framer for 25 years. I've had my Oxy Lights for about 15 years, and just got the suspenders a couple of years ago. Wish I got them the day I bought my kit. Back pain has been greatly reduced. When the new kids come into the trade, I tell them, do yourself a favorm and get a good pair of suspenders. Your back, hips, knees, and feet will thank you later.
Getting real excited to see the framing begin! As an engineering student, I followed well with the site prep and retaining wall process, excited to see something I haven’t learned in school!!
I build roof trusses for years ,then framed houses for 2 yrs back in the 80's, then worked 30 yrs for a school district.. now putting bag back on because my son is a general contractor now and I get to work with him😊
I'm just now learning from my father who is 72. on our 2nd house now. 2 bed 1 bath 2 story apartment.
Twenty years ago a teacher like yourself could pass on good information to a few, now with UA-cam that same teacher can help many thousands......... NICE !
Thanks for sharing and take care. 👍 👍
Ken Gamble And from all over the world.
I wish I could talk to him for about an hour...
Only a few will put it to use.
@@benroach403 perhaps, but that's always been the case.
Yeah, thousands of idiots.
Only a few want the knowledge. I really have no idea how the trades will continue when guys my age retire in ten years. The replacement ratio is not there and the talent pool is SHALLOW! Most kids don’t want to learn because they already know it all.
I've been a carpenter framer for 20 plus years and you hit the nail right on the head! Hopefully the new kids will learn.
LOL....my dad was a commercial electrician. When I got my first job as a framing carpenter I didn't have a lot of tools. He loaned me his old Skil saw. (from like 1962...LOL). Some old belt with bags that were OK...I supplemented it with a cheap leather bag that worked really well. I felt like my dad already gave me enough tools and I refused his offer for a 25' tape. I just took my 16' tape and he kept telling me that was fine for electrical work, but not for a carpenter. He started yelling at me to take the bigger tape and I just refused and said I would get some new tools after my first paycheck. Day one.......Lead carpenter wants me to extend my tape to him to get some measurements. My little 16' didn't reach. He screamed at me that my tape measure was a toy and to go buy a 30'. The kid learned the hard way that dad was right and carpenters don't like to work with people that don't have the proper tools. Pay attention youngsters, this vid will set you up to get to work right away and have what you need to be a framer.
This is the second one of your videos I have paid my framing crew to watch. The first one was your production vid....A snap line makes for a useful plumb bob in a pinch...Cheers,, love your vids they make perfect common sense.
Now, THAT'S a compliment ! Nice : )
They should be paying you for showing them this
This made my day
you hiring?
in his comment :)
I'm addicted to this channel. I took a construction job right out of high school. I stuck with that and welding until my early 30's. I've worked as a musician and radio personality the past 17 years. There are many days that I miss building things! I do what I can around my home but there is just something cool about bringing things into existence with knowledge, tools & and good ol' fashioned manual labor!!!
Note to google: This is extremely worthwhile content!
Sound effect on the suspenders got me, good one Nate. :)
Was that just close to the microphone, or was that some Indiana Jones bullwhip? :P
MattsAwesomeStuff
I died lol
It's the little things.
rjtumble hahaha that had me rolling!
rjtumble
First time I thought, dang, that might have hurt, second time I realized what it was ! 😊
Great video. A trick I picked up some years ago is to cut the top off a quart automotive oil bottle, wash it out thoroughly, and use it to carry nails or screws (I sometimes frame with both) in your pouch. The plastic container is easier (for me, at least) to grab nails from, saves wear on the pouch, and can be used to scoop nails or screws from a bucket or box, then dropped back into the pouch without dropping any in the wrong pouch. In the larger pouches, I've also used the bottom of a narrow laundry detergent bottle.
I like that.
Just like you I have recycled something into a tool. I Like to use an altoids mint case for holding smaller bits this way I can easily find them instead of letting them get lost in my bags.
@@ryanmccue8180 Steal the magnets out of an old hard drive and epoxy them to the bottom of that Altoids tin. You now have a magnetic parts holder that not only holds your parts, but you can stick it to all sorts of things like a tool box or a welding table. Works for small coffee cans too. The magnets are usually strong enough to stay on the tin but the epoxy is there to keep them from sliding around on the slick surface.
I use mine when working on guitars and the tiny screws from small electronics, pickguards, etc. can get away from you. So useful!
@@DriveCarToBar thank you I've got to try this I love thinking of ways to make my life as a carpenter easier. Tips from guys like you keep me clever sir.
@@ryanmccue8180 yeah that's a good thing to share. I started doing that years ago for the convenience of not losing my bits and they are always very handy to get to
i carry my lunch in my bags for additional productivity
Great idea!
