Stud Hole Slits

[heygravity]

Noob question: on some belts with a detachable stud buckle, the stud holes have small slits to make it easier to pop the stud in and out whilst keeping a tight fit in the hole itself.

Is there a special name for these slits? Is there a special tool professionals use? On the belts I have seen the slits are scored on both sides i.e. the slit does not fully split the leather. The depth of these slits seems to be very even so I wondered if there was a tool for this as I find it hard to believe that this can be achieved so expertly with an xacto blade...

[Chief31794]

I believe what you are asking about is "keyholes", Tandy and others sell keyhole punches, but they are not necessary, I make my own keyholes by punching the correct size hole, then slitting from the hole and terminating the slit with a very small punched hole to act as a "Stop" to prevent the leather from tearing.

Hope that helps,

Chief

[heygravity]

Hi Chief,

Thanks for the quick response. What I've seen isn't as extreme as keyholes - this is a much more subtle slit that doesn't fully penetrate the leather. Here's a picture...

[heygravity]

...unfortunately I can't upload the picture as the file size is too big!

Edit: success!

Edited July 28, 2014 by heygravity

[Chief31794]

That is a KeyHole, some are wider at the hole some not, still a keyhole. Punch the hole, make the slit.

Chief

[heygravity]

So if the slit is only a partial score then it must have been done with an xacto blade or similar?

[Chief31794]

So if the slit is only a partial score then it must have been done with an xacto blade or similar?

Exacto, scalpel, small box cutter, trim knife, or similar I would suspect.

Chief