Another notch in the belt

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wamj2008

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No, this thread is not about shooting outlaws.

It really is about putting another notch in the belt. I have an Aker gun belt, and I'm actually losing weight (which is a good thing.) As such, the belt is getting bigger. Would putting a drill bit through the thing hurt it much or should that do the trick?

I know this is a stupid question but gun belts are expensive and I don't want to ruin mine. Thanks.
 
I got a leather punch from a craft store -- about $8. Not sure it would work on a stiff gun belt, but it probably would. I'd bet the drill press on slow speed would work too, just make sure the belt doesn't move while drilling.
 
I actually drilled holes between the existing holes on my Aker belt to give me more exact tension wth varying clothes and holster arrangements. It gives me 1/2 inch adjustments rather that one inch. Drilling worked fine.
 
The Beltman will shorten one of his belts if need be, but he does it by removing material from the buckle end. Just something to think about.
 
I've used my awl on my Swiss army knife with good success. I don't see why a drill bit wouldn't work, too. Make sure it's sharp
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I cannot think of a day that I have not used my SAK....

I used it for this purpose too... it is not my "spare" hole due to the hollidays but I will be back there soon!!
 
I have a punch I use on leather belts. It makes a cleaner hole than a bit. Of course I generally use whatever is available.
 
Thanks everyone for your comments. Sounds like the drill bit should work!
 
Not to hijack this thread but I've got the same sizing problem w/ a Wilderness Instructors Belt. The Velcro is right up against the buckle. Anybody ever try to make one of these fit when you've lost weight.
 
The Beltman will shorten one of his belts if need be, but he does it by removing material from the buckle end. Just something to think about.
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This is the proper way to do it in order to keep the tounge of the belt from getting too long and flopping around past the keeper. Just requires a little restitching. If you think you are going to gain weight again or for keeping length to go over bulky winter clothes then by all means punch or drill away. If you want it to look good try to match the spacing and size of the original holes.
 
For lack of a good leather punch (the preferred method), how about an empty .22 case and a hammer?

I just looked at my Wilderness belt and it looks like you might get another inch, maybe a little more before the belt doubles up and gets heavier. You'd probably be better off just ordering a new one in the correct size, and just hang on to that one. If its still in good shape, you could probably sell it on EBay without to much troubles. What size and color is it?
 
A punch is the best and easiest.
I think it's well worth the $8 to cut a nice hole. A bit could tear up the edge of the hole when it first starts.

Once I took a ballpoint pen, one with a metal ink cartridge, and emptied out the ink cartridge. Sharpen the outside of the end and you can use that as a small diameter hole punch.

Not to hijack this thread but I've got the same sizing problem w/ a Wilderness Instructors Belt. The Velcro is right up against the buckle. Anybody ever try to make one of these fit when you've lost weight.
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The best thing to do is shorten the buckle end by cutting some off and re sewing it back on. If you dont want to or can't sew then you can cut the velcro. Just carefully cut some of the stitching holding on the velcro, cut enough velcro to clear the buckle, then stich the velcro back down making sure you've got stitching around the loose ends of the original stitching threads. Or you can just use Shoegoo to glue the velcro down.
 
Right before I turned 30, just like everyone my-elder said, a little extra weight showed up out of no where. Have always been athletic-trim previously. Had to get a few new belts. Anyway, for both regular belts and gun toting belts I have always used 1" or 1-1/2" garrisons that I had used as trouser belts to support my on-duty gun belt. They are high quality thick leather. They don't kink or fold under the weight of a gun. And best of all, compared to dedicated 'carry-belts' they don't cost much at all. Last for years. Rather plain but you can get black, brown, basket-weave, and the buckles have the interchangeable snap to swap it to something more your style.

If you thread your belt left one day and thread it right the next day, it will stop that boomerang curve and any wear spots, extending the life.

I really like 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" but check your jeans and holsters, some won't fit that wide a belt.
 
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