Because the 2 plates are held together by screws, i can actually put a shim inbetween, make the slit wider and probably use thin rods too..i am gonna give it a try one of these days' Also i can probably have a leather sleeve that goes on the metal band, then slide it in the die and form the belt keeper.This way the top of it will be wraped in leather.I'll post some pics soon as i'll have one done