The burrito 🌯
My grandmother's 2nd husband used to tell stories about how he'd pack extra sandwiches and a flask in his gas mask case when he was fighting in WWII. Old Walt was literally one of the funniest old men I've ever met. RIP Walt. Miss ya buddy!
@@MrEazyE357 That always squishes my egg salad.
I use to carry a red bull or two on me at all times helps when ya start to gas out after a big day 😂
My father used nothing but a single, smallish, two and a half pocket bag on his left hip, or out front, for his entire carpentry career. His Estwing hammer swung off a steel wire loop that was attached to the belt on his right hip. His tape also hung off his belt on the right. There were small slots in the pockets where a pencil, chisel, square or punch etc could sit but, they were little more than cut slits.
I asked him once why all the guys that worked for him had mega multi pockets and pouches while he wore this very humble little rig.
He showed me while telling me. He got all the various nails and screws he thought he'd use during that shift and laid them out in their boxes, close to his working area. He grabbed the particular nails he needed for the job he was about to do and said... "You're almost always using only one or two types of fixing for an aspect of any job, so why carry around stuff you don't need yet?.... When you're finished doing the part of the job that required those fixings, put the excess back in their boxes and load up with what you need for the next part of the task"... Every time I worked with him after that I noticed how much easier he moved around the job compared to the big pouch characters, how quick his changeovers were and that his approach demanded he efficiently set his tasks up to suit.
Less was definitely more in his approach.
Biggest 23 sounds like my dad Really likes to work near a guy who carries all the tools for him haha
Spot on brother. Tools and equipment for task at hand. Light and easy
Biggest 23 sounds like myself. I have a tool bag with all my things and I only transfer what I need to my pouches. Doing layout? Then carry the chalk line heavy tape measure and markers. But why carry the heavy long tape and chalk line all day???I am to lazy to heave around heavy pouches all day lol.
Exactly the way my father is only carries what he needs for the job
When I started framing I bought a huge tool belt and it was too heavy so I used suspenders till I stopped working in framing and started doing equipment operating.
When I came back 10 years later to now being self employed doing renos I have one side pouch with my belt and a hammer loop. I only carry what I need and have a tool bag handy for anything else I might need close by.
I use to cary 2 hammers. One was a finishing 20 ounce and the other was a 28 framing axe.
Now I carry 1 and its either my stiletto 14 or my other titanium 17. More than enough for my needs.
I’ve been a framer and an electrician. Sparkies can’t use bags like that either. I have shared this video with so many young men in recent years and thank you so much for what you have done with this channel.
This is hands down, the best video I’ve watched before starting my apprenticeship tomorrow. The years - or should I say decades of experience are a huge help with the little things that’ll make my life better.
Thanks!
@Bob Ross is like to know too!
How’d the apprenticeship go?
@@bconns39 He's probably on Fentanyl now
I like your videos!
Here's what I carry (pro carpenter, 51 years old, 33 years experience; frame, finish, siding)
Occidental bags, right side: 16 oz hammer with hatchet handle in the front hammer loop, two pencils, sharpie, keel (when framing), 1" chisel (generally dull, used to unscrew utility knife to change blades, too), 6" tri square (don't use much, but it's light and useful as a marking gauge), chalk line, utility knife, tape measure, misc driver bits in a little foam case (T25, T20, T15, 1/4")
Left side, top pocket: 5d galvie box nails (invaluable for holding string line, chalk line, used for siding to hold up shingle course boards)
Middle pouch: fasteners (usually strip nail clips)
Bottom pouch: fasteners (whatever I need for the job at hand)
also a titanium cat's paw (japanese style) in the rear loop, three nail sets in the slots, a torpedo level in the front pocket (not usually for framing), and a speed square. Sometimes a string line, but it usually gets hung up somewhere or set down.
I've never had a hammer loop wear out. I like a light hammer, not much framing without my Hitachi, and if I need to smack something I pick up a 2# mini sledge.
Other necessities: Lots of sawhorses and 12' 2x12's, Makita job radio, microwave oven for lunch, folding camp chair.
And a couple of dogs!
You must have damn big pouches if you can fit sawhorses, 2x12s and a couple of dogs in them!
Just got an occidental belt from my wife as a gift. I’m just an active DIYer working on our house addition and I feel so guilty having such nice bags considering it’s not what I do for a living but, boy are they sweet lmao. Your comment helped me get them set up. Thanks!
