New Gun Belt

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Fri Apr 04, 2003 11:25 am

This is my latest project.

I have searched high and low for these parts. The metal keeper had a little design on it and I had to file it off. Which was fine because it gave it the distressed look. Now I need to scuff up the buckle.

I need to add a small little leather keeper between the two chicago screws and it should be complete.

The whole thing cost about $30.

CEEJAY928 · Post by **CEEJAY928** » Fri Apr 04, 2003 11:39 am

looking good.....

I never thought about making my own belt. I gave up and just bought one that looks close to it.

looks greats!!! Can't wait to see the final project.

CJ

Cooler King · Post by **Cooler King** » Fri Apr 04, 2003 2:10 pm

Superb craftmanship pyro! You must tell us how you did it! 30 bucks is a steal! Excellent work, congrats!

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Fri Apr 04, 2003 2:43 pm

Let me get some more info and complete the project and I would be happy to share. Stay Tuned....

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Mon Apr 28, 2003 1:23 am

I finally have all the information regarding my gunbelt.

1.) 1 1/2 inch buckle comes from Black "Work-Belt" from Wal-Mart I like the rounded silver buckle they offer on their belts.

2.) 1 1/2 inch metal keeper comes from The Leather Factory'sstock of buckles and keepers.

Like I said in the earlier post, the metal keeper had a little design on it and I had to file it off. Which was fine because it gave it the distressed look. I asked the people at The Leather Factory at two different locations if just had any plain metal keepers and they both replied, "No."
(Sidenote: The Leather Factory sells a buckle identical to the one pictured above without any design on it. The only thing is it was a flat buckle not round like the Wal-Mart buckle. As a matter of personal taste, I went with the round.)

3.)I went to my local leather shop and asked them to make me a 1 1/2 inch belt for my waist size. I asked for chicago screws so that I could add my own accessories. I asked for the "wedge" tip on the belt strictly as a matter of personal taste. I thought it looks more classic than a rounded or square tip.

4.)I also asked for leather scraps so I may make a matching leather keeper. I could have asked him to put it on there for me but I had a reason for not doing so.

5.) When I received my belt extra pieces of leather, I took it all apart. I then took a leather working tool called an Adjustable Hand Creaser from The Leather Factory.

I ran the tool along the parallel edges of the belt creating the groove or crease. I also ran the creaser along the edges of the strip of leather I will be using as the leather keeper.

6.) I cut the leather keeper to the length that would go around the belt and using heavy duty staples, secured the two ends together.

I then assembled the pieces together and the final product is what you see here.

Costs:

$9.96.....Wal-Mart WorkBelt
$0.63.....Metal Keeper
$18.00...Leather Belt
$7.76.....Leather Creaser
<b>$36.35.....Total</b>

The creaser is a one-time purchase and you can use it on other projects as well. It's not absolutely necessary to have it but for the cost, I couldn't pass it up.

Hope this helps in creating your own belt.

Best Regards,
Pyroxene

Rixter · Post by **Rixter** » Mon Apr 28, 2003 2:37 am

Collecting and purchasing gear is one thing, but making it yourself, and making it well must give you a lot of satisfaction. I’m impressed!

I know I get some of my best ideas roaming around hardware stores, craft stores, leather stores, motorcycle customizing stores, and on and on, and sizing up bits and pieces of seemingly unrelated ordinary ‘stuff,’ and somehow coming up with ideas all my own, sometimes without any preconceived notion in my head as to what I’m doing, and coming up with unique, and functional items. Sometimes the ideas are just slight modifications, while other times they turn into major projects. Although I do run into my share of failures, the attempt itself is often worthwhile.

...and it’s always nice when you can save a few extra pesos doing it yourself.

Ryusui · Post by **Ryusui** » Mon Apr 28, 2003 8:47 pm

Hey there.
I went to that Leather Factory website and found the Alamo buckle and keeper that you have posted in your message. But it's a bulk order...100 for $30.
How did you get only one? I'm having a #### of a time finding a metal keeper for my belt.

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Mon Apr 28, 2003 8:56 pm

Ryusui wrote:Hey there.
I went to that Leather Factory website and found the Alamo buckle and keeper that you have posted in your message. But it's a bulk order...100 for $30.
How did you get only one? I'm having a #### of a time finding a metal keeper for my belt.

I called and asked if they sold individual keepers and buckles and they said yes. I didn't order over the Net, I purchased from a local store so "your mileage may vary."

They did say that they get many requests for plain metal keepers. It seems like the voice of the customer only goes so far or they would have them in stock.

I didn't mind getting a file and scuffing the heck out of the keeper. It gives it a great adventure look.

Pyro.