How do you cut off the end of a leather belt?

[JcMack]

I'm in extreme red alert austerity mode now. I have a couple nice leather belts, both are now about 3" too long so how do you cut off the end of a belt without "having it look like you took off the end with scissors while drinking white lightning floating down the crik behind the house" Normally I'd say just wait you'll expand again to match the belt. Times being what they are however I think I'll be cutting it down again soon. This is a serious request. I like to look nice.

[BE Mike]

Cut off the end with the buckle.

[JcMack]

Originally Posted by BE Mike

Cut off the end with the buckle.

I was thinking of that but I'll have to relocate two screws n studs and hole for the gismo that goes in the belt holes. Although it's probably the best approach.

Thanks, Jim

[26Ford]

I would hold the belt down on top of a clean piece of wood, and use a single edge razor blade. You can use a carpenters square to make or scribe a nice 45 degree end, and then cut. Dont make a 45 and a 45 and they meet like a arrow point, but put a small straight section between them for a finished dress look. I would cut half way from the outside and then finish the cut from the inside. A little scotch-brite pad to smooth the end out, and then some leather treatment. You might also put some masking tape on the end first, and then mark the masking tape, and cut right through your mark and the tape. Bottom line, practice on a OLD belt to you feel comfortable and get the cut finish you like. 1 old belt and you have about 40-50 practice sections to cut. I wouls also try an EXACTO knife or even a carpenters razor knife, what ever you feel comfortable with and can apply enough pressure and steady your hand at the same time. USE YOUR CARPENTERS SQUARE TO STEADY YOUR HAND, cut right along the edge of the ruler of the square, much better than trying to freehand. GOOD LUCK.

[26Ford]

Jim, if you want a nice round end, you can place a mechanic's " socket " on top of the belt and cut around the edge of the socket. Depending on the width of the belt say mavbe a 3/4" socket 0r 5/8" socket. Now you have both a nice looking curve, but also something to GUIDE the cutting tool along. Could also maybe use the bottom of a shaving cream can, there are a thousand things around the home to use. Find something that's hard like the cutting tool, and has the RADIUS that you like for the end of the belt. I've had custom leatherwork done on hot-rods and high end custom motorcycles, the tools are actually quite primative. Then after cutting you have to finish the ends and treat them.

[sipowicz]

Just do what Mike said and stop all this nonsense!

[diamonback68]

I always cut off the buckle end of the belt.

[JcMack]

Originally Posted by sipowicz

Just do what Mike said and stop all this nonsense!

Am I boring you? Well EXCUUUUUUUUSE ME! You Hollowood types can go to Rodeo drive and buy new belts. But not me. My new motto is "shorten a belt save a cow."I really appreciate all suggestions. All of us here with "skills" are moving to a secret hide away when the SHTF and live on. I will fix all the cash registers there on the mountain (my forte) Just 2 or 6 months ago we dicussed a thread I started about washing ball caps. It lasted longer than any thread I ever started and brought me to tears of joy. Also has save me $12.75. Shaving cream can idea is outstanding! My original idea was let my little dog Daisey chew off the end for a rugged look. Second idea was let my GF (name o' DoozY) gnaw on the end. Dog says "no way"

[HCD]

I guess I'm as austere as anyone else, but my cobbler that made my belts said to bring them back to him and he would do it for free by cutting off the buckel end and replacing the buckel.
Having said that the belts 1 brown and 1 black, 1 work and 1 dress cost me about 60 bucks each. But I only had to buy them 1 time they are both about 20 years old and have another 20 years left in them. So I saved money by getting a local American made product that will last a life time. They both are built to pack a fullsize side arm and a secret knife holster on the inside. And I added a buckel made of a silver dollar so as to never be without a knife or some kinda money. Silver today is worth about 33 bucks and the knife is a buck slim line 501. The dress one is upstairs I hardly ever wear it but here is the one I am wearing at this moment. I'm thinking of haveing him make one with a holster just like this one for a NAA Mini.

[Rule3]

I have always used a really good pair of scissors. You can use a razor knife. Cut to length then use a pencil to draw the taper and use a straight edge and razor knife.

Now that I think of it I might try the power miter saw next time.

[26Ford]

OCD1, no luck with the plasma cutter then???????????????

[JcMack]

HCD: I have a money clip that matches your buckle.

