Sidekick XL Keeps a Builder’s Core Tools at the Ready
Meet a Maker:
David Parraguirre
When professional carpenter and homebuilder David Parraguirre meets with a client or works in his shop, he takes a helper with him: his Leather By Dragonfly Sidekick XL.
David, who is known on social media as The Mexican Carpenter, builds houses from start to finish and also remodels homes.
He was among the first to use the Sidekick XL, our light-duty, side-carry leather pouch. Four years later, he said, it’s still in good shape and remains a constant companion.
“I have it with me all the time,” he said. “I use it most of the time in the shop or working with the guys. When I meet a client, this is what I always carry.
“It’s pretty simple to use, not bulky. I can go inside the client’s house and also wear it to pick up materials at Home Depot.”
The Sidekick XL is an apron alternative that can carry an array of essential tools for a contractor like David, as well as a DIY-er. Made with leather straps and pockets, it easily snaps over your belt, with no need to unbuckle.
David fills his Sidekick with his core toolset: measuring tape, speed square, pencil, and utility knife. He also uses it to stash an assortment of pliers and wrenches. “There’s a lot of space in it,” he said.
David appreciates how easy the Sidekick is to carry: “You just put in the toolbox and grab it when you need it, put it away when you don’t need it.”
As David noted, the Sidekick won’t replace your regular tool belt, but its simplicity makes it versatile and helpful. “When I drive a forklift on a site, I don’t have to put on or take off a tool belt, which is complicated,” he said.
David, 39, who is based in Maryland, came to the United States when he was 14 1/2 years old and started working in the trades, ultimately running his own business.
He began sharing original content on social media around 2014. He creates much of his content in Spanish to reach out to the many Spanish-speaking people working in construction.
“As a Hispanic speaker, I believe communication in our own language is important,” David said. “When I go to visit my dentist, I feel comfortable because that guy speaks Spanish. I know he understands me.”
Learn more about David at The Mexican Carpenter website and follow him on Instagram, @themexicancarpenter and @themexicancarpenter101.
You’ll also find The Mexican Carpenter on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
Read previous posts in our “Meet a Maker” series: