How do you measure your custom belts?

[ABC3]

How many inches do you guys/gals add when making a double layered belt. Is there a rule of thumb that will work most of the time.

If a customer wants a 39" belt how long are you going to cut your straps? I add about 6 1/2" from the tip to the middle hole & another 3 1/2" for the buckle flap. So my straps come out to 49". (I cut my liner 3 1/2" shorter than the belt for my buckle slot). But it always doesn't work out to the customers needs.

Is there an easier way?

[hidepounder]

How many inches do you guys/gals add when making a double layered belt. Is there a rule of thumb that will work most of the time.

If a customer wants a 39" belt how long are you going to cut your straps? I add about 6 1/2" from the tip to the middle hole & another 3 1/2" for the buckle flap. So my straps come out to 49". (I cut my liner 3 1/2" shorter than the belt for my buckle slot). But it always doesn't work out to the customers needs.

Is there an easier way?

Tom,

The most important issue is getting the correct size measurement. This is best done by making a plain belt with about a 1" buckle and putting measurment holes that can be read when the belt is on and buckled. Have the customer put this belt on (through the belt loops) and hook it up where it's comfortable. Then you both can read the measurement. Also at this time, determine where the tip should end...6"?, 7"?...the two of you determine it together. Now use that belt to layout the new belt with....you can't go wrong. I have a 1" wide measuring belt and a 1-1/2" wide measuring belt. Use the one that is closest to the width of the belt the customer is ordering. I've never had a problem with size, regardless of the thickness of the belt.

What has become a big issue is the pant style that men and women wear now. It's imperative that the customer knows that the belt will fit based on the pant style they are wearing when measured!

My overlap for the buckle usually measures 3" to 3-1/2", my tips are usually 6-1/2" to 7". I carry my lining all the way through from the tip to the end of the fold and skive the fold and the lining accordingly. My belts vary in thickness based on the customers desires from 8 oz to 12 oz. If a belt is going to be exceptionally thick, do the final measuring for the fold and the center hole from the inside.

Hope this helps,

Bob

[Kevin]

Hidepounder is correct, but be careful discussing size with the customer, because it is going to measure larger than they think they are and they're gonna say "Oh honey, I'm not that big, just make it a ....". In general, a belt is going to measure about 2" larger than pants waist size and that can confuse some customers.

The sizing belt is about the best method I know of, I just tell them to relax and put it on and DON'T look at it, just put it on %^$#!@&*!!!! I have a wonderful counter side manner.

Kevin

[Rawhide]

Hidepounder is correct, but be careful discussing size with the customer, because it is going to measure larger than they think they are and they're gonna say "Oh honey, I'm not that big, just make it a ....". In general, a belt is going to measure about 2" larger than pants waist size and that can confuse some customers.

The sizing belt is about the best method I know of, I just tell them to relax and put it on and DON'T look at it, just put it on %^$#!@&*!!!! I have a wonderful counter side manner.

Kevin

Kevin,

All you have to do is number the sizes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and so on and have a corresponding belt size you can use later when the customer isn't around...That will keep the real number away from the customer's eyes and all is well.

[ABC3]

Thanks guys,

I appreciate the comments. But most of my orders come from the internet or phone so no measurement by me. I explain how I want him to measure his belt but at times the mistake is on my end.

[Johanna]

If your customer takes an old belt that they wear and that fits, and measures from the fold where the buckle hole is to the hole they use for the buckle, you will have an accurate measurement to work with. That number becomes your center hole. I usually go 2 up and 2 down to give them a little "wiggle room". Womens pants will vary by style, so the belt might be at the natural waist or right at the hips, and there can be quite a few inches of difference, depending on the woman and the pants.

It's got to be frustrating trying to work without being able to do your own measuring. People either lie or get it wrong. I've had customers insist on a size, I've measured them and shown them the correct size and they have argued with me. If in doubt, I would make the belt too long. You can always shorten it, but you can't make it longer.

Johanna

[K-Man]

I add 8.5" to whatever measurement they provide (measured from the tip of the buckle to the hole most often used). That becomes the overall length of the strap. That provides for a 6" length from the center hole to the tip of the belt.

Another consideration is to do something like this. Take and make up a belt in the same basic configuration of your gun belt. Make it so it would fit up to ~ 55" waist. Punch and distinctly mark holes beginning at the 28" mark and each 1" measurement thereafter, up to 55". Put a buckle on it that you will ultimately add to the customer's belt.

Then charge the customer a $25 deposit, plus shipping costs, to ship the belt to them. Have them put the belt on and tell you what the measurement is. They then send the belt back to you. You apply that $25 deposit to the cost of the belt you're making for them. The $25 cost covers the belt in the event they don't return it. (You could use scrap leather to make up the sample belt.) The customer is only out the cost of the shipping of the belt to them and return shipping.

Doing it this way should ensure you're getting the correct measurement, based on the style of belt you make.

[ABC3]

K-man;

That's just what I needed - Thanks,