How to modify a belt buckle...or make it work?

[wildrover]

Relating to this thread...
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/a...109/index.html

I've seen quite a few buckles I like, but they don't secure like a kilt belt buckle.

Would it be easier to modify the buckle (or have it modified), or use a "ranger"-style belt with the appropriate parts for the standard p@nts buckle?

Thanks,
Sean

[escherblacksmith]

well, my two cents is it is much easier to modify leather rather then metal.

The real question is, how big a belt does it take? Most of those style buckles are for 1" to 1-1/2" belts. Which is not near big enough for a kilt (in my opinion).

So,

option A: custom leather work to affix the buckle to a 3" belt, with some mods on the otherside to handle the pin or hook that the buckle probably has.

option B: have a buddy grind of the hook and weld or epoxy a kilt-style hook. You'll still have to do the leather mod.

option C: get a kilt buckle blank and learn to etch or chisel

lots of options really.

[Canuck]

Need more information on the buckle as stated above. What size belt it fits. If it's 1" 5/8" one can make a ranger belt for a 2 1/2" kilt belt and it will work just fine

[The Wizard of BC]

Another option that has not been suggested is to grind off the pointy parts on the back of a trouser belt buckle and solder onto the waistplate of a Kilt Belt.

Simply use a plain waistplate to start with. Anyone with any experience soldering jewelry should be able to do this for you.

Remember to use silver solder and not the type used for electrical work. Also avoid epoxy. Both of these methods will result in you buckle popping off and being lost or damaged.

[Santa Kona]

I think that soldering will hold up to the wear and pressure a belt buckle will take. Silver solder is not a fix all product it all depends on what the buckle is made of. I have had some luck when the buckle is steel in welding new tabs on. Also some of the industrial epoxy not the epoxy that you get at Home Depot work.

[fortcollinsjerry]

I took a brass kilt buckle and mounted this USMC item simply by drilling a small hole in the buckle inserting the post and screwing on the spinner (small nut used by the Corps) - simple and secure