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In This Guide
Watch the ModRig Review
About Jack of All Trades
Jay McCutchen runs the Jack of All Trades YouTube channel, where he shares what he's learned in the trades and reviews the tools he uses. Here's how he describes himself on his channel:
"My name is Jay McCutchen and have been in the trades at a very young age. My father had his own construction company. Me and my brother would work all summer and weekends a lot when we were young. I became a certified welder at the age of 13 and we put up metal buildings as well as steel erection also had the pleasure to work with a carpenter that taught me a lot, setting forms for concrete And then also took woodworking in high school, which I really enjoyed and still due to this day. I learned electrical and started doing solar panels recently and just love building and working. I would like to share with you a lot of the things that I've learned over the years and review many of the tools that I use."
From the About page of the Jack of All Trades YouTube channel.
With experience in welding, steel erection, concrete forms, carpentry, electrical, and solar, Jay has worn just about every kind of tool carry there is. That's what makes his take on the ModRig worth a watch.
A Smarter Alternative to a Big Tool Belt
For many tradespeople, the traditional tool belt has been the default way to carry tools for decades. A tool belt or work belt gets the job done, but it puts all the weight on your hips, which can lead to fatigue and long-term discomfort. According to OSHA, a fully loaded tool belt can weigh upward of 50 lbs, which puts significant strain on your lower back and hips.
The ModRig takes a different approach, designed for comfort, efficiency, and real jobsite use.
Why the traditional belt is still popular:
- Capacity. Nothing carries a full framing load like a loaded belt.
- Familiar. It's what most crews wear.
- Weight stays low, which some people prefer for heavy tools.
Where it falls short:
- All the weight on your hips, hour after hour.
- Bulky side pouches that catch on ladders and doorways.
- Tools down at your side, out of sight when you're working overhead.
What Is the ModRig?
The ModRig is a modular chest rig that moves your essential tools off your hips and spreads the weight across your upper body. Instead of an overloaded belt or bulky side pouches, it keeps tools organized, balanced, and within easy reach. That makes it a solid alternative to a traditional tool belt, or even a tool vest.
It's a chest-mounted platform that works with Holstery's modular holsters, pouches, magnets, and accessories. You build a setup around how you actually work, instead of forcing every tool onto one belt. With tools centered on your chest, you get better visibility, faster access, and more even weight distribution.
ModRig at a glance:
- Weight: 14.5 oz
- Capacity: up to 6 holsters and pouches
- Attachment: ModSlots that accept any Holstery holster
- Rating: 4.8/5 from verified buyers
- Built: assembled in the USA, with a lifetime repair or replace guarantee
What Jay Found After Real-World Use
Jay from the Jack of All Trades YouTube channel put the ModRig through extended real-world use before sharing his thoughts. As an experienced tradesperson, he points out how moving tools off his hips helped reduce end-of-day pain, something many workers feel after years of relying on a work belt.
The ModRig isn't meant to replace every tool belt on the market. It gives tradespeople a smarter option when comfort, access, and weight distribution matter most. If you find traditional tool belts or tool vests uncomfortable over long days, the ModRig is a well-designed alternative that performs where it counts: on the jobsite.
Still weighing it up? See why pros are switching to modular tool carry in 2026 →
More Holstery Reviews From Jack of All Trades
Jay has put more Holstery gear to the test on his channel. Here are two more of his videos.
ModBelt HD Review
Jay's take on the ModBelt HD, our padded 16.2 oz modular tool belt with ModSlots and suspender attachment points.
Tool Belt Face Off
Jay compares tool belts head to head. If you're deciding between a belt and a chest rig, watch this one next to the ModRig review.
ModRig Pros and Cons From Verified Owners
Pros
- Comfort over a long day. "Comfortable for all day." (Jonathan F.)
- Weight off your waist. "It's way more comfortable than hanging stuff from my waist." (Ulysses M.)
- Light and slim. "Day 0, and so far, very comfortable, ergonomic, and lightweight." (Joe G.)
- Replaces a belt for many users. "The chest rig has almost completely eliminated my tool belt." (Jason B.)
- Works in tight spots and on ladders. Dean S. says it works "no matter if I'm up on a ladder or in a tight cupboard."
Cons
- Can run warm. One owner said the panel against the body was "not breathable at all" (Mike M.).
- Your upper back works harder. "I do feel my mid-back muscles working harder but it is usually my lower back that suffers" (Melinda C.).
