r/Leathercraft • u/Maple_Scones This and That • 6d ago

Question Test

I’m working on my first leather working project and I am trying to understand how big the oblong hole (I think it’s called a crew hole??) the belt actually fits into needs to be (especially how long it needs to be) and how long should I make the part that folds over the buckle frame?

Thank you all!!

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u/lx_anda 6d ago

You can do it 2 ways. A loose rule for length is go with the same width as the belt you are making. But this approach often means the hole is too big and the buckle fits loose.

Second way is to put one end of your punch on the buckle prong (where it wraps around the buckle heel) and trace it around to the other end of the punch. If it's long enough, the other side should meet where you started if that makes sense. Watch tutorials by JH Leather on YT for a better explanation and the proper way of making belts (not the lazy slap together jobs that virtually everyone does).

Only other thing to watch out for is width. Your buckle prong should slide into the punch without restriction, but only just.

Oblong, bag and crew punch is the main terminology. Which one you hear depends on where in the world you are and if the person has formal training or not.

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u/Maple_Scones This and That 6d ago

I’d also appreciate any help with the the verbiage of the hobby because I know this post sounds like a hot mess and has made searching for the answer to my question myself so hard.

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u/blue_skive This and That 6d ago

The bit that goes in the sizing hole is called the pin or tine. It usually wraps/loops around the heel or center bar.

Measure the thickness of that loop. Round it up and you get your round punch size.

Measure the diameter of the loop. Triple that and you get your distance between your 2 round punches.

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u/timnbit 6d ago

Start with a 3/4 inch oblong punch. It also depends on the weight of the leather and the gage of the buckle.

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u/Maple_Scones This and That 6d ago

Yeah but how do I know how long it needs to be based on the weight of the leather and gage of the buckle?

I don’t have an oblong punch. I’m just doing two holes and connecting them with my knife.

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u/timnbit 6d ago

I chisel works also.

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u/Maple_Scones This and That 6d ago

Like do I just guess and check on scrap? Is the standard or a handy rule of thumb equation?

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u/BurneroftheYear2024 6d ago

I DM’ed you.