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Trim a Webbing Belt

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    1. Trim a Webbing Belt, Turn on the hot knife: step 1, image 1 of 1
      • Turn on the hot knife to allow it time to heat up.

      • Alert those working nearby that the hot knife is on.

      • Melting plastic on the hot knife causes noxious fumes. Turn it on only while using it, and only use it in a well-ventilated area or outside.

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    2. Trim a Webbing Belt, Mark the correct size: step 2, image 1 of 1
      • Put on and fasten the belt into a pair of pants in the same manner it will be worn.

      • Use chalk or a heat-erasable pen to mark the new end of the belt.

      • Remove the belt for cutting.

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    3. Trim a Webbing Belt, Draw the tip design: step 3, image 1 of 3 Trim a Webbing Belt, Draw the tip design: step 3, image 2 of 3 Trim a Webbing Belt, Draw the tip design: step 3, image 3 of 3
      • There are three standard tip designs with different aesthetics and functionality:

      • 45 Degree or Point - This tip design is the easiest to feed through a buckle, but has the highest likelihood of fraying in the future.

      • Square End - This tip design is the least likely to fray.

      • Corners Cut - This is a hybrid of the point and square designs.

      • Draw the desired tip design at the mark made in Step 2 with chalk or a heat-erasable pen.

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      • Use a scrap piece of webbing to test that the hot knife has come up to temperature. The knife should easily melt through the webbing.

      • Holding the belt tight from both ends, carefully cut on the marked line.

      • Use a pair of pliers to hold the webbing if the mark is close to the end.

      • Save or discard the removed webbing responsibly.

      • Allow the belt to fully cool before handling.

      • Turn off the hot knife and alert those working nearby that the knife is off but still hot.

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      • If needed, use a lighter to melt and soften the melted edge on both sides until it has the desired smoothness.

      • Allow the belt to fully cool.

      • This method can also be used to repair any future fraying.

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    4. Trim a Webbing Belt, Alternative method: step 6, image 1 of 3 Trim a Webbing Belt, Alternative method: step 6, image 2 of 3 Trim a Webbing Belt, Alternative method: step 6, image 3 of 3
      • To shorten a webbing belt without a hot knife:

      • Follow the marking instructions in Steps 2 and 3.

      • Cut along the line with a pair of sharp scissors.

      • Then use the technique in Step 5 to melt the cut edge until it's fully encased and no frayed pieces remain.

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Finish Line

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Zach Mueller

Member since: 02/23/23

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9 Guides authored

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