Cutting down / trimming CR Speed Belt

[HeinrichDerLowe]

So I have a couple of enormous CR Speed belts (purchased them from someone going out of business) that I need to cut down. I suspect that a good set of kitchen sheers and a lighter may do the trick, but want to see if anyone can confirm that. Also, is it possible to sew off the end or perhaps take it to a shoe repair store?

[Who Knew]

I bet a shoe repair or upholstery shop could do it for you.

[partyboy424]

No need to bother with the shop, though I'm sure they can do it. I've lost a bunch of weight since I got my belt and have cut it down multiple times. I just used household scissors and held a lighter to the end. Don't let the flame touch it (the same way you do a fiber sight) just let the heat melt the ends. Mine has never frayed after that since there's no actual pulling on that part of the belt. If it ever did, 3 seconds with a lighter.

[Who Knew]

No need to bother with the shop, though I'm sure they can do it. I've lost a bunch of weight since I got my belt and have cut it down multiple times. I just used household scissors and held a lighter to the end. Don't let the flame touch it (the same way you do a fiber sight) just let the heat melt the ends. Mine has never frayed after that since there's no actual pulling on that part of the belt. If it ever did, 3 seconds with a lighter.

I might have to give this a try. I've got an old belt that's to small for me but to large for my son and he's about to outgrow his current homemade belt.

[JerZSquid]

I'm not sure what tools you have available but I cut the straps from my tree stand safety harness (think seat belt) with a flat blade tip on a soldering iron.

I think I have a $10-15 Weller from Lowes.

It's slow but produces a nice clean edge.

[Jaxshooter]

I also cut mine down with a soldering iron. Very easy with a nice finished end.

Edited June 8, 2013 by Jaxshooter

[JerZSquid]

I might add.... Whatever method you go with be sure to cut it longer than required first as a practice. Don't wanna cut it wrong the first time and stuck with a jacked up belt that can't be fixed because its at its minimum length.

[HeinrichDerLowe]

Thanks for the response all. I already have a properly sized belt, so I just need to replicate the length. So cutting and melting it seems like the best way to go.

Is there a separate kydex or plastic layer inside that could still slide between the nylon layers on the outside? I was thinking of sewing it for that reason, not to prevent fraying.

[RePete]

You could use a wood chisel and mallet too, and then flame the raw end.

[yakstone]

There is actualy a special pair of scissors made just for that, they are electric and seal the end as they cut.

I have also dropped belts off at the Kobbler and for $6 you get a professional job.

Edited June 16, 2013 by yakstone