How to Drill a Hole in a Nylon Web Belt

Nylon web belts are used for scuba gear.

Nylon web belts have several advantages. They are sturdy and do not dry out or tear over time like leather belts, and they are strong enough to hang tools on or to be used for safety or climbing gear. Nylon web belts can last a lifetime if they are cared for properly. However, they do have one disadvantage. Punching a new hole in the belt is difficult because if you do not seal the edges of the hole, the belt will fray or even unravel completely.

Things You'll Need

• 1/8-inch drill bit
• Drill
• Nylon web belt
• Permanent market
• Grommet or lighter

Instructions

1. Fit an 1/8-inch drill bit into your electric drill.

2. Place the nylon web belt on a stable surface that won't be damaged by the drill. Alternatively, clamp the belt to two different work surfaces with just enough space between them to drill the hole.

3. Mark the place where you would like to make the new hole with a permanent marker.

4. Drill through the belt at the spot you marked with the marker.

5. Push the bottom part of the grommet through the hole. Place the top piece over the hole on the other side of the belt and press firmly to connect the halves, closing the grommet. The grommet will hold the frayed edges of nylon webbing firmly, preventing the belt from fraying.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are on a worksite and you don't have a grommet, use a lighter to seal the edges of the webbing around the hole. This will temporarily hold the nylon together and prevent it from fraying. You can apply a grommet later.

• Use a stainless steel grommet if the belt is used for scuba diving or fishing. Other types of metal grommets will rust over time.

• Do not use a nylon web belt that you have drilled a hole in as part of safety gear for climbing, construction or any other hazardous activity. Even when a grommet is added, the belt may not be strong enough to hold together under stress. Instead, purchase a new belt with the appropriate holes in place or that uses a safety buckle that does not require holes.

References

• The Working Drummer; Rick Van Horn
• Scuba Diving and Snorkeling for Dummies; John Newman