Third belt question - holes for buckle tab

Long Juan · July 18, 2011, 04:46:15 PM

Should the holes for buckling the belt be round or oblong? I have both sets of punches in the correct size, so I am good to go either way.

Also would appreciate any other tips you might have for someone making his first ranger belt. Thanks once again.

Boothill Bob · July 18, 2011, 04:53:36 PM

I belive thats a matter of taste. I like them round.
//BhB

TN Mongo · July 18, 2011, 05:49:15 PM

I'm a big fan of the oval shape hole punch for gun belts, but it's really just a matter of what you like, or what you have on hand.

rickk · July 18, 2011, 07:11:07 PM

You want about a 3/4 inch spacing C-C between round holes.

If you go to oblong there will be less meat between holes and you will have to go to a bigger spacing, making the resolution of adjustment less.

Start with a round hole and it will be oblong all by itself before you know it ;-)

Slowhand Bob · July 18, 2011, 10:36:54 PM

I use round for western belts and oblong for the modern slacks belts. It is a bit easier to mess up with the oblong punch but it will get to be second nature to shift it without letting it rotate after awhile. This is another place where having a good heavy duty template to lay out your pattern will really speed things up and reduce mistakes. I make finished templates from heavy paper board, such as cereal boxes, tablet backing, etc.

Long Juan · July 19, 2011, 09:58:42 AM

Thanks all for your helpful comments. Have gone with round on this first belt adventure.

TN Mongo · July 19, 2011, 02:17:24 PM

With an oblong hole punch, I space 1" between holes.

rickk · July 19, 2011, 08:09:28 PM

To keep an oblong punch straight, draw a light pencil layout line down the center of the strip. The mark off marks (I use an awl) every inch (or whatever spacing you want to use to mark where the punch hole starts. Then use the line and the awl marks to align the punch.

I have tried templates, but I kept wearing them out or misplacing them or having them move on me and i found it easier to just scribe a pencil line and make some marks with the awl.

I do the same thing for round holes, but the awl mark is the center rather than an end of the punch.

Speaking of hole spacing... some buckles want more or less spacing, depending on how big the center bar is. Most typical belt buckles that I use get a 3/4 " spacing between holes, but some small buckles, which use small holes, get smaller spacing. I also use locking buckles for things like saddle bags. The center bar will take a small padlock. These need an oblong hole and bigger spacing. So, I keep notes in my notebook as to what size hole and what hole spacing works the best for each buckle I use. If I get some new buckle that I am totally unfamiliar with I will take some scrap and play with it a bit before I do it for real on something pretty.

BTW, Speaking of locking buckles, if someone wants brass plated 1" locking bar buckles for some reason, lemme know. I had to order 6 gross of them to get them special made in brass plate rather than nickle plate. While I was able to split the order with another guy, I still have "a few" left and can make a good deal on them.