Shop Apron

[Randy]

What is the best shop apron you've found and use?

I have the denim SS, but it is hard on the neck. I am looking for another type but I'm afraid of the big pockets on some of them.

Suggestions?

[a1gutterman]

Hi Randy,

I have never used a shop apron before, but as I am finally tired of the dust and shavings all over my clothes, I ordered the SS apron that they call World's Most Versatile Shop Apron. It should arrive in a couple of days. I will let you know what I think of it after I try it out:D .

[Ed in Tampa]

After splattering glue all over a number of shirts and running more than a few nails, bolts and screws from my pants pockets through our washer and dryer I have started to use an apron.

The one I got is made by Bucket Boss and is called their 16 pocket apron. It is almost a tool belt with a bib type front (even has a hammer loop on each side). The straps that go over the shoulder and around the neck are wide and well made.

The reason I bought it was the fact that they put a strap that ran from the neck loop to the waist belt in the back. This strap is adjustable and what it does is transfers all the weight from your neck to your shoulders. The other reason I bought it is the fact that it gets hot here in Florida and this was the smallest apron that still offered protection in the most needed areas.

Another plus is looks enough like a tool belt to keeps the neighbors from giving me werid looks when I venture outside wearing it.

I have one complaint I would like an apron with pocket covers because saw dust tends to fall into the pockets.
Ed

[charlese]

I use the SS denim apron. Because I'm a little challenged in the height department, my sweet wife sewed part of the neck strap together thereby shortening it. No weight problems with it since. Also the bib part comes up closer toward my neck and I don't get so much stuff down behind the apron.

I have almost used up my first SS apron. It now looks the light color of those expensive jeans the kids wear (except for the spots, that won't wash off). I am presently breaking in my new SS apron.

[Randy]

I ordered the SS apron that they call World's Most Versatile Shop Apron. It should arrive in a couple of days. I will let you know what I think of it after I try it out:D .

I await your review!

[dusty]

I haven't found what I consider to be a "good" shop apron thus I don't wear one. I still have two "like new" dark blue denim aprons that I bought with my Shopsmith and one that Shopsmith gave me recently as a sales bonus.

I don't like the strap around my neck. I have been looking for a shop coat that suits my fancy; can't find one. I feel that I must be destined to work in "t-shirts" or Henleys. I sort of prefer the Henleys except that good ones are hard to find and they tend to be expensive. I have three that are now on the end of their life cycle.

[Nick]

"I ordered the SS apron that they call World's Most Versatile Shop Apron."

Marketing hype aside, it's a good apron. I use it and like it although I would like anything with a lot of pockets. It really does save steps to load your pockets up with the tools you use constantly, and it seems to keep the shop gremlins from stealing pencils and 5/32" allen wrenches. And the pockets are thoughtlfully sized and arranged. The only thing I wish were different is the color. White gets so dirty.

I have been thinking seriously about looking around for a denim or canvas "shop vest." It would distribute the weight of the tools over a wider area of my shoulders and -- most imporantly -- it would have more pockets.

With all good wishes,

[Ed in Tampa]

"I ordered the SS apron that they call World's Most Versatile Shop Apron."

Marketing hype aside, it's a good apron. I use it and like it although I would like anything with a lot of pockets. It really does save steps to load your pockets up with the tools you use constantly, and it seems to keep the shop gremlins from stealing pencils and 5/32" allen wrenches. And the pockets are thoughtlfully sized and arranged. The only thing I wish were different is the color. White gets so dirty.

I have been thinking seriously about looking around for a denim or canvas "shop vest." It would distribute the weight of the tools over a wider area of my shoulders and -- most imporantly -- it would have more pockets.

With all good wishes,

Nick
Find a bucket boss apron with the back strap, ( I have seen the same apron without the back strap) it really works! The strap runs from the neck loop down to the belt and when properly adjusted keeps all the weight off your neck and onto your shoulders. And since the shoulder straps are about 2-3 inches wide the weight is further spread over your shoulder area. It has 16 pockets which are smartly designed to hold everything from pencil to a hand full of screws or nails. Even two pockets perfectly sized for a small block plane and utility knife.
Ed

[dusty]

It sounds as though it might work; One positive aspect - one always knows the first sixteen (16) places to look for something.

[fjimp]

I have been using The Shopsmith Most Versatile Apron for nearly two years and like it very much. I agree with Nick that more pockets are always handy. On the other side of that opinion is the fact that I seem to lose things in all of thos pockets. During the holidays I came up from the shop upset because I had lost my favorite shop pencil. My loving bride checked my apron pockets and found it at the bottom of a pocket.

My favorite part other than the pockets is the rather different strap arrangement. Much better than the blue denim apron. Jim:)