This guy is honestly one of the very few guys on here that I can actually recommend to beginner framers and carpenters. I'm A journeyman and even I still watch his videos and learn some new tips/ideas now and then
I"ve been a carpenter and then General contractor since 1995.I too have run the occidental bags for the last 25 years (2nd set now) yes they're heavy yes they're expensive but for longevity they are hard to beat. One thing I've always carried which is a bit unusual is a scratch awl. Not necessarily for scratching although it's useful for that. What I use it more than anything is a second set of hands, perfect for a chalk line or string line anchor, works well for setting elevation on siding anything you might use an 8P nail for. As usual these videos are great, I would recommend using the tape measure holder that occidental incorporates into their bags they're excellent, I run my chalk box in the left side high pocket... just my 2 cents!
Great video. I am a lefty, also 125 lbs. soaking wet. My first framing rig was that apron you showed designed for wearing on the front. I spun it around on the back; my small frame set the bags comfortably on my hips and reversed the right-hand setup for a decent lefty setup. That rogue got me through the first 10 or so years. Now I have the same Occidental rig you showed, just with the bags reversed. That puts my speed square backwards and the pencil slots towards the rear but still puts food on the table for my family.
I have done the exact same except for the lefty righty thing.
I started working as a carpenter about a year ago and your videos have been so crucial to my learning experience. This came at a time where I'm thinking a lot more about my bags and what I carry all day every day. It's like somehow you know the advice I'm gonna need and put it into a video at the perfect time. Thank you so much!!
Hello and thanks for the video. I’m a ten year framer and I just have to say that was the single best oral explanation of tool pouch engineering I’ve ever seen or heard. 9.5/10 on tool placement, right vs left side. They say you learn something every day and I’m surprised to admit that I learned and will adopt the double sided pencil. (*expletive*) genius!!
Me and my friend who I frame with watch all of your videos and wish we could work with you for one week. On the jobsite in NYC we watch and learn from you sir and bring your ideas to our jobsite.
Apprentice Carpenter here in Australia. Have been framing for the past 6 months and have only just discovered your videos now. Mate, thank you so much for the excellent content, you have earnt a lifetime subscriber :)
I'm not a professional carpenter, but I am building my own house, and I find a lot of the information here invaluable. I don't want to make too much of an investment in stuff that is only going to be used for a limited number of projects, so I end up doing things a little different, but these are very helpful tips.
I am settling up my first real bag for framing at 45yrs old. Have been doing G/C for tje past 4 years and now landed a real job at a good local construction company. Your videos have been of invaluable to me. Thank you! P.S. loved the suspenders sound effect!
Essential Craftsman video shows up in my feed, everything else gets put on hold. Excellent video, as always. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience, sir.
same
I dont care what you talk about, I love listening to you. You remind me of mr. Rogers
He's like the Mr. Rogers of the Trades
@@mikekrzesowiak7944 If Mr Rogers and Obi Wan Kenobi had a child and he became a carpenter, it'd be Scott.
You are speaking my language in your videos. I am a 58 year young carpenter and learning from your videos makes me feel even younger.
It is an exciting time to be a carpenter with all the new tools, materials and building design concepts out there. That being said a lot of what you teach is timeless. Young men should be so lucky to find your videos learn how to make a good living.👍🏼
Nothing speaks more clearly than the voice of experience! Thanks for sharing this.
Just noticed the all the thumbs down. What is wrong with people. This is a great video, especially if your new to the trades and could actually help someone in the real world. Very very informative.
I was thinking the same thing...who wouldnt like this vid??? And...why not?
My guess is 2nd year framers that took at least a year to figure this all out for themselves. Now a new guy can start today, watch this video, and be off to a great start. Framing can be a competitive career/job. I was a framer for 7 years before my back went and I had to change professions. I wish I'd had a teacher like Nate back then.
Probably the guys wearing their bags backwards.
Its probably wranglestar
@@wildbill23c I wear mine backwards, still liked the video! Hammer in the back, tape left pocket, string other left pocket, nails left bag with chisel, punch, cats paw front right ring, square and pencil right holders, right small bag random, big bag knife, miscellaneous.
What a great video. The title of the video seams simple when you read it. The amount of knowledge shared can’t be put in a title.
I’m no framer but my wife calls me the man that can do everything. I try to learn as much as I can. Not a huge fan of UA-cam but this is a channel I’ve grown to love. Thanks again for sharing.
So true loading your belt is based on the job you are doing. Where you put your tools in your bags is a personal preference there is no set rules. Good video Scott thank you. Stay safe and GOD Bless.
