borderstate Report post Posted September 16, 2012 The last piece of natural veg tanned leather I used made exceptionally squeaky belts. My girlfriend politely informed me that it sounds like I'm wearing a diaper when I walk. Does anybody have an idea as to why this leather is so noisy and what I can do to reduce the squeaking? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mlapaglia Report post Posted September 16, 2012 Is it two layers? Did you glue the layers together before you stitched them? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted September 16, 2012 If it's two layers, you need to properly bond the leather. There are some glues sold specifically for leather, but I've been getting good results with DAP Weldwood contact cement. If it's a single layer belt, you probably need to condition the leather. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
borderstate Report post Posted September 25, 2012 Thanks for your advice, allow me to clarify. The belt making the most ruckus is a mystery braid belt made from 9 oz saddle skirting. I edged both sides of all three strands on the top and bottom, and braided it so that the rough side is facing outward. I now suspect that the contact between the strands accounts for much of the noise, so perhaps my question is less directed at the type of leather that I used and more towards correcting the issue in future belts of this style. Have others dealt with this when making mystery braids? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BIGGUNDOCTOR Report post Posted September 26, 2012 Yep, you got a whole lot of rubbin' goin on with that braid. How is it finished? I have desqueeked shoes with talcum powder, but that wouldn't be so good on a belt that will be seen. A good wax might get rid of the noise. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dwight Report post Posted September 26, 2012 You did not say how or if you finished the belt, . . . if it doesn't have a serious final finish, . . . a dip in neetsfoot oil will probably solve all your problems. Take an 8 x 11 baking pan, . . . pour about an inch of oil in it, . . . snake the belt through the oil, . . . hang it up to dry. Don't linger in the oil, . . . a couple of seconds is all it needs. About 48 to 72 hours later, . . . you should have one nice silent belt. Rub it inside and outside, semi vigorously with an old terrycloth towel, . . . and you should be good to go. May God bless, Dwight Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jk215 Report post Posted September 26, 2012 I make my belts out of english bridle and had the same problem. Its mostly the leather rubbing against the metal buckle. Make sure you give a couple real good coats of oil before assembling. That combined with some time to break in and it should quiet down. Ive been wearing this belt for about 9 months and its quieted down a lot. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
