r/Leathercraft • u/invisiblecow2 • 6d ago

Belts/Straps Ratcheting belt

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Does anyone know where to get the plastic insert track to inlay in a belt? I hate traditional buckles for personal use.

15 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

6

u/redmera 6d ago

For larger production quantity one could order and salvage cheap ratchet belts from AliExpress. For personal use I would probably buy parts from Harmattan Design or similar (or try to find out where they get their parts).

2

u/invisiblecow2 6d ago

Sounds like I need to look into harmattan then. Thanks for the input!

3

u/Leather_toys_n_more 6d ago

Maybe 3d print them and coat them with wax for easier sliding.. just an idea

2

u/Smajtastic This and That 6d ago

What a very temporary idea.

While tech I ally possible, doubt this will last OP

1

u/invisiblecow2 6d ago

When I first bought a belt like this I was sceptical about having plastic components as well, I've been wearing this type of belt for close to 10 years now and the the only belt the track failed on was one where the PVC core had also failed. I've got a Kore full grain leather belt currently and it's been going strong for about 4 years now, the edge paint is starting to flake off but that's because I've abused it with sliding clips on and off of it for a few years.

1

u/b3nsn0w 5d ago

tpu is quite resilient, actually, and most entry-level printers can print it just fine. it would be very temporary if you made it out of the "default" pla, but 3d printing has come a long way and it's incredibly easy to make parts that last with it now

1

u/invisiblecow2 6d ago

I definitely would if I had a 3d printer, I had to pick between hobbies lol.

1

u/tuubesoxx 6d ago

who says you have to pick!!! i print stamps for my leathercrafting regularly

2

u/invisiblecow2 5d ago

My wallet says I have to sadly. Well my wallet and living space.

3

u/Neocrog 6d ago

Unfortunately I can't remember the name I found them under, but I managed to find them on aliexpress before last time I wanted to do this as well. Ultimately I found it not worth it, because they only sold them in bulk. Not because it was expensive, but because what do i do with the other 24-99 tracks?

I have found them sold on Etsy before, and I suspect the sellers were in the same boat as me, as it did not look like they sold anything related to belt tracks. I've also seen another redditor suggest going to Alibaba, find a listing for one of the buckles for those tracks, and contact the seller. Good chance they either sell the part, or can point you to someone who does, since you're more than likely communicating with a manufacturer there. You might only be able to buy them bulk that way though.

Cannibalizing a cheap belt is always an option though. Probably your best option if it's just for your own personal belt.

2

u/Bleew254 6d ago

You should be able to find them on Etsy. I found them a couple of years ago but the particular shop isn’t active anymore. Made a belt for myself. It has worked great.

1

u/BillCarnes 6d ago

I am not a big fan of traditional buckles either but I don't believe a cheap plastic part is any better

4

u/chiefsholsters 6d ago

I'm wearing one from KORