lightningad Report post Posted April 4, 2012 After putting a lot of work into a belt for a friend, i was a bit put out to discover he has been kidding himself about is waist size. He tried the belt, which is definitely the size he thought he was , only to find he can't fasten it! So rather than throw it away, I was wondering if anyone has suggestions on good ways to extend a belt? thanks Adam Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin Report post Posted April 5, 2012 Add to the buckle end, that way the billet end will cover it up when buckled. Kevin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sylvia Report post Posted April 5, 2012 (edited) I would have to see the belt... and know the amount of extension he needs. If the extension is substantial I would do it center back. I would cut the original in half, then recut the cut ends in a decorative shape (most likely a U) Then skive the the ends of both the new and old pieces then glue and sew the new piece in behind the U's . I would choose a U shape because it would not fail as easily as a straight across addition. Of course you'll need to carve and dye it to match. you learned something here. ALWAYS have them measure, and measure twice. ' Edited April 5, 2012 by Sylvia Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dwight Report post Posted April 5, 2012 (edited) It won't work on every one, . . . but on most you can get away with making a piece for the billet end like Kevin said. I do it by opening my original belt up, . . . and adding a horseshoe shaped piece of leather to the belt body, like the little drawing shows. Opening it up will add an automatic inch or more depending on how you do your belts, . . . adding the horseshoe piece can give you however much you want. You can extend the horseshoe back to cover all the holes, . . . camoflage it by adding conchos or decorative studs, . . . you might get away with it. The other suggestion would be to cut it dead center in the back, . . . add the length needed, . . . and lace it back together with some fancy lacing. That is how I would do a cowboy action rig. Oh, . . . by the way, . . . I know you have figured this out by now, . . . but the unwritten rule # 1 on making belts: the people you are selling to have absolutely no idea at all as to what size belt they wear. They think that because that pair of jeans they bought 4 years ago (size 36 waist) means that they are still a 36. About half the time, . . . their fat little ( ? ) bodies have stretched those jeans out to 39 or 40 and they have to hold their breath to get em buttoned. And yes, . . . it goes for the gals as well as the guys. Long and short: take the belt they are wearing TODAY and measure it from outside of buckle to the most used hole. Make that measurement the center hole of your new belt you make for them. May God bless, Dwight Edited April 5, 2012 by Dwight Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lightningad Report post Posted April 5, 2012 Dwight - how did you know his exact sizes? thats exactly right - he only ever wears the same brand of jeans and only ever buys the same size, and so has convinced himself the label is correct! Thanks all for the suggestions - some really good solutions. I had already settled on the idea of removing the back centre section - i had done some tooling that is less than great, so this is a good chance to replace it with something much better! adam Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dwight Report post Posted April 6, 2012 Glad you got that figured out, . . . May God bless, Dwight Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
