Members asallwey Posted January 30, 2014 Author Members Report Posted January 30, 2014 Gee, I didn't think my post would stir up such emotions! All I was saying in my original post, was that the type of buckle used may be reason to change the belt end length. I realize that most of the posts talk about standard belt buckles, here I'm talking about decorative buckles. I just measured several standard buckles and they seem to be about 1.5" from the bar held in the belt to the metal arm that goes in the belt hole (for 1.5" & 1.75" belts). (Sorry, I don't know the correct terms for buckle parts.) With this type of buckle the guidelines seem to apply pretty good. I also measured 6 large, decorative buckles (ebay search for brass buckles if you want to see an example of what I mean). Using the measurement description above, the distance from the back bar to the peg/pin that goes into the belt, varied from 2" to 4.5". Additionally, the first left side loop on 5 pairs of jeans varied from about 3.25" to 4.5". In my opinion, I like to have a belt that goes through the belt loop, and the first loop on the pant. So for a decorative buckle, it may best to know the approximate dimension of the buckle that is going to be used so the belt end length can be made long enough. Actually this type of buckle would also change belt length. Alex Quote
Members Studio-N Posted January 30, 2014 Members Report Posted January 30, 2014 (edited) when I fit a belt for someone, we measure to the middle hole (of 5). I then cut 6" from the middle hole. So in theory, that's 4" from the first hole. So far, that has never been short of going thru anyone's belt loop. Although we do get customers that really want it long past the belt loop. Edited January 30, 2014 by Studio-N Quote "Out of my mind.....back in 5 minutes"
Contributing Member JLSleather Posted January 30, 2014 Contributing Member Report Posted January 30, 2014 All I was saying in my original post, was that the type of buckle used may be reason to change the belt end length. I... also measured 6 large, decorative buckles (ebay search for brass buckles if you want to see an example of what I mean). ... may best to know the approximate dimension of the buckle that is going to be used so the belt end length can be made long enough. Actually this type of buckle would also change belt length. Alex I take it you're talking about what some around here would refer to as "trophy" buckles. And you're right, it matters - a trophy buckle can change the length of the belt by several inches. Somewhere along 100 years ago (ish) I learned making belts with these type buckles this way ... Mark a fold line, add buckle length. From the "hook" on the buckle, measure the size to the middle hole. With the hook in the middle hole, cut the belt off (tip) 4" past the END of the buckle. So, if your buckle is 3", then the tip would be about 7" from the center hole. With a buckle half that long (1 1/2") then your tip would be 5.5" beyond the center hole. Even with this "generalized" approach, I've had boys ask for a longer tip (beyond what I thought was "right" for the belt). But, that's rather the point of 'custom', NO? Quote "Observation is 9/10 of the law." IF what you do is something that ANYBODY can do, then don't be surprised when ANYBODY does.
Members asallwey Posted January 31, 2014 Author Members Report Posted January 31, 2014 JLSleather, Yes!! Finally someone who has faced this! I was just trying to point it out because I did not see any references to belts for these large buckles. Alex Quote
Contributing Member JLSleather Posted January 31, 2014 Contributing Member Report Posted January 31, 2014 That's strange, a bit. Must be a BUNCH of fellas using the same type of buckles all the time - not trophy buckles. Anybody who makes belts knows that a longer buckle makes the belt longer, so I never did "get" why they don't realize the "short" end is different too. Then, I don't get those people who tell customers (or potential customers) to measure an old belt "from the fold". Unless you're using the same buckle, that aint gonna 'git' it. I "usually" use 5 holes, spaced 3/4" apart. Exceptions - where the buckle tongue is large, requiring a large hole, that might not be so good for the strength or the look of the belt, in which case I have done 1" apart. On narrow straps with small buckles, 1/2" might do (example, saddle bag strap, small collars, or portfolio "belt"). And I just checked -- BOTH of those old books describe this alteration to suit trophy buckles, so it's hardly a new issue. Belts Galore -- p2 Lucky 8 Belt -- p3 Both of these books were out by the 1950's, and it's one of the first "lessons" in both books. You know, for what it's worth ... Quote "Observation is 9/10 of the law." IF what you do is something that ANYBODY can do, then don't be surprised when ANYBODY does.
Members asallwey Posted January 31, 2014 Author Members Report Posted January 31, 2014 Well I'm glad I brought the topic up. And I'm glad you happened across it. Alex Quote
Members Brazos Jack Posted February 2, 2014 Members Report Posted February 2, 2014 Oh how I love topics like this one. It reminds me of my humble beginnings back in the mid 1900s and some of the hot conversations of how this and that can't work because nobody does it that way. Well, that don't hold water because this cowboy was doing that way and it worked! What my experience in this trade has taught me is that if it works it's an acceptable method. Whether it's belts, boots, holsters, or cat muzzles; if it works - go for it! As for traditions, well I'm about as UNtraditional as a guy can get and is why at any gathering or convention I'm the one you see in the corner talking to a lamp. Reason is simple; most folks like to belong to a click that follows one or another way or method so they have others to converse with about the topic. (Lamps by the way are good listeners.) My point in all this is this - you are ALL right! Why? Because it works. And Alex reminds me of how I learned things in this trade and made it as far as I have - TEST FIRST - CUT LAST! You go Alex. Hot conversations like this one keep ideas flowing and going and is what makes the world go round. I love it! As for the way I make a belt, well, if it holds my pants up - it's a good one! God Bless America and the Republic of Texas! Jim Quote Jim R. Simmons Etowah River Leather
Members olemanstrong Posted February 21, 2014 Members Report Posted February 21, 2014 Mark Twain had an interesting quote about traditions. He said that the less justification you had for older traditions, the harder the died. I really enjoyed all of these comments. olemanstrong Quote
Northmount Posted February 21, 2014 Report Posted February 21, 2014 All great comments. For those that use 2" straps with 2" spacing, now I see why so many butt cracks are visible, and why so many dogs squeeze out of their collars. Tom Quote
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