- Less total capacity than a fully loaded framing belt.
ModRig vs. Tool Belt vs. Tool Vest
| Traditional Tool Belt | Typical Tool Vest | Holstery ModRig | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where the load sits | Hips and lower back | Shoulders and torso | Chest and shoulders |
| Weight | Heavy, especially leather | Varies | 14.5 oz |
| Layout | Fixed | Usually fixed pockets | Modular, up to 6 holsters and pouches |
| Overhead and ladder work | Tools down at your side | Tools in front | Tools in front, centered |
| Capacity | Highest | Varies | Focused on essentials |
| Works with your belt holsters | Rarely | Rarely | Yes, same 1.75" Holstery clip |
| Warranty | Varies | Varies | Lifetime repair or replace |
| Price | Cheap to premium | Varies | $145 |
Build Your ModRig Setup
The ModRig is the base. These are the pieces owners clip on most.
ModPouch Mini
A compact pouch for hand tools, with ModSlots for more holsters.
Shop now →
Joey Pouch
A cinch-top pouch for screws, a pencil, and a knife.
Shop now →
TapeMaster
Your tape centered on your chest, right where you can see it.
Shop now →
MagMaster
An N52 magnet for screws and bits up high.
Shop now →
PinPal
A gravity locking drill holster that holds tight on ladders.
Shop now →
DriverMaster
A clip-on drill holster for your driver or impact.
Shop now →
T-String
Keeps a roll of electrical tape on your rig.
Shop now →
ModBelt HD
Pair it with the ModRig for heavy tools on your hips.
Shop now →
Three ModRig setups
- Electrical and service: ModPouch Mini, MagMaster, TapeMaster, and a T-String.
- Ladder-heavy installs: TapeMaster, Joey Pouch, and a PinPal for your driver.
- Remodel days: pair the ModRig with a ModBelt HD, with up-high tools on your chest and heavy tools on your hips.
Who Is the ModRig For?
If your lower back hurts by the end of the day... the ModRig moves weight off your hips, the change Jay noticed most.
If you climb ladders or work on lifts all day... your tools stay in front of you and clear of the rungs.
If you work overhead... tools centered on your chest are easier to see and reach.
If you frame all day with a heavy load... a belt still carries more. Consider the ModBelt HD, or pair it with a ModRig.
If you work in heat all day... a belt keeps your chest clear and cooler.
Our Pick: Holstery ModRig
ModRig | Modular Tool Chest Rig
A 14.5 oz chest rig that holds up to six holsters and pouches. Move your tools off your hips and keep them centered, visible, and within reach.
- Sewn and assembled in our Idaho shop
- Lifetime repair or replace guarantee
- 45-day money back
- Free USA shipping over $99
$145
Shop the ModRig →Want the rig and holsters together? See the ModRig Kit →
Common Concerns
"Will a chest rig be hot?"
It can be, since it covers part of your chest, and one owner called it out. On the hottest days, some people switch back to a belt.
"Can it carry enough?"
Up to six holsters and pouches is enough for most service, electrical, and ladder work. For heavy production days, pair it with a belt.
"Do I need new holsters for it?"
No. Every Holstery holster uses the same 1.75" clip and fits the ModRig's ModSlots, so your belt holsters move right over.
"Will it feel different on my back?"
Yes. Your upper back takes on more of the load. Many owners find that a better trade than lower back strain.
FAQ
Is the Holstery ModRig worth it?
If you want weight off your hips, work on ladders or overhead, or deal with lower back strain, owners rate it 4.8/5. If you need maximum capacity, a tool belt still carries more.
How much does the ModRig weigh?
14.5 oz.
How many holsters can the ModRig hold?
Up to six holsters and pouches.
Is a chest rig better than a tool belt?
It's better for ladders, overhead work, and lower back relief. A belt is better for heavy loads and maximum capacity.
Has Jack of All Trades reviewed other Holstery gear?
Yes. Jay has also reviewed the ModBelt HD and compared tool belts in a Tool Belt Face Off. Both videos are above.
What's the warranty?
Every Holstery product comes with a lifetime repair or replace guarantee, a 45-day money back return, and free USA shipping over $99.
The Verdict
The ModRig isn't trying to replace every tool belt. It's a smarter option when comfort, access, and weight distribution matter most, and for workers like Jay, getting tools off the hips made a real difference at the end of the day.
