? About Making A Ccw Belt

[lowlife]

I have seen a couple but at the time didnt pay that close of attention to the but my best friend is wanting me to make him one.

From what I have researched and "THINK" (used loosely) I have found out is that they are usually 2 pieces of 4-5 oz sewn together wwith a piece of webbing between. I understand that the webbing sewn in between stops the stretch of the leather or I "THINK" (used again) thats the concept.

Can anyone jump in here and tell me if I am heading in the right direction and my "THINKING" in line with the correct way to do this.. Thanks for any and all responses

Kehl

[Russ]

Like all things leather, there's a million different ways to do it, and almost as many opinions. Some CCW belts have "features" such as webbing or stiffeners in their belts. Some have a curve, some are straight. You can find many different opinions about the thickness of the belts.

I've never used "webbing" but I do use a stiffener for small (in width) dress belts. In this case I'm talking about 1" belts. But, IMO, these belts are not appropriate for constant carry. I only make them to order and with a big disclaimer to the buyer.

For me, I've found that 1.25" belts and up don't need stiffeners or any other help, as long as you use the proper leather (using the shoulders, etc.) and you use the proper thickness of the leather(s). There is an art to getting the proper thickness while still maintain comfort for the wearer. Some of it depends on the weapon carried, and some of it depends on the type of holster.

Personally, I think two pieces of 4/5oz leather is plenty. I've made belts up to a 1/4" thick for people, and worn them myself, and find them very uncomfortable. I've carried full sized .45 cal Glocks, Sigs, and Colts with 8oz total belts with my Avenger, Pancake, and Tactical holsters for 25 years with no problem.

I don't see how webbing will stop stretch. Good leather will minimize the stretching.

[lowlife]

Thanks for the info.. I havent made any belts before. I make firefighter suspenders, radio cases, radio straps and turkey call pouchs but never a belt and was just trying to get as much info before i waste a bunch of leather for no reason. I usually make my suspenders from 10-11 oz veg and they hold up great

Kehl

[Lobo]

I make around 250 to 300 gun belts per year. Here is the procedure I follow.

1. Straps are cut from veg-tanned sides of 7/8 and 6/7 weight. I take half-a-dozen straps from each new side, laying out the length diagonally from back to belly, with nominal lengths (vary due to shape of the sides) of about 60" and 70". This keeps me supplied with belt straps while also providing two smaller pieces of the side that are easier to store, and much easier to lay out on the bench for holster patterns, etc.

2. Each belt consists of the outer strap of 7/8 oz. and inner strap of 6/7 oz. I alternate these so the "back" end of one is laid over the "belly" end of the other, evening out the differences to achieve a more consistent overall thickness.

3. Straps are cemented together (Fiebings Tanners Bond) while laying on the workbench, then rolled out with a 20-plus pound piece of round steel billet, using it like a rolling pin in the kitchen to set the cement, then allowed to sit for an hour or so prior to proceeding.

4. Edges are stitched at 6 stitches per inch. Fancy stitch patterns can be laid out and done at the same time.

5. Edges are dressed evenly on a drum sander, then edges are beveled.

6. Belts are finished along with other products (holsters, pouches, etc) for the most consistent result, as most of my belts go out with holster orders.

7. Hardware is installed after finishing and the belt is ready to go.

End result is consistently just under 1/4" overall thickness. I have several of these that I have used for several years now. Like any leather belt will do, these conform to hip shape over time, but none show any measureable stretching.

Last bit of advice: MAKE SURE YOUR CUSTOMERS UNDERSTAND THAT TROUSER WAIST SIZE AND BELT SIZE IS NOT THE SAME THING! Trouser sizing is, I think, "vanity oriented". A man wearing size 32 trousers will usually require a 33" to 35" belt, etc. In other words, actual waist measurement is ALWAYS greater than trouser waist size. IWB-style holsters, particularly with the larger handguns, may require both trousers and belts of about 2" larger size than normally worn.

Best regards.

