How to Put a New Buckle Hole in a Leather Belt That Is Too Loose

Reclaim a belt that doesn't fit by making additional holes.

Whether you have gained weight, lost weight or acquired a leather belt that's too big but too good to waste, you may have to make additional holes in the belt so it can be properly adjusted to fit your waist. Making these extra holes is easy and can give your leather belt a new lease of life.

Things You'll Need

• Nail
• Hammer
• Sharp knife or scissors

Instructions

1. Try on the belt and mark where you need a new hole. This can be done either by marking the spot on the belt with a pen or by pushing the prong of the belt buckle into the leather to make an indentation.

2. Find a nail that is the same diameter as the hole you want to make. Place the nail over the spot you have marked and hit it with a hammer to drive it straight through the leather.

3. Trim any ragged edges around the new hole. Use either a sharp knife or a pair of small, sharp scissors.

4. Seal the punched leather with clear shoe polish, working it inside the hole.

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of a nail, use a leather punch or an awl, if you have one available.

• Punch the leather from the outside of the belt toward the inside so that any ragged edges will be on the inside, making them less noticeable during wear.

References

• Guardian; Make a Hole in a Leather Belt; January 2010

Resources

• Mdconline: Leatherworking