Gun Belt Tips

[particle]

I've seen some good tutorials and videos on making belts. I even have a couple books that go into the basics of belt construction (can't recall which ones off the top of my head - I'm at work). However, I don't recall seeing any of them related to gun belts specifically.

For you folks that make and sell gun belts to go with your holsters, I would appreciate hearing from you some basics of how you build your belts. Some things I'd like to know...

Do you cut your own blanks?

If you buy your blanks, where do you buy them?

What hardware will I need for a double layer 8-9oz (1/4" thick) belt for a removable buckle (snaps - what size, type, etc.)?

Do you reinforce them with Kydex, etc? Or is a basic double-layered belt enough for most people?

I guess that's about all I can think to ask at the moment. I'm at the point of needing to order the supplies for belts, and want to make sure I order the right stuff.

Thanks,

Eric

[Denster]

Eric

Weaver's has the best belt blanks and best prices I've found. Their 8/9 veg tan and 9/10 bridle leather blanks are great. You can't save enough cutting them yourself to make it worthwhile. The bridle leather makes a nice heavy belt all by itself or I line it with either 2/3 calfskin or 3/4 vegtan for a 1/4 in belt. I also like the "Pauls Buckles, keepers and tips in brass and nickle (currently on sale) however you can't use the keeper and tip over 3/16" the buckle still works great at 1/4". For fasteners I keep 1/4 and 3/8 in heavy duty chicago screws in nickle and brass and black on hand.

[particle]

Excellent - thank you Dennis. I'm glad you mentioned chicago screws - I didn't even think of those.

Edited May 17, 2010 by particle

[Lobo]

Weavers has been a good supplier for many items, but I have had problems with belt blanks from that source. Inconsistent gauging of the leather, unknown tanneries, dyes taken differently, and other problems.

I now order only Hermann Oak veg-tanned leather for everything. For belts I prefer to have 9-10 oz. sides which, after the bellies are chopped off for other uses, will yield about 15 to 18 belt blanks at 60" more or less. The bellies are usually usable for straps and other smaller items, depending on the fleshy sides. I've even gotten a few good holster patterns out of those that haven't displayed ugly surfaces or flesh sides.

A simple strap cutter (draw gauge for those of you who prefer that term) will suffice for cutting belt blanks quickly and easily. With a good blade installed it takes only a minute or two to cut your belt blank.

I offer these as single-layer 9-10 oz., suitable for most uses; lined with 4-oz. leather for heavier uses; and as 2-layer lined with 7-8 oz. for heaviest applications.

I cut my lining leathers a bit oversized, cement the main strap and lining, then trim and work the edges to a finished dimension. Heavier linings benefit from beveling prior to assembly, with a nice transition on the sewn edges.

Today was a "belt day" at my shop, with a half-dozen belts of various configurations completed along with 6 holsters and pouches. I have a nice 8-foot workbench that allows belt strap cutting, assembly, cementing, etc to be done very quickly. After cementing the 2-layer belts can be run over the belt sander, then sewn up and finished. I even had time to make happy hour at my club (less than two blocks from the shop, lucky me!).

I recommend ordering appropriate sides or double shoulders and cutting your own straps. You can control the finished product much better than any supplier is likely to do for you and the finished product will be much better.

Best regards.

[Denster]

Lobo and I have different experiences with Weaver's veg tan blanks. I haven't had the first problem with any I have received. Cross my fingers now that I've said that since I just placed another order for those and the bridle leather blanks since they are on sale. That being said there is nothing wrong with the way Lobo does it even though it doubles the cost you do have a known quality and control as you can't go wrong with HO.

[jeeperaz]

bridle leather blanks since they are on sale.

Just curious, how do/did you find out they are on sale?

[Denster]

Just curious, how do/did you find out they are on sale?

Sale flyer from Weaver's good through July.

[jeeperaz]

Sale flyer from Weaver's good through July.

Thanks.

Do you get the flyer through the mail, or online somehow?

I've been a weaver customer for a while and spent good money there. I've never heard about sales or deals. I'll call them and ask about it.

Edited May 18, 2010 by jeeperaz

[BigRiverLeather]

Here I was al ready to jump ino this too but planned on using double layer 6/7 oz. Isn't that what a lot of double layer manufacturers are using, The Beltman etc?

Double layer of 8-9 oz just seems enormous!

[Denster]

Double 8/9 is too much of a good thing. Line the 8/9 with 5/6 or 6/7 and you are good to go. Personnaly I really like the 9/10oz bridle leather lined with 2/3 calf or 3/4 veg. Makes a beautiful belt heavy enough for any reasonable application.