ramrod Report post Posted April 17, 2011 i have a question that i'm sure the belt making pros can answer. when making a belt ( of any size) what length do you make the tail? - the part past the last hole thet goes into the belt loop. i've wondered if there is what's considered a proper length to provide for the customer. i've seen them quite long in some cases. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luke Hatley Report post Posted April 17, 2011 (edited) i have a question that i'm sure the belt making pros can answer. when making a belt ( of any size) what length do you make the tail? - the part past the last hole thet goes into the belt loop. i've wondered if there is what's considered a proper length to provide for the customer. i've seen them quite long in some cases. My belt are cut 10" longer than the waist size.7" form the waist size hole on the billet end ...3" on the fold on the other end. After you get more proficiet you might go a little shorter. Edited April 17, 2011 by Luke Hatley Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rayban Report post Posted April 18, 2011 My belt are cut 10" longer than the waist size.7" form the waist size hole on the billet end ...3" on the fold on the other end. After you get more proficiet you might go a little shorter. Same here, I punch five holes, and I measure 7" from the middle hole to the tip, then 3" fold over at the other end. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leathercrafter Report post Posted April 18, 2011 i have a question that i'm sure the belt making pros can answer. when making a belt ( of any size) what length do you make the tail? - the part past the last hole thet goes into the belt loop. i've wondered if there is what's considered a proper length to provide for the customer. i've seen them quite long in some cases. my are pretty close to the others i take the waist size add 2 inches if they are not using a trophy buckle the add 3 in to the fold and add 6 in from the center hole to the tip. for instance a 32 in waist would wear a34 in belt plus 3 in to fold and 6 in to tip hope this helps john Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rayban Report post Posted April 18, 2011 (edited) Before I make a belt for someone anymore, I send them this illustration. Just last week a fella asked me to make him a 35" ranger belt......I sent this to him, he responded...."make that 40" I tell them to send me their current belt size, not their jean size. Edited April 18, 2011 by Rayban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luke Hatley Report post Posted April 18, 2011 Before I make a belt for someone anymore, I send them this illustration. Just last week a fella asked me to make him a 35" ranger belt......I sent this to him, he responded...."make that 40" I tell them to send me their current belt size, not their jean size. yes you are so Right "measure twice...cut once.." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
abn Report post Posted April 18, 2011 I might add that the distance you need between the last hole and the tip also depends on the belt buckle. For center-bar buckles, you need less distance (really, just a little more than the length of the buckle itself). For heel-bar buckles, you have to go a little further since you have to tuck under a separate belt keeper. General formulas work great, but once you get used to a certain style of buckle, you may want to fine-tine your dimensions for a more custom fit. Good luck! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hidepounder Report post Posted April 18, 2011 I have a couple of different approaches to measuring belts. I have made a couple of difference "measuring" belts that I use. One is for trophy belts. It is an 1-1/2" belt that is very long and has numbered holes punched every 1/2". I simply have the customer put HIS buckle on the belt, put the belt on and note what hole is being used. Additionally I will ask him to identify the hole where he would like the tip to end. I use that same "measuring belt" when laying out the customer's belt and i add 2-1/2" to 3" for the fold. It's pretty darned fool proof. If you need to find center (for names, initials, etc.), it is exactly half the distance between the fold and the hole used. The other belt I use for narrow belts. It is simply 3/4" wide with the same holes punched in it as the other belt. This one has a 1" long buckle permanently attached. With this belt I make note of the hole being used and subtract the length of the customers buckle and then add for the fold and the billet. If a "measuring belt" is not available, I use a cloth measuring tape....have the customer run the tape through their belt loops and take note of the measurement. Subtract the length of the buckle and you have the measurement from the loop to the center hole, then add for the loop flap and the billet. When taking an order based on pant size, I do exactly what John does. If the customer wears a 34" pant, I will make him a 36" belt. Be sure to remember to DEDUCT the length of the buckle.....2-1/2" is usually pretty close on a trophy style belt. 3/4" to 1" is usually pretty close on a 3 piece set.. I add 2-1/2" to 3" for the flpa past the fold (be sure to skive the thickness of the flap down) and 6" to 7" past the center hole for the billet. I punch 5 holes @ 3/4" apart. Hope this helps..... Bobby Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ramrod Report post Posted April 18, 2011 wow! guys! thanks for the info. i'm with you on the hole spacing hidepounder - 5 holes at 3/4" apart. unless it's for me. then it's 3 holes. it's just something i do. o.k.....it gives me a start - 7" from the hole to the tip. i just measured my own belt. it's 8" to the tip. that was siimply by accident. i just eyed it up and it looked right. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