[DeadAye]

Step 1: Git ursef donn to de crik wid urs sisssers and cut off around 2 inches.
Step 2: Back home use the end that you cut off for a template to get the end right. Put the belt on a board and using your template cut the belt with the knife angled in (from outside to inside) just a bit.

It IS faster to use a chain saw though --- Always be sure to take the belt off if you go this route!

[HCD]

Originally Posted by JcMack

HCD: I have a money clip that matches your buckle.

Cool, value today is 25.63 and going up. It may come in handy someday if you are broke down on some back road with no wallet or need a few bucks in a pinch. Part of austerity is knowing the difference between real money and the phoney paper stuff being foisted off on us by the U.S. Govt. Good Luck with what you are doing. (get more of those silver dollars you will need them if we do see a SHTF world)

[4011]

I been using the large metal shears that look like huge scissors. Cuts cardboard car door panel material. I cut some leather but was only a straight across cut. Wish I needed to shorten my belt. Maybe some day I'll be back down to 200............................

[JcMack]

This time last year I was 260. Now I'm 225. 25 more to go. I was still working this time last year and 2 meals a day were fast food. It's all BS including Subway.

[handejector]

Be brave.
Use a hatchet.

A really cool idea would be to shoot it off next time ya go to tha range.
Hope this helps.

Not sure this would work, but if you lose enough weight, maybe you can loop it twice around yourself, and won't have to cut it.

[sipowicz]

Maybe you just start eating more foods high in fat and you won't have to cut either end. Now I'm off to Rodeo Drive...they have a sale on Prada belts. Buy one for 489.00 and get the other one for $488.00!

[JcMack]

Funny, Funny, Funny guys....Nuttin but fun.. Ha ha. Try to bring up a serious world issue like cuttin your belt or washin a hat, an your internet pals well you know...I do have feelings...I need some me time with Mr Bubble, bubble bat.

[handejector]

Originally Posted by JcMack

....I need some me time with Mr Bubble, bubble bat.

Don't forget to post pics.....

[JcMack]

Originally Posted by handejector

Don't forget to post pics.....

You wish!!

[26Ford]

Originally Posted by handejector

Don't forget to post pics.....

Uh sir, Mr. Jarrett uh sir, this is a family forum

[sipowicz]

Maybe if he just wears the belt in the tub.....

[truckemup97]

Can I have the end you cut off? Maybe I can find a way to glue it onto my belt. It seems to be shrinking.

[handejector]

Originally Posted by truckemup97

Can I have the end you cut off? Maybe I can find a way to glue it onto my belt.

That's worth a whole new thread!

[Jim in Wisconsin]

Lost some weight two years ago (230 to 195). Had just bought a Brooks Bros. blazer.
As far as the belts are concerned, I took one belt, placed in on the one I wanted to cut to use as a pattern. Worked. Looks weird because the holes go to the end. One belt I haven't done will go to a cobbler I just heard about to cut off the other end and redo the buckle.

[Rule3]

Here, stop whining. Shrinks and expands as you do

Amazon.com: CANVAS ADJUSTABLE WEB BELTS, BLACK: Clothing.

[JcMack]

Am I boring you?? Well Excuuuuuse me!! Canvas chafes me for you're information. Black makes me look fat. The rest of those colors are not sassy enough for my spring wear.

[Rule3]

Originally Posted by JcMack

Am I boring you?? Well Excuuuuuse me!! Canvas chafes me for you're information. Black makes me look fat. The rest of those colors are not sassy enough for my spring wear.

Get a bungee cord then, they come in all new exciting spring fashion colors

[26Ford]

" canvas chafes me " are we talking about a belt here or briefs?

[BUFF]

This thread inspires me.

I have 3 pretty expensive (for me; I know 'expensive' is relative) belts. I dropped about 70 pounds a couple of years back. I punched new holes in them as I shrank. The non-buckle end goes clear to the left side belt loop on my pants now and then some. They are lined and sewn so chopping the non-buckle end never seemed like a good idea and i am too stupid to have thought of chopping the buckle end.

Now I got projects for Saturday!

I'll have to do a search for the ball cap washing thread. Sadly, when I lost weight, my head didn't shrink, too.

[JcMack]

Prepare yourself for an exciting read!
Can you wash ball caps?

[dickttx]

Why not just cut the tip off and use it for a pattern? Use some wax and something hard to finish the new edge.