How Do You Know Which Size Oblong Punch You Need?

[ranchmom77]

Hi all, I'm making some spur straps and I'm using 5/8 buckles. How do I know what size oblong punch I need?

[Tree Reaper]

5/8 punch works good for 5/8 buckles.

Kevin.

[ranchmom77]

Thanks Kevin.. I know that seems like a silly question but I wasn't sure if the punch size meant that it punched a 5/8 inch hole or was meant for use with 5/8 inch buckles.. Is that the rule of thumb? Punch size for buckle size?

[Tree Reaper]

You're welcome.

The punch sizes will be very close to the buckle size but everyone sooner or later acquires them all.

[bruce johnson]

For me it depends on the buckle. Some buckles with thicker heel bars I go up 1/8" to allow for the bottom of the tongue to lay down into the slot and have plenty of room for a good range of movement of the tongue back without binding.

[Fowlingpiece]

Ditto Bruce. It's the bar and the tongue to consider.