I loved your comment about young tradesmen and air nailer and not knowing the beauty of driving nails. I look back 38 or so yrs as a carpenter remembering trimming by hand nail and Pounding framing nails.Things have changed. Best wishes Paul from Ontario, Canada
You carry a plumb-bob if you have a string line, or snapper as they all have that function built into them. I wish you could get hooked up with Mike Rowe some how. You should reach out and ask for an interview, he loves talking about his foundation.
hard won knowledge in an excellent video. this is pretty much exactly what i finally ended up with except as a remodeler i always had 7 inch end nippers in the bag along with a cats paw for stubborn rusty nail pulling. add a flat bar for removing siding.
55 years as a carpenter, i've enjoyed it enough to still ply the trade at 70. I can assure you the vids you post are an assist to anyone starting out or honing skills. Thank you, stay well.🔨😎
You might as well keep working,what else are going to do. You'd be bored.
“If you gotta dig some wood out, you may as well get with it”. This ol guy blurs the line between cool and classic so often.
12:00
I liked that line too. I love this channel. He's great at explaining things.
And he does it so well. Hell of a man here
Excellent, no bullsh*t
That’s and awesome observation Jax. He does got that old craftsman swagger!
Excellent video! I am a 71 year old retired carpenter/builder who managed multiple 24 man production framing crews 30-35 years ago and still do small jobs. Over and over I watch videos done by these young guys who carry a hardware store around their waist all day on the off chance that they may need one of those things once a day, if that. My own framing bags are set up pretty much the way you have yours. On days when I do a lot of layout work I do add an awl made from a small screwdriver to my bag. I find it handy to lock my 100 ft tape at the beginning of long plates before laying them out, or for keeping my chalk line hook from slipping.
As far as suspenders go, I use a shoulder harness made for nail aprons that has a small cross strap at chest height to keep the harness from falling off my shoulders. Before I had that I used a small Velcro strap pulled tightly around each side of the harness and hanging toward center. When I put on my belt I just pressed either one of the straps against the other. That solved the problem. I'm subscribing right now.
I put my chalk line in my leather hammer loop. I open the lever and close it over the loop. Never lost it. Been using the same chalk line for almost 20 yrs. Take care of your tools and they will take care of you.
It is so impressive to see a good brain at work. There is no subject that is too simple to prevent it from addressing issues that have been tested by experience and ripened by thought. When this is accompanied by a superior ability to communicate, you have a good teacher, mentor, or father (if you are very lucky). You Tube is raised in its social importance by such superb teaching as Essential Craftsman. And this by a man who does not know the working end of a hammer. Fascinating! Congratulation!
Yep perfect. One thing, coming from the painting world, that I love to have on me is the 5-way. It’s a funky-shaped “scraper” kind of tool but you can get a very low-profile one that doesn’t take up much space or add much weight, and I find I’m reaching for it all the time for pulling staples or clearing a jam on a tool or scraping or prying something, all day it’s got lots of uses and I feel naked without it. Check it out.
Thanks for making great videos! I’m a carpenter of a carpenter. Grew up framing with my dad and to this day I set up my bags exactly like he did based on watching how efficient he was at work. Like you he only carried what he needed (based on what type of work he was doing) and tool placement was intentional and not haphazard. These are great tips. You’re one of the only subscriptions I have where I watch every episode. Thanks again!
Great video, I agree, only carry what you use everyday, save your hips and back!
Have to say though, I always carry a cats paw though,I tend to use it a lot for things other than just pulling nails, got a little trick for moving steels with it, wedging walls over, putting it under plates when back-framing for toe-nailing studs between floor and ceiling. It’s a very versatile tool. Plus it saves breaking wooden handles on your hammer when you do need to pull nails out!
Yeah same here cats paw has a lot of uses besides pulling nails.
Glad I was taught right before watching. The cat paw. Or pry bar. I barely carried unless doing other people's repair work !!!
There is an amazing refreshing feeling I get watching your instructions. I wish anyone wanting and needing to continue the skill trades. That must go on for human life to keep thriving. Watch and learn. And practice it.
I have all the tools in my rig that i need, except when my coworkers say, "hey let me borrow your chalk line" then i dont see it again until the end of the day! Lol
or untill the boss askes then i never see it aqgain
Thanks for reinforcing the need to take care of your tools - the tool pouches being on the top of the list for obvious reasons. Nice rivets!
A small quick-clamp is handy for all sorts of tasks when working alone. I always carry one.
...and call me a cheat, but a credit-card sized pocket calculator adds little weight but gets regular use.
James Bradwell Y'know you can get construction calculator apps for your phone? Real sweet deal, that...
James Bradwell I do the same thing,clamp it right on one of the other hammer loops
@Greg Spolar I carried a solar powered calculator as well. I'm long retired and had forgotten. I think they were about 4 bucks at the time.
