A belt is the foundation of everything you carry on it, and most carry problems, a holster that sags, a sheath that flops, a magazine that rides up, are belt problems. This guide covers how to set up a belt for daily carry and for a duty belt: the belt itself, where each item goes by clock position, and the clips that mount each piece to the width of belt you wear.
The belt
For everyday carry, a stiff 1.5-inch belt that does not fold: the 2nd Amen OPS 1.0 in ballistic nylon with a ratchet, built to hold a holster; the Clip & Carry EDC Belt in non-stretch nylon webbing; or the Tuff Belt with elastic webbing and an aluminum buckle for comfort. For a duty belt, a 2- to 2.25-inch belt with an inner belt and keepers, and everything mounts with a Tek-Lok.
Clock positions, right-handed
| Position | What | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 to 1:30 (appendix) | Holster, if you carry appendix | Fastest draw, easiest to protect |
| 3 to 4 o'clock | Holster, strong side | Classic carry, most comfortable seated |
| 9 to 10 o'clock | Spare magazine | Support hand reload |
| 10 to 11 o'clock | Multitool or flashlight sheath | Reachable with either hand, off the draw side |
| 8 o'clock | Second tool, radio, cuffs on duty | Balances weight |
| 6 o'clock | Nothing you need fast | Hard to reach seated |
Left-handed, mirror it. Keep the draw side clear of anything a hand could catch on.
Mounting to the belt
Everyday 1.5-inch belt: the holster's own clip, and the standard belt clip on a sheath. Duty belt up to 2.25 inches: the Tek-Lok, which clamps and locks and mounts a sheath vertical or horizontal. Pack or vest: the MOLLE clip.
Magazines
On the belt, the Adjustable Kydex IWB/OWB Mag Holder at 9 o'clock, bullets forward, with the cant set so the magazine comes straight up into the hand. In a pocket, the Pocket Magazine Holder.
Tools
A multitool at 10 o'clock in a molded sheath, like the Leatherman Wave sheath, so it is one-hand accessible without crossing the gun. A flashlight next to it or in a pocket.
Balance and weight
Put weight on both sides. A holster and two magazines on one side pulls the belt; a holster on one and a magazine plus tool on the other stays level. A duty belt with an inner belt and keepers stays put regardless.
Off the belt
What does not go on a belt goes somewhere fixed: a SofHold magnet in the vehicle, a pocket for the spare magazine, a bag for the rest.
Frequently asked questions
Where should a holster go on the belt?
Appendix at 1 o'clock or strong side at 3 to 4 o'clock.
Where does a spare magazine go?
Support side, 9 to 10 o'clock, bullets forward.
What belt width for a duty belt?
2 to 2.25 inches, with a Tek-Lok on each item.
What belt for everyday carry?
A stiff 1.5-inch belt that does not fold under a holster.
Where does a multitool go?
10 to 11 o'clock, off the draw side.
The bottom line
Stiff belt, holster on the draw side, magazine and tool on the other, Tek-Lok for anything over 1.75 inches. That is the setup.
Related reading
Best EDC belts
Holster clips explained
Best pocket magazine holders