[IngleGunLeather]

I've only done a couple belts, but I used 6/7 for both layers. I didn't use an internal stiffener. However, I saw one online somewhere that used a thin layer of kydex sandwiched in between the two layers. I really think that would be over-kill. I don't know for sure because i haven't made one or worn one with kydex. Like Russ stated, there a bunch of different ways to go about it. I used 6/7 because that's what I had on hand that was left over from a western rig I had made. I like Lobo's use of 7/8 and 6/7, but he puts out way more product than I do. I don't sell a lot, so I don't have the need for various weights of leather sitting around. So, I guess my recommendation would be to use what you have on hand if you can. If not, order what you can get the most use out of. I wouldn't order a $200 side just to make a single $60-$80 belt if I couldn't use the remainder of the side on other projects.

Edited December 31, 2012 by CountryTrash

[lowlife]

Thanks again for the info.. This is a feebie for my best friend of nearly 35 years since the age of 10. One reason for me stating using 4-5 oz is what I have seen from some other but like was mentioned above I have seen 6-7, 8-9 and so on most of what i keep is for ff leather suspenders. that is usually 10-11 oz and there is no doubt in my mind that 2 pcs of that is way to heavy. I do keep some 4-5 oz on hand for my turkey call pouches and that was kinda where my mind settled in to being a good weight. I kinda looked at it as to what would be comfortable for me and that is where I thought 2 pcs of 4-5

I was planning on finishing edges pretty much to what lobo stated since that is pretty close to how I do mine anyway..

One more question just popped in mind. What is the best finish to apply for a natural finish with out dye or antique.

[IngleGunLeather]

Thanks again for the info.. This is a feebie for my best friend of nearly 35 years since the age of 10. One reason for me stating using 4-5 oz is what I have seen from some other but like was mentioned above I have seen 6-7, 8-9 and so on most of what i keep is for ff leather suspenders. that is usually 10-11 oz and there is no doubt in my mind that 2 pcs of that is way to heavy. I do keep some 4-5 oz on hand for my turkey call pouches and that was kinda where my mind settled in to being a good weight. I kinda looked at it as to what would be comfortable for me and that is where I thought 2 pcs of 4-5

I was planning on finishing edges pretty much to what lobo stated since that is pretty close to how I do mine anyway..

One more question just popped in mind. What is the best finish to apply for a natural finish with out dye or antique.

Again, just as a reminder,I've only done a few. I would think 2 layers of 4/5 might just be on the thin side. 4oz = .063in, .063in x 2 = .126in or just over 1/8in. Do you have access to a splitter? If so, you could split your 10/11oz down. On the belts I've done, I finished them with Fiebing's Carnuba Wax. I have recently purchased an aerosol can of Fiebing's Leather Sheen. I've only tried the Leather Sheen on some small 6 inch sample pieces and it seems to be pretty good. Both layers on this belt were finished with Carnuba.

Edited December 31, 2012 by CountryTrash

[chiefjason]

Another option is one layer of 15 oz or so leather. I have two of them from a buddy that's a belt maker. Been making them that way for about 20 years. Absolutely fantastic belts! Carries a gun like a dream. His buckle is much different than others. For a standard buckle you would have to skive down the end pretty good. I know Springfield leather sells strips in that weight for about $28 a strip if you want to go that route.

FWIW, I did a 2 layer of 5-6 and it stretched a bit. After getting this belt I'll never need another one.

Here is a pic of the "Fatboy Belt". It's just under 1/4" thick, 1.5" wide. He's a member here but does not post much.

[mlapaglia]

If you have it around do one layer of 10/11 and one of 4/5. Gives you the same thickness of 15/16 which is where you are with 2 layers of 7/8. I use two layers of 8/9 because thats what I have. It works great so far.

Michael

[renegadelizard]

I agree with Michael...i shoot for 16 oz overall weight...usually 2 pieces of 7/8, but the 10/11 4/5 combo would be spot on...

[SooperJake]

I just made myself a belt recently ( about 2 months) following the basic advice that Lobo has given, above, with the exception of the way he cut his strips from the hide. I never thought of that.

I am very happy with the results and have gotten several requests for belts when they saw mine. For a few weeks I carried a full size XDm .45 on it with a double mag to test the belt. That's 40 rounds of .45 and a pistol and 3 mags total. Heavy.

It has been solid, with no sag,and the gun sits tight to my side. At first it felt odd, as it is like wrapping a barrel hoop around your waist compared to a typical department store belt, but you get used to it quick. I won't ever wear a store bought belt again. Also, I wouldn't go too light on the leather weight. A little extra thickness is a good thing.