I love to speak your western lingo with the guys i work with, it throws them off and makes me look like i know my stuff and after watching your videos i do learn much more.
We all know you tried to catch the hammer in the loop when no one was looking! 🤫 haven’t we all? Great video keep em coming
haha! I'm guilty of that!
Yeah a few scratches and a bruise were my only accomplishments :)
I'm 40 years old & I've been working construction heavily since age 16 at least, &know pretty much everything you said to be true . But I have installed thousands of Garage Doors since 2001. And I have the bad habit of leaving my Garage Door tool belt almost as is when I need to do framing or other work instead of simply taking out all tools that aren't needed out to save weight and room . Now thank u very much for reminding me to work smarter because the lazy thing to do is what I've been doing. Your reminding me to work smarter not harder. There is a rule is almost any profession ( That for 10 minutes of preparation you save 1 hour of execution) Hard to believe but probably very true !!! Imagine how much time alot of people like myself loss because of early fatigue and having to look through tools or fasteners we aren't using . You Sir are deeply appreciated & a blessing. I enjoy your up building speech language positivity truthfulness ect . Credit you give to others teachers u had ect & humble admissions. Your my favorite construction video maker that I know of . Much of what you say in every video I've seen of yours are things I already knew but often forget to apply & it is super, to have a reminder so as to the importance to put in action. Some of your saw tricks I did not know. I set my tuck up similar to yours but welded my rack in 6 parts that bolt together with grade 8 bolts & nylon locking nuts where the bolts aren't under direct load . So I can remove my rack solo to repaint or pull fithwheels or gooseneck trailers my rack goes all the way back . Or travel out of state without extra weight or wind drag and noise or being top heavy balance. My rack has carried 1,750 pounds of steel beems on in with no problem. My tuck is a 2000 3/4 ton silverado with homemade auxiliary two leafs working together on each side springs under no load when truck is empty. I like your truck better I'll trade u then make your same rack bolt together with nylon locking nuts . Your right your truck is as good as a person can do . I don't love things because I've been told & warned not to love the things of the world but I like your Truck alot alot . I like mine too alot alot . But I like yours more . LOL. Thank you I do still learn new things from you some I forgot, some I never did know .
The side loop also has the added benefit of allowing the hammer to destroy the side of your kneecap.
Nice video. I’m not a carpenter but have used bags in the past and time to time now. Seeing someone who has used them for years gives new ideas and reassures old habits. Always appreciate you sharing your experience. Thanks.
i am REALLY loving this channel! his advice to leave stuff in the toolbox is spot on. i spent the last 20 years seeking to lighten up the bags as best i could. the titanium hammer was a great start and losing that elbow wrecker Dalluge cal framer was the best thing i ever did. and i found that the plastic speed square was also as accurate as needed. picked up a Dead On cats paw with a built -in saw wrench i like a lot. the blue flat bar gets tucked in the belt loop. still looking for the chalk line i like best...anyone have suggestions for slim, light and durable and not $50?
Cheap DeWalt or Stanley ones. I actually like the DeWalt plastic ones from Home Depot because they have the button to release so no idiots complain about their thumbs getting hooked
Every video is full of practical construction knowledge acquired over the years, this guy should receive a honorary PhD for his contribution.
I wear bibs/overalls and no suspenders on my bags. Bibs also give some nice chest pockets for your cell phone, extra pencils/crayon, and whatever else you don't want getting beat up. Literally, everything else with my bags is the same as Scott's. Pro tips: 1. My tape goes on the left side, pencil on the right. Those are the two hands I'll be needing to use those in. 2. Lay your nails flat in your hand and straighten them all out before you put them in your bags. that way you won't be getting poked every time you grab for nails. 3. Speed square is also on my left, when I put the tape back, I grab the square. 4. 16d nails go in the same pocket EVERY TIME. Same with 8d. The other pockets are for anything else I might carry (screws, finish nails, etc.) There's nothing worse than reaching for something and it being something else when your hand gets there. The muscle memory for all my items let's me continue thinking about what I'm working on and not about where my nails are. Also, I sometimes carry a finish hammer (smooth faced) in the front loop if I'm working on something I don't want to leave waffle marks on. I also use it to pull nails sometimes because my dad always yelled at me if I used my straight claw California framer.
Your straightforward, kind, and concise information and wisdom is the reason you're on my notifications. I cannot tell you how much I've learned from this channel. Thank you so much for all of the videos.
Your bags fixed is a load of my mind.
