Punching holes in a belt

MoneySavingUser

I have been given some belts. They need some holes added so that I can use them.

I don't really have any tools apart from hammer, screwdriver etc. - can you recommend a way to make new holes?

Or should I take them to a shop and have it done? How much does this cost? (I ask because I went to one of those places once to get a watch battery changed and the cost of the battery change was nearly as much as the watch itself!)

Lorian

Its hard to do without the right tool

http://www.screwfix.com/p/forge-steel-leather-hole-punch-2-0-4-5mm/91983

You might find it cheaper elswhere.

shebrett

It they are leather belts then usually a hammer and thick nail will do it

seabright

Or your local shoe repair shop?

sophsnan

:EasterBun:EasterBun

shebrett wrote: »

It they are leather belts then usually a hammer and thick nail will do it

I agree with the above you can do it yourself have a go

bryanb

shebrett wrote: »

It they are leather belts then usually a hammer and thick nail will do it

Not if you want a tidy hole. A hollow punch is what you need.

krlyr

Sounds odd, but my local petshop have a leather punch tool - they keep it to add an extra hole on leather dog collars. When I worked there, we never charged any customers to use it, and I have (since leaving) taken the odd belt etc. in there to have an extra hole added.

MoneySavingUser

Lorian wrote: »

Its hard to do without the right tool

http://www.screwfix.com/p/forge-steel-leather-hole-punch-2-0-4-5mm/91983

You might find it cheaper elswhere.

Thanks - found on ebay for £2.49: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/REVOLVING-LEATHER-HOLE-PUNCH-PLIER-PUNCHER-LEATHER-BELT-CUT-EYELET-/150748964400?pt=UK_Crafts_Leathercraft_LE&hash=item231956a630

anguk

MoneySavingUser wrote: »

Thanks - found on ebay for £2.49: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/REVOLVING-LEATHER-HOLE-PUNCH-PLIER-PUNCHER-LEATHER-BELT-CUT-EYELET-/150748964400?pt=UK_Crafts_Leathercraft_LE&hash=item231956a630

Thanks for that link, I've just bought one.

I must admit I normally just use a metal skewer poked through the belt but sometimes it's difficult and you have to be careful that you don't split it. i always have to put extra holes in DD's belts and watches (she's a skinny minnie) so £2.49 is a bargain.

squeaky

OK, so you've bought one. But since this is something most folks seldom do - it's worth asking around colleagues/neighbours/friends to see if you can borrow one.

Not so bad for two and a half quid - but a tenner, say, for something you're only ever going to use once every ten years - (and will have most likely lost it by the time you need it again ) ...

I guess, as with all things, it's about balance.

Lorian

Mine has lasted 30 years so far, and cut dozens of belt holes, I do them for anyone that asks.

Also two tips on using the tool:

1. When you squeeze it, if it doesn't "click" and make a clean cut, just maintain the pressure and turn the belt a couple of times to finish the cut neatly.

2. Depending on how big the tongue of the belt is, making an oval hole by overlapping two cuts with the tool helps the belt sit properly when in use.