Adding a new hole to your belt can be an easy way to get a comfortable fit. In addition, it can save you money from having to purchase a new belt every time your waistline changes.
If you have a knife at home, it’s possible to use it to make a hole in your belt without damaging the material. However, it’s important to follow a few extra steps to ensure the hole is round and strong.
Round Drive Punch
A round drive punch is an essential tool for leather craftsmen. It is used to make holes in leather for rivets, snaps, grommets, and eyelets.
To use a round drive punch, simply place the marked area of your belt between the two halves of the hole punching tool and firmly squeeze the arms together to make a hole. A hammer and nail (or awl) can also be used to make a hole in a belt if you don’t have a hole puncher.
Using a round drive punch is a great way to make new holes in your belt without damaging the existing ones. If you want to avoid damage and tear, be sure to only take a few hits with the punch before moving on.
Rotary Punch
Whether you need a hole punched in a new belt or want to add holes to your favorite, there are plenty of tools that can make the job easy. One of the more popular options is a rotary punch.
A rotary punch works like this: it’s lined up over the leather where the hole is to be made, and then a hammer or mallet strikes it to make a hole in the leather. This process makes the rotary punch very convenient for those who need to make a lot of holes in a short period of time.
The rotary punch comes with six different sizes of punches that can be rotated to match the hole size you need. This allows you to switch between them quickly, saving you a lot of time and effort.
Hammer & Nail
If you don’t have a leather punch, or are just looking for a quick and easy method to create a hole in your belt, you can use a hammer and nail (or an awl) instead. Simply mark where you want the hole to go and then hammer it through the leather.
This will likely tear the leather if you’re not careful, so it’s best to try to make sure the new hole is measured and sized properly before proceeding.
One way to do this is to mark where you want the hole to go with a pen or a marker and then set a piece of wood underneath the spot. This will help hold the drill bit in place and prevent it from catching on anything, which could potentially ruin your belt.
Alternatively, you can use a power drill to make the hole. This will work for most belts, but you should be sure to choose a 3/16” bit.
Sharp Pointed Knife
The sharp pointed knife is a versatile and useful tool that can be used for many different types of tasks. It can be used to peel and coring foods, as well as mincing and cutting small items.
The blade of this type of knife is made of carbon steel and has a fine edge that can be sharpened to a high level. These knives are commonly used in the shoe and leather industries.
To sharpen this knife, place it on a stone that is angled to a 20deg angle, so the sharp edge of the knife is facing away from you. Lightly swipe the edge of the blade across the stone in a circular motion while maintaining proper pressure as you go.
Another method for creating a hole in your belt is to puncture the leather with a nail. This method will work but can be more time consuming than other methods. After you puncture the leather, use a small, sharp knife to round out the hole to prevent it from tearing.