Belt Slots In A Holster

[Eaglestroker]

I ordered custom punches, and it was one of the biggest headaches I've experienced in terms of a custom ordered part. Even with that it's probably the best money I've spent outside my Cobra on any given tool.

[Matt Alsaker]

Your standard off the shelf oblong punch will not be wide enough. If you are starting out and trying to keep costs reasonable a round punch and chisel is the way to go. I use a #8 (7/32") round punch on each end. By the time I'm done burnishing, I have a nice 1/4" wide slot. All my belts are 1/4" thick, to I build the belt slots on the holsters to accommodate. For 1-1/2" belt slots I have a 1-1/4" chisel and for 1-3/4" belt slots I have a 1-1/2" chisel. I tried drilling and did not care for it. I've also tried using a knife to cut between the holes, didn't care for that either.

Custom punches from Weaver, about a year ago, were around $90. Well worth the price for me.

[Tommy217xxx]

Thanks everyone for the tips and help. At this point I'm gonna try the punch and chisel method. I am somewhat handy but I'm gonna save the custom made punch for another day. This started out as a hobby so I would like to keep costs down for a while besides for the fact that I havea newborn baby.

Thanks again. I love this site b/c of all the great people and mass of knowledge.

[Tommy217xxx]

Actually after lookin at dwights punch, I might try and make one. It looks pretty easy.

Dwight, The side that u strike, Is that just a raw edge or did u put something on it?

[J Hayes]

I use a 1 5/8 Osborne, it was sharp as my elbow when I got but now works great. I have a short "belt" that gets forced through the slots when I'm wet molding, I like to form the slots and kinda shape the holster so its curved like my hip. YMMV I also have EMT and stainless punches for starp ends and those work great too

[Tommy217xxx]

I made one of the punches that Dwight showed off and it looks like it's gonna work out well. I'd post a pic but I can't figure out how to yet.