4-5oz leather for a tool bag?

piggy8ank

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Jan 2, 2026
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new to the leather craft here and working on my first tool belt. I’ve settled on 8-10oz full grain for the actual belt, but I’m kind of overthinking the bags

I’m planning one 9"x9" bag with three large pockets. I want it to be tough enough to handle heavy use without stretching out, but I definitely don't want it so stiff that it's a pain to reach into. is 4-5oz leather good for this, or should I go with something thicker?

would love to hear what weights you guys usually run for work gear!
 
Well, for your specific setup, 4-5oz / 1.6mm – 2.0mm is actually the "sweet spot" for tool bags, but there are a few nuances to consider regarding the leather type and construction. But you can test and if it doesn't work, find a new one.
 
new to the leather craft here and working on my first tool belt. I’ve settled on 8-10oz full grain for the actual belt, but I’m kind of overthinking the bags

I’m planning one 9"x9" bag with three large pockets. I want it to be tough enough to handle heavy use without stretching out, but I definitely don't want it so stiff that it's a pain to reach into. is 4-5oz leather good for this, or should I go with something thicker?

would love to hear what weights you guys usually run for work gear!

Are you planning to put heavy things inside the bag? You might want to step up to 6 oz for added strength though the pockets become stiffer.
 
You can also mix weights by using lighter leather for the body and heavier leather for stress points like straps or reinforcements. This keeps the bag holding up to daily use.
 
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