Putting new holes in heavy duty belt

[johntt44]

I've got a really nice powerlifting belt that I bought for $100 a couple years ago. My waist was 38-40 but is now 32 so I have to add some holes. Will a drill suffice or a hammer and big nail? Anybody done this before? Thanks...

 

[MindlessWork]

I used a nail punch to make the hole in one belt I got that was a bit too large. Measured out where it should go and made the hole(s) needed. A drill bit will work too for tougher material.

 

[MindlessWork]

With a lever lock belt you'd need to be careful measuring where the holes go so that the lever can fit properly.

 

[Eman]

A drill can work but it's not going to look as good as the other holes on your belt.

Leather punches are the best way to make the belt still look good. Another option is to take it to a leather Craftsman. They could probably do it for the same price that you'd pay for a leather punch set, which is pretty cheap to begin with... You just may never use it again.

 

[Eman]

Also, as an FYI - if you or anyone have a pioneer belt, you can send the belt back to them and they'll alter it for you for free. I'll never buy a belt from anyone else if I can help it.

 

[DocGreen]

I did a drill with a pilot bit. Then drilled the hole out with a bigger bit.

 

[johntt44]

I'll probably do the drill bit. Start small then use bigger one. Ill see what brand it is when I get home. It's like a 1/4 in thick and 6in width. I've only used it once. Thanks for the input!

 

[insaiyan93]

Just get a leather lunch, they sell them at most hardware stores for cheap. Takes 2 seconds and you have a perfect hole, then I like to heat up a nailed or other small piece of metal and cauterize the inside.

 

[Ohiopower]

I'll probably do the drill bit. Start small then use bigger one. Ill see what brand it is when I get home. It's like a 1/4 in thick and 6in width. I've only used it once. Thanks for the input!

Go slow so flutes on drill dont grab the fibers in the leather. Use some mink oil on bit too.

 

[johntt44]

I actually decided against the drill. I used a punch and it worked great!

 

[Worf]

what brand of punch did you buy? how much was it?

 

[johntt44]

$6.99 I dont know what brand it is. I threw out the package.