A moment of frustration with a poorly-fitting belt can lead to a person attacking it with scissors or knives, but there are better ways to do the job.A leather hole punch is ideal, but with patience, you can achieve a relatively tidy hole with an electric drill, or even aPhillips-head screwdriver.
Step 1: A leather hole punch is available for purchase.
If you want the new belt hole to be as discreet as possible, a leather hole punch is the best tool.These can be found at a craft or hobby store.To compare the size of the punch and the amount of holes, bring along your belt.The punching tool tip should fit through the holes.If you have a lot of belts to adjust, look for a model with a wheel of attachment in different sizes.
Step 2: The location of the next hole should be marked.
Measure the same distance past the last hole using a ruler or measuring tape.If you want to guide your punching, dot the leather with a permanent marker.It's not a good idea to protect the leather from the marker with tape as it can cause damage.A dot directly where the hole will go is the safer option.If you are making a belt from scratch, the holes should be at least 12 inch apart for belts under 38" and up to 118 wide.
Step 3: The belt needs to be moved.
The belt's marked area should be between the two halves of the punching tool.If you have a friend pull the belt taut, use heavy objects to keep it taut.
Step 4: You have to squeeze hard.
The arms of the hole punch need to be squeezed together tightly.Strong hands may be required to wiggle the taut belt back and forth as you squeeze.The hole should be finished when you feel the leather go through.Pull the leather scraps out of the hole with a toothpick.
Step 5: The hole's location should be marked.
Measure the spacing between the holes using a ruler, then measure the distance past the last hole.To mark the area you plan on punching out, use a marker.If you want a comfortable fit, mark the belt where the strap tongue touches it instead of wearing it.
Step 6: Place the belt in place.
Use heavy objects to weigh down each end of the belt, with the location where the hole will be punched on top of a block of wood or other hard, flat surface.
Step 7: An electric drill is something to consider.
As long as you're careful, an electric drill can be used to drill a hole through the belt.Use these tips to keep the hole clean.Pick one that fits in the hole.If available, use a brad-pointed drill bit.If using a smooth drill bit, use a sharp knife or nail to create a small depression for it to stand in.When starting the hole, drill in short bursts.Make sure to put something that doesn't move around behind the belt and that is thick enough for when the drill bit goes through.Once it has penetrated the outer layer, you can cut the other end instead of drilling a perfect hole.
Step 8: Use a sharp object.
The tool designed for this purpose is called an awl, but any sharp, metal stick or even aPhillips-head screwdriver will work well.Push the awl into the leather and then use a mallet or hammer to tap it.You might end up with a messy hole if you use this method.If you want to save time, a screw can be turned through the leather, using its threads to tear through it faster than a nail.Don't scratch the surface beneath.Follow the precautions in the previous step.