Belt Sizing

[Bluesman]

I have made several belts and like the outcome, but they come up a bit short, in length. I have been measuring from the buckle end to the favorite hole and then add in 3 1/4" for the buckle flap and then 3" for the final belt tounge end.

Exp. 36" Buckle to Hole + 3 1/4" + 3" = 42 1/4" Blank. Did this on three belts and ended up switching owners to get them right. Can somebody please share with me a tried and true method. I also make my belts from 8/9 oz with a 2/3 oz liner. This makes them thicker than most belts folks are used to. How does this affect the overall final length and should it be compensated for?

Thanks,

Jon

[Cyberthrasher]

Is this how you're measuring, or are you going to the end of the buckle?

http://www.chancey77.com/belts.html

[Bluesman]

No, I'm measuring from the buckle end, to the hole. That way I include the buckle that is being used. It shouldn't be this difficult. But then again I really get thick soemtimes on the easy stuff.

[kc8290]

Hello Jon – The “favorite hole” becomes the center hole onthe new belt. If you have five holes itwould be the third hole. Therefore tothe belt end (tongue end) it would be 2” for the two holes (1” spacing) plusyour 3” from your last hole to the belt tip. I think you may have left out the 2” for the last two holes.

Ken

[Bluesman]

Hello Jon – The "favorite hole" becomes the center hole onthe new belt. If you have five holes itwould be the third hole. Therefore tothe belt end (tongue end) it would be 2" for the two holes (1" spacing) plusyour 3" from your last hole to the belt tip. I think you may have left out the 2" for the last two holes.

Ken

I think your right. That's what I was being led to believe. So the formula should be. Buckle tip to Favorite hole + 3 1/4" for flap + 5" for two holes and tip = Blank.

How's this sound?

[kc8290]

Sound good.

I use 4" (instead of 3") from the last hole to the tip. Not really sure what is best. Also the length of the strap that folds over the buckle will vary depending on the keeper width, number of keepers, tongue slot length, fastening system (snaps, rivits, screws) so you have to adjust the length accordingly. Your measurement of 3 to 3-1/2" should be a good length for most situations with one keeper loop. Hope that helps.

Ken

[Bluesman]

Sound good.

I use 4" (instead of 3") from the last hole to the tip. Not really sure what is best. Also the length of the strap that folds over the buckle will vary depending on the keeper width, number of keepers, tongue slot length, fastening system (snaps, rivits, screws) so you have to adjust the length accordingly. Your measurement of 3 to 3-1/2" should be a good length for most situations with one keeper loop. Hope that helps.

Ken

Thanks. I think I got it.