The Dos Clavos 701 Vest system is my first tool vest purchase as well as my first Diamondback purchase. Previously I’ve been using a classic leather belt and hammer loop while framing, roofing, siding and even finish carpentry. After years in the trades my hips and lower back have taken a toll. I was getting tired of constantly screaming hips, the more frequent chiropractor visits and then one morning, after a long day climbing staging to chase after my impact driver that kept falling off my belt, I couldn’t even bend down to put on my shoes.
So I researched suspenders and vest systems that evening while icing down the back. I won’t go into my own personal reasons as to why I chose a vest over belt and suspenders except to say I was intrigued by the idea of carrying more weight higher on my core instead of wrapping my waist. I also spend my time split somewhat evenly between bench work in a shop and rigorous field work on job sites. The best system seems, so far, perfectly suited to accommodate both setups: light, tight and close to the body when working around finish work and fully weighted down with tools and materials for efficiency while framing three stories above my tool chest.
After two weeks on a job site I can say my back and hips are incredibly happy with this move thus far. I felt confident and supported throughout multiple long days fully laden with tools and coil guns, up and down ladders while carting full sheets of sheathing material.
Once I return to work from the holidays I’ll adjust the system to best suit my cabinetry work flow and can already see how it will allow me to comfortable keep more tools on my person and cut down trips to the tool cart, increasing overall efficiency.
WHY I WITHHELD 5 STARS:
Some sort of guideline on how to initially set up the vest system would have been appreciated. I’d assume most customers are first-time vest buyers. While I’m flattered Diamondback assumes I’m smart enough to figure it out (I did, it’s not too incredibly complicated), I’m annoyed they don’t value my time enough to help cut down on the trial and error required to get the thing up and running.
I’d definitely recommend adjusting your fittings while fully dressed for the work you’ll be doing in the weather you’ll be doing it in. I use ranger bands to neatly fold and store excess strap materials on the sides and back. This allowed me to expand the fit to accommodate full winter gear and tighten things back up when I’ll be smuggly indoors.
The Gun Holster is all but useless for most drills and impact drivers. It *did* prove useful to hold a coil gun wile roofing or to temporarily free a hand but I wouldn’t trust it to securely hold any triggered tool I use. In fact, I much prefer to hang my impact/drill on the strapping in the center of my lower back. Here it can’t be knocked loose by my thigh as I crouch. This is a strap used for fitting the vest, however, and not reinforced to carry tools. Diamondback would be smart to consider ways to bolster these straps for such purposes long term.
Both the Flatbar Holster and Hammer Holster are secured to the Clavos system by small threaded bolts, nuts and washers. They’re so small, in fact, there’s barely enough threading to secure the nut once in place on the system. All the nuts for both holsters had come undone and were lost on the job site by lunch time on the 3rd day using the system. The holsters are currently held in place with zip ties.
I’d recommend the buyer use a couple dots of medium strength lock tite when securing these holsters. I’d recommend Diamondback tighten the threading or increase the length of the bolts or supply locking bolts. I’ll be requesting replacements.
Overall I’m so far thrilled with the system, hopeful it’s comfort and versatility will remain useful for years to come and can only hope the price point is justified by a durable construction I won’t need to repair or Jerry rig with zip ties as time goes on.
Despite those few complaints I’d recommend framers and finish carpenters alike try out this best system to help carry the load on your core and save the pain in your hips and lower back.