I'm a repairman with most of my work being plumbing, electrical, and mixed finished and rough carpentry. At the moment I only use a bag on my hip for electrical. It just so happens that I can do 99.99% of all electrical work I need to do with just the tools I can fit in my small bag. A bag is less practical for most of the other tasks I do for work but there's something primal about approaching a job with a bag on your hip and going to work with tools you can grab, use and replace in seconds without ever reaching into a bucket or a box or even looking for that matter. I find keeping a dedicated bag loaded is an excellent way to keep up with the tools in it too. Always interested in seeing how other workers arrange and carry their tools, especially when they are wise as you. Thanks for another great video!
Lol it is crazy that this setup is pretty much what me and everyone else settled into after a couple years. I switched to a metal handled hammer when I started doing more concrete and added a double jack but kept everything else pretty close. The only main addition was I always carried a roll of Mason line as well. Btw we had a great older framer that had us frame with a hammer on slow days so we would learn how to live without a nail gun and it paid for itself when we were trying to meet a deadline and the compressor died. We kept on working and got it done before the boss got back from buying a new compressor.
Knal031339 what’s a “double jack”?
Good learning experience.
Great idea with the pencil & a lumber crayon in a tube! Wish I had thought of that 30 years ago! I framed for many years but have slowed down quit a bit. Framing will take it's toll on your body, my knee just isn't what it used to be, but I wouldn't trade the experience & pride it has given me. Just knowing that there are places in the world were my craftsmanship will long out live me & go on for years & bring others joy & comfort. Great video as usual & keep doing what you do, your the best!
Metal framing where i live so i add a pair of snips and a torpedo level if im doing any frame punch
As a general contractor who is just starting out. Your channel is immensely resourceful. Thank you👌🏽
I think I'm gonna start carrying a metric tape just so I can hand it to someone when they ask to borrow mine.
Lol mind blown!
Same but imperial. LOL
Lol
All UK tapes have both . Metric on the right old money on the left .. Dont know why . Knowing what 400 mm is in imperial is like knowing something in Latin. Purely academic and totally useless.
I'm an Aussie. I do the same but lend out the Imperial tape. No one gets my Metric!!!
For me it is humorous watching you because of all the similarities. I have the same bags with a relatively similar setup. I started out framing and now am the whatever needs doing fella, I suppose. Started in construction 12 years ago and love watching your videos. There is nothing like learing from the veterans. Keep it up!
One pouch for nails. One for chewing tobacco. Another for a can of beer. Small pouch for a tape and a ring for my hammer.
I keep coming back and rewatching your videos as I progress in framing. Learn more every time.
You can use your chalk line as a plumb Bob
Love the videos! Been framing since I was 19. Now 33. I pretty much carry the exact tool setup and it just feels right. Been swinging a 22oz Steel ESTWING since 2006 and gotta say, it's the best feeling hammer I've tried so far. I have an old hickory handled steel hammer from my wife's grandpa that he made back in the 60's that I use for finishing work(14oz) Love that hammer! Keep up the good work and I pray you stay safe!
Around here in Virginia almost everybody uses an estwing. The nose on them is like a sixteenth longer than mine. Throws my swing off whenever I use one tho. For the past 5 years I've been using a Stanley antivibe. I like it but most people must not. Haven't seen them since then.
"What you dont carry in tools, you can carry in nails." Loved that.
I have a feeling your subscriptions are Nothing now compared to what they will be! Congrats on a million!
That whip crack killed me. Thank you so much.
I love this guy!! He talks so much sense - all based on personal experience.
Never sen the tool at 9:22 can you do a video on it please. Thanks
mike landreth Mayes still makes a Squangle. They are old school and only like $16
I'd be interested in how to use a squangle as well!
Google Woodpecker’s “Angle Square” and watch their video. Pretty much the same thing but it was much more expensive but I enjoy the craftsmanship. Not sure mine will ever go in a toolbelt but it sure is pretty to stare at! :) p.s. stay out of the a Woodpeckers store there is nothing but trouble in there and empty wallets... :D
Only go there if your wallet is already empty.
My dad was a framer for 15 years, I need to ask him how he set up his bags. I bet that would bring back some memories.
Interesting. My bags are setup EXACTLY like your setup. Since I am older than you, I will assume that you copied me! hehe
My bags are set up pretty much the same way as well. Always carry a flat bar too though, then again, I don't do just framing.
Anthony
Roofing too?
I occasionally roof. Don't really wear a belt for that unless I'm laying out or rolling felt.
mine are pretty close, i keep a key hole saw i use for alot, including digging screws out of the box. nothing better than that and watching the young guys try bare handed
My rig is almost identical too. I do not carry a chalk line. Hardly ever use the thing since I don't do a lot of framing. I do carry a vise grip and a small crescent wrench. I also have a speed square and this nice little combination square I bought at home depot. I use them both a lot. I do keep a torpedo level in there but after watching this video I might take it out. I almost never use the thing. Anyways gave a great day guys. Cheers
I've been framing in some form or fashion since I was a teenager. And everything you said made absolute sense. Wish I new all this 30yrs ago. Lol.
