OT...Putting holes in a belt

How does one put additional holes in a belt neatly? I have a belt that I don't want to grow back into, and I don't want to ruin it, because I had to work overtime to afford it.

Thanks!

To do it properly, you must buy a special punch at a leather supply store. To do it cheaply, you can buy a leather punch that will punch just a round hole instead of an oval one that usually comes with a new belt.

Steve

It depends on the belt, but I have used a pin punch and a block of wood successfully.

Mark the spot where you want the hole. Take it to a shoemaker (if you can find one) or any leather crafter. There are punches made just for that work, but it would probably be faster and easier to have it done. I've also drilled the hoes but they don't loon as nice as punched.

Congratulations on the weight loss. Not easy to do.

There is a leather punch -- available in most hardware stores -- that punches holes of various sizes. Good tool to have around, as you can use it to punch holes for leather rivits (repair of handbags, etc.). Pick the right size (6 on mine) to match the holes you have, and put it the same distance as the current ones are apart. I find that leather belts tend to stretch over time, so have regularly added a couple of holes.

Same here. A _sharp_ drill bit and a belt stretched tight on a block of wood doesn't work badly. Then after being worn a couple times you really can't tell the difference.

Harry K

Leather punch.

I suppose the edges can get ragged?

Use two blocks of wood and clamp the belt between them. Before clamping, mark the spot on the belt and drill a pilot hole in one block so you can align with the belt mark. With the clamped sandwich and a sharp bit you get a good clean hole.

Pete C.

Just be sure that no other guy is wearing the belt when you punch it, or you may end up getting belted.

I've had good luck with a brad-point drill bit and a wood backer block. The brads score the edges and leave a clean hole.

Chris

A drill or a nail work fine.

It's EZ if you need a .22 diameter hole ;)

.22 pistol?

And the pistol is also a remote "lights out" device. Just shoot the bulbs.