Kilt belt "loop" dimensions please

[cavscout]

I've been searching for someone who can supply me with these little "loops" that are used to fasten a typical kilt belt buckle to the other end of the belt.



The company that makes these is apparently in the witness protection program, so I've decided to make my own. Illegitimis nil carborundum

Can someone with one of these provide me some dimensions of the bulge area at the top and the width of the narrow area were the belt passes thru. I know the overall width is about 2-1/2" for a standard kilt belt.

Thanks gentlemen.

[sjrapid]

Can someone with one of these provide me some dimensions of the bulge area at the top and the width of the narrow area were the belt passes thru.

OK, for my 58 mm wide belt (somewhere between 2.25 and 2.5 inches wide), the straight part of the bulge is 18 mm wide and it's 20 mm centre-to-centre between the long bar through the belt, and the short bar in the bulge.

Looking at my collection of 4 buckles, all have hooks about 15-16 mm wide (which engage with the bulge when the buckle is worn) and the hook is always 20 +- 1 mm from the edge of the buckle.

Hope this helps

(later...)

Reading this back, I'm not sure that I've been clear here. On the principle that a picture is worth a thousand words, here (hopefully) is a dimensioned image which will make things clearer....



Note that the 58 mm dimension is the length of the straight bar excluding curves. Width across the edges of the curves is about 64 mm

Is this what you wanted?

Best regards

[cavscout]

That's perfect Steve. Thank you very much.

[cavscout]

I'm still working out the process but here's the first go at making my own, I'd say it turned out pretty good. Now to slip it on my belt and buy a buckle to test it with.



The weld is probably not needed so that was a one time thing. This is probably a heavier gauge than the typical loop but NO WAY will this bend out of shape It's stainless steel rod. The inside dimension is just over 2-1/2".

[sjrapid]

...here's the first go at making my own

Looks like you're going firmly in the right direction!

Here is another photo of the one I measured.


..and with a solid pewter buckle with a cast clip (Clanart)


...and with a pressed buckle with a welded clip (Glen Esk)


...and the whole ensemble from the front


You can see that the buckle hides the edge of the belt and the loop entirely when worn. I'd guess if the loop was visible, it would need to be japanned (matt black lacquer or paint) so as not to detract attention from the buckle.

I hope the photos are helpful.

When are you going to be in production? I'd like to think about a matching belt and sporran strap when you feel the design is perfected.

Best regards

[cavscout]

It will probably be after the holidays as I've still got to decide on the structure of the belt as to how it will join with the buckle (velcro, buckle or something new). In the military we would just fold the belt back thru the buckle and slip the keeper on to hold it in place but I'm not sure that will suffice for all wearers. I want to maintain the visual integrity of the belt if possible. Once I get that worked out though it will be available.

Thanks for all your help Steve the pics have been a huge help.

[turpin]

Beautiful work, Steve. That toolwork is excellent!

[cavscout]

Thanks Turpin, but I can't take credit for "tooling" it. It is an embossing pattern I designed. Not available anywhere else

[sjrapid]

Looks good!

When are you going into production? When will I be able to order one (and a matching sporran belt)?

Best regards

[neo71665]

I love the look of that, only thing that could make it better is if it was on my baird modern, lol. Speaking of which any chance that is the one I'm jonesn' for?

Just to add, I aint seen this post before now or woulda offered, if you want the lil metal ring off of one of my other belts to use I'll be more than happy to mail it to you.