I like to keep my SCBA Waist straps tight so that the weight rides on my waist more. However, once I stick a tool through my belt I can't seem to get them tight. Any tips or tricks???
P.S. currently on probation so I cannot get a separate tool belt.
Posted Dec 30, 2021, 3:41 AM UTC
My advice is to just carry the tool.
Which tool are we talking about and why do you need to stick it down your waist strap rather than just carry it?
Axe. Department policy is to carry an axe or sledgehammer and a drop bag at all times. I usually end up having hose or something else in my hands.
Cool. 16 years in and I have never needed to use an axe.
I bandolier hose around my shoulder to leave hands free. (I assume you don't use high pressure hose reel though)
Nope no high pressure hose reel. As for the tool, yep I don't know anyone who has actually used a rope bag either lol
I've been looking at this ordeal as well. Curious to see any responses.
Gutbelts work well.. throw it on over your coat before you don your pack. Some of the newer ones are even rated to use with an escape system in case that's something you're department ever approves or uses. Really even with a tool holder, that scba strap is gonna loosen if you have it holding the weight of a tool at least ours do.
Another option, which is kind of hard to explain but I'll give it a shot... works better with a halligan but alright with an ax... Basically you slide it behind your slightly loosened shoulder strap and down the side of the pack so it's like a viking with a sword in your back (I'm not trying to be a dorky farkle with this terminology, I just don't know a better way) Mess around with it and you can get it to be rather comfortable. When you want to take the tool out, you should be able to give it a push from the bottom and be able to reach it. It's especially good for investigations when you're required to carry it but really don't need it. Can be a bit problematic if you're crawling on all 4s though as it will want to fall out.
Just a couple options. Hope this helps.
Simple. Don't be a cowboy by putting tools in your belt. Its unsafe and voids any liability on the part of the manufacturer. Learn how to climb ladders while carrying tools. Use your rope to pull tools up to the roof that you can't carry. Carrying tools in your waist strap is a major safety concern that must stop.
I picked up a leather huskey belt hammer holder from home depot for around $5. We use Scott packs, it slips right onto your waist belt at the beginning of your shift. Is low profile and light, axe or tools fit right in.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hammer-Holder/1003095716?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-tol-_-ggl-_-SS_TOL_151_Tool-And-Garage-Storage-_-1003095716-_-online-_-0-_-0&gclid=Cj0KCQiAq7COBhC2ARIsANsPATHAptaaCdZ8CkoDJ1SUshb1ibtGhLg5G7OLCHPW_PkdIMtrQeM_XucaAkQoEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Something similar to this
Awesome thanks I'll check it out