I hear you on the reels—every one I’ve tried just gums up after a few trips through the crawlspace. I’ve actually started using the hammer loop for my flashlight, since I got tired of digging it out of my pockets with dirty gloves. Not perfect, but at least it doesn’t jab me in the leg like a carabiner does. Honestly, sometimes the simplest solution is just the least annoying one... even if it looks a little goofy.
Honestly, sometimes the simplest solution is just the least annoying one... even if it looks a little goofy.
Totally get what you mean. My tape measure lives in the hammer loop now—keeps it out of my pockets, and I can grab it without fighting my tool belt. Tried hanging my water bottle there once... not my brightest move, but hey, live and learn.
My tape measure lives in the hammer loop now—keeps it out of my pockets, and I can grab it without fighting my tool belt.
I get the appeal, but honestly, I’ve had a few close calls with the tape measure swinging out of the loop and nearly taking out a window. Maybe it’s just me, but I stick to using the hammer loop for what it’s made for—my hammer. For smaller stuff like tape or chalk line, I use dedicated pouches. Keeps things from banging around or getting lost when you’re up on a steep pitch. Just my two cents...
Keeps things from banging around or getting lost when you’re up on a steep pitch.
That’s exactly my issue—on a roof, anything loose is just asking for trouble. I’ve seen a tape measure roll right off a 10/12 and disappear into the neighbor’s yard. Hammer loop’s great for a hammer, but for anything else? I’d rather have it clipped or zipped up. Too easy to lose tools otherwise, especially when you’re working at an angle all day.
I get where you’re coming from—anything unsecured on a steep roof is basically gone if you look away for a second. Still, I’ve found the hammer loop can be handy for more than just a hammer, especially if you’re careful. For example, I’ll sometimes hang a pry bar or even a chalk line there when I need both hands free for a minute. Not saying it’s foolproof, but with the right tool and a bit of caution, it can save some trips up and down the ladder. Just gotta know what’s safe to hang and what’s better zipped up.