4 in one rasp/file can be extremely useful
Especially for finish work.
Spot on. Been at this construction thing for 18 yrs now and about 3 yrs ago this is what my setup became almost exactly.
Great vid! Great info for young bucks.
Love to see an expert sharing his hard-earned knowledge. I started "bending nails" at about the age of 7 and still love doing it at 60 - of course, that's probably because I took a "break" from it for nearly a quarter century while serving in the military. After I retired from that though, I was back at it and now run a small contracting business. Thanks for taking the time to pass on your knowledge in such a wide forum.
This video is just in time for me! I'm going to be framing my new backyard shed within the next few weeks. Does that mean I'm finally going to be able to call myself an "athlete"?
No.
No.
And for one small job, don't waste the money on a nice set of bags playing dress up.
I already have a set of bags that I've used for various weekend DIY projects for many years. It was neat to see how a pro loads theirs, and I realized that I've been carrying around too much stuff in mine. His advice of "if you don't need it before lunch, don't carry it" is really great.
Yes.
Thank you for sharing and saving these videos. I have watched so many of your videos more than once. I feel like a pro helping the wife, kids, and neighbors thanks to your advice.
As for you not carrying a plumb bob... if you find you need one you can use your chalk line.
Newtronwest I’ve found the aluminum ones are good for that, some of the plastic ones today are too light, especially exposed to wind
Plastic tools are for home gamers. Real professionals use professional tools, and they are made of metal and wood.
Newtronwest I threw out my metal one years ago in favour of the plastic ones with gearing. They only last maybe two or three years, but they're much faster to wind up, and are much lighter.
BJ Willis i have 2 older chalk lines and on the bottom they say plumb bob. Not sure what brand. One has blue and one red chalk. Most the tools i have were my grandfathers. Great old quality tools.
"Newtronwest I threw out my metal one years ago in favour of the plastic ones with gearing."
Yep -lighter, and faster.
just want to let you know, I'm an apprentice and you've taught me a lot! keep up the good work! thank you
I wrap my steel hammer loop with a extension cord jacket so I don't hear it click all day long.
Friend of mine did something similar, he liked to wrap all his metal on the belt in hockey tape.
I like the clicking
Phenomenal idea!
I keep my hammer loop on my hip I never liked it on my back.
When I was coming up the old timers used to say WHEN you fall not IF you fall so I wasn't messing around with it.
I carry 4 pencils because why not they're light. I like the rubber hose trick it's a great way to use up the short pencils.
I could talk about tool pouches all day. You can tell a lot about a guy by what he keeps where! Thanks for the chat. Always a pleasure.
You now what you are talking about Nate. I have mij baks for 30 years PS . I work with us 🔨 hammers I work on a laching Cru on federal schips from the us in Antwerpen (docks) Pat from Belgium 🔨
Oh man, I love this, a metal loop is so much faster than a leather loop that acts like a breaking mechanism when you need your hammer. Loosing tools is inevitable, being in a hurry is inevitable, you are preaching to the choir here. Much respect from Lloyd , roofer 35 years.
Lmao at the audio when he lets go of his suspender.
This! I was cracked up as well
SNAP!!
I'm not the only one that went back and listened to it like 20 times am I?
MetaTaylor... yes, me too watched it 3 times so I could hear the snap. This comment is for the man ( essential craftsman)..you should look at anvils on eBay..there is an ancient ( circa 1700's) anvil from France, that is the coolest looking anvil I have ever seen..part of the face has been worn away from hundreds of years of hammering..so the side view is worth the price of admission..would make a great piece for you collection..all hand forged about 7 big heavy pieces..someone out there who knows the man, please make sure he sees this message.. maybe he will do a video about this anvil..thanks Scott Langer
Today is May 11, 2018 ( FYI as a reference)
Always great working in the trades with guys like yourself. I been at this work for a long time now and I’m glad I watched this video
My main goal was to hit the Thumbs Up Button before the skip ad button popped up. ... NAILED IT!!! Okay okay. I'll watch the video now :-)
You impart practical information in a sensible way. These how to videos will ensure the knowledge lives on. Wondering where our next generation of tradespeople will come from? Thank you very much sir.
WOW Scott, I got laughed at more than a few times for wearing my bags on the side and back, but it was out of the way and more comfortable. I don't do carpentry work anymore but if I did I would tell them to go check out the Essential Craftsman and get back with me on them remarks! 😂LOL!!!
