Belt For Metal Sensitive Friend

[AndiH]

I have a friend who can't wear belts because she breaks out when she touches metal too much. I decided I'd give it a try now that life seems to be getting easier again. My thoughts were to use a dowel secured to one end with lacing then a loop on the other to secure it. Ideally it needs to be adjustable, but all I've come up with so far is punching holes the length of the belt then lace from the each end through, but that doesn't really look too workable when I try to picture it. Any suggestions ?

[mlapaglia]

How about a single button stud on the chape(Buckel end) and cut the billet holes to make them work with the button stud. Since the chape is folded back to hold the keeper the metal to hold the button stud in place will not be against her at all but sandwiched between the chape with the back of the keeper. It would work \just like a regular belt with 5-7 holes just attach a little different. Its a thought anyway.

Michael

[DavidL]

one option is to wet mold leather to the buckle and stitch to hold it together. The metal rod that goes into the belt - a small rectangular piece of leather could be placed width wise (Glued and stitched) and she could use that leather bit to prevent touching the metal piece.

Edited September 19, 2014 by DavidL

[Troy Burch]

why not just get a buckle blank and cover it with tooled leather

[AndiH]

Thanks for the ideas, David and Michael. Troy, I'm very much a newbie. I'm confident I can punch holes, but at this point thats about it. Hopefully life slows down now that summer's over and I can really get to work on this stuff (learning it I mean).

Andi

[cgleathercraft]

I have the same allergy (specifically nickel). It is - not - fun. Especially when I found out that white tungsten carbide is bound with nickel. I now break out if I wear my wedding ring continuously. I still wear it everyday, just not when i'm sitting for extended periods.

Belt buckles(and watches) also present the same issue to me. I've used tape (electrical and athletic), several coats of nail polish, and a few other types of clear lacquers. Nothing has worked better than just wearing and undershirt, and that is not always possible in the summertime.

I suggest picking up a buckle designed to be wrapped in leather and lacing it around the edges. Here is what Tandy has to offer on it: http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/home/department/buckles/buckle-making-supplies/buckle-making-supplies.aspx

Also really like this idea.

How about a single button stud on the chape(Buckel end) and cut the billet holes to make them work with the button stud. Since the chape is folded back to hold the keeper the metal to hold the button stud in place will not be against her at all but sandwiched between the chape with the back of the keeper. It would work \just like a regular belt with 5-7 holes just attach a little different. Its a thought anyway.

Buttonhole-Punches-Sample-3779.jpg

Michael

[Renoir]

My mum is also metal sensitive - any buckles or studs *touching the skin* are a no-no.

Check out the ranger style belt -

As long as there is leather backing the buckle you should be OK. I adapted this and made her a watch strap with a pad under the buckle and watch back - the first time she's been able to wear a nice watch for years (otherwise it's awful rubber straps, as most traditional straps expose the buckle or watch back).

I've had a couple of ranger-style belts and worn them for years - more comfortable. It's on my list of projects to make next...

[Grumpy Coyote]

Rolled toggles. I use leather toggles all the time on bags, not a bit of metal needed. Also, you could use a loop and tie, or any thing else like that. Creative solutions to hard problems will sometimes make the best designs.

[AndiH]

Thanks for all the great ideas. I would have researched this before, but I was without net until they could get me a new modem (well that and life issues). Apparently I may have been over thinking it.

[robertmeco]

Here is a belt buckle you might use

http://www.zackwhite.com/2-Prong-Mechanics-belt-buckle-insert--H8372NP_p_4864.html

[JLSleather]

Velcro stitched on

[Splash]

Andi,

I have the same issue. I have found that Stainless steel, Gold, and Ti are the only metals I am not alergic to. I just retired from the Military and could not wear the mandatory allergy tag because I am allergic to the tag itself. I not only wear SS buckles because both Gold and Ti are cost prohibuted for me. you can also search for belts with SS pelican hooks, they dont look bad, I like them

[msdeluca]

Just a quick thought...

[cgleathercraft]

Just a quick thought...

peg_belt.png

That is a slick idea!

[AndiH]

It is a neat idea, but to secure the peg/dowel to the belt so it isn't lost...

[cgleathercraft]

make the peg widen out (just a little) at the bottom and the loops to fit the middle of it. the peg would "snap" in

Edited September 26, 2014 by cgleathercraft

[glamb]

Use golf tees and grind off the point. You can get them in plastic or wood cheap! Teather them with small piece of leather.