For me, anything dangling is just asking to get hooked on something, especially if you’re working at height.
Right there with you. I tried hanging a tape off the loop once—thought I was being clever until it caught on a rafter and nearly yanked me backwards. Nothing like swinging a hammer into your own shin to remind you why you keep it simple. These days, just the hammer for me too... less circus act, more getting the job done.
- Totally get the “less circus act, more getting the job done” vibe. Been there—tried to clip a chalk line to my loop once, and it snagged on a vent pipe. Nearly lost my footing.
- Working at height, anything dangling is a hazard. Especially on a green roof where there’s already enough to trip over—plants, irrigation lines, solar mounts...
- I do see folks using the loop for other tools, but honestly, nothing beats just keeping it for the hammer. Fewer distractions, less risk.
- That said, I know some roofers who swear by a carabiner for quick-release stuff, but I’ve never been sold on it. Too easy to catch on a parapet or ladder.
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“Nothing like swinging a hammer into your own shin to remind you why you keep it simple.”
Yeah, pain’s a good teacher.
- If it works for you, stick with it. Everyone’s got their own system, but safety and simplicity usually win out.
- Totally agree—every time I try to hang more than just my hammer, I end up fumbling for whatever I actually need.
- Tried clipping my tape measure once... it fell off and rolled down the driveway. Not doing that again.
- I get why folks like carabiners, but with all the stuff already strapped to me, adding more seems like a recipe for tripping or losing tools.
- For now, just my hammer goes in the loop. Maybe a rag if my hands are sweaty, but that’s about it.
- Curious if anyone’s figured out a safe way to carry a small pry bar? I always end up just tucking it in a back pocket, which feels sketchy.
Curious if anyone’s figured out a safe way to carry a small pry bar? I always end up just tucking it in a back pocket, which feels sketchy.
Honestly, I’ve tried the back pocket thing too and yeah, it’s just asking for trouble—especially climbing ladders. What’s worked for me is slipping the pry bar through the hammer loop *handle first* (so the flat end hangs down). It’s not perfect, but it keeps it from poking me and it doesn’t fall out as easily. If your loop is loose, maybe wrap a bit of tape around the bar for grip. Not fancy, but better than sitting on it or dropping it off the roof...
I get the hammer loop trick, but honestly, that’s never felt super secure for me—especially if I’m crouching or moving around a lot. What I ended up doing was grabbing one of those cheap canvas utility pouches (the kind with a Velcro flap). I just toss the pry bar in there, and it doesn’t jab me or slide out. Sure, it’s not as quick to grab, but my jeans have lasted way longer since I stopped shoving metal tools in my pockets. If you’ve got an old nail apron lying around, those little side pockets work too... not fancy, but it gets the job done.