Btw, all of my tools I kept in the same pockets as you do. 😁😁😁GREAT VIDEO and thanks for sharing Sir.
Hog Man one guy asked me why I was wearing my belt backwards haha, for some reason half the guys here in Australia wear them on the front.
In the 'States it seems to be regional -bags and hammer in back in the West - bags in front in the East. Same with saws where everybody ran worm drive saws in the West, and sidewinders in the East. This was a lot more the case when I started 45 years ago, than now, I suspect.
love these little carpentry videos brother. I've been swing a hammer in local 441 heavy highway Pittsburgh pa. for 20 years and I learn a little somthing on every video.thanks
Two days I started wearing my belt reverse. Why didnt you post this vid like 16 years ago!?
You got my thumbs up just for the chuckle I got over the bullwhip sound on the suspenders, but this is GREAT advise for someone getting into the trades. My use of a tool belt has evolved over time as I've used them and changed how I do things, but this is all excellent advise.
I'd love to have seen you work with Larry Haun in a video
Im sorry to inform but larry passed in 2015
@@bmollak02 I know, thats why I said " have seen"
Oh sorry my bad
Correction - larry died at 80 years young after a long battle with lymphoma on October 24th of 2011 in coos bay Oregon - he was a legend , a gentle soul and a true mentor to anyone who knew him - the world lost a great one that day .
All these videos her puts out are just so pure and truthful something you dont find often anymore great video thanks
Scott, on all the carpenters pants, coveralls, and painters pants have a hammer loop on the left leg. The majority of carpenters are right handed, why isn't the hammer loop on the right side?
You pull the loop open w/ Left hand insert hammer that is in your rt hand. That's how I do it on my Carhartt Carpenter bibbed coveralls
Joe Bauers put it where you want lol
longcaster They are on the right in the UK. I'm left handed and I wish I could find a pair with the hammer loop on the left leg!
Paul McFadyen get the removable hammer slot that ESC has is an option. mine came with one which is good
Kiwi Bird I used to use one of those when I swung a hammer all day long...now my nail gun does most of the work
just got out of the navy after 4 years now im taking up carpentry with a family friend your videos have helped me out alot!👍
I remember when I was 16 or 17, working on a job site. The guy I was working for could hear a cat's paw getting beaten with a hammer from 10 miles away. One time he came up to me when I was fixing my own work and said give me your hammer and cat's paw. I did. He then said do you know what's the noise of money flowing out of my fingers sounds like? I said no I don't. He then took my hammer and started tinking it on the back of my cat's paw in his other hand. He then handed them back to me and walked away. I got the hint :-) now 20 years later I'm My Own Boss and tear apart my own work as much as I darn well please!
Jon the Roofer people use a cats paw for more then just pulling nails too
Hahaha
Had a guy on my jobsite ... I kept hearing him cutting nails with sawzall ... told him if I hear the sawzill one more time, you are fired. He did not even know what I was talking about. So, I had to explain, every time you cut nails to move a stud you are wasting nails, studs and time ... and if you don't know how to do layout, then get off the site.
@@Clambelly vallanse ala verga con sus historias pendejas
@@PedroGonzalez-yn8mc please translate to English ... gracias amigo
Occidental leather has got to be the best set of bags ever made. I work commercial construction and often don't have time to chase down a tool. On big concrete jobs me and my crew will load our occidental bags down with a cold chisel, cats paw, torpedo level, cold formed scratch scratch awl, crescent wrench, telescopic magnet, stick rule, tin snips, channel locks, vise grips, linesmans pliers, dykes, plumb bob, pencils, marking crayons, and a utility knife on the right bag, left bag holds our tape, speed square chalk lines, and spud wrench. And dont forget the 22oz estwing! Most everyone on the crew wears all this and it's always strapped to the belt of a harness. It's heavy hard work but it is a blast climbing up and down the formwork all day long I'm sure just as you do your framed walls. Keep the videos coming and stay safe!
I had lower back pain for years. I tried everything from new shoes to a new mattress. Nothing helped until I started wearing suspenders. The pain went away and never returned.
Same here, I suffer from chronic low back pain. Been a framer for 25 years. I've had my Oxy Lights for about 15 years, and just got the suspenders a couple of years ago. Wish I got them the day I bought my kit. Back pain has been greatly reduced. When the new kids come into the trade, I tell them, do yourself a favorm and get a good pair of suspenders. Your back, hips, knees, and feet will thank you later.
Getting real excited to see the framing begin! As an engineering student, I followed well with the site prep and retaining wall process, excited to see something I haven’t learned in school!!