How would I go about shortening a web belt? Would I just need a pair or pliers to bend back the metal where it connects to the buckle, snip the webbing shorter, and rebend?
On the backside of the buckle, there should just be a piece on a sort of hinge that you can lift with your fingers which will let go of the webbing. Then just snip it and put it back in and reclamp it. No pliers neccesary! ;-)
Small tip that comes in handy after you cut the web belt, take a lighter and lightly burn/melt the fresh cut. It helps keep the material from unraveling coming apart.
You can try to burn the end, but if it's cotton it won't work so well. If it seems like it will fray easily, you can whip the end with a bit of thread.
When I need to shorten a web belt, I will get it wet and let it completely dry. Then cut it. Water will make them shrink. Uncle Sam taught me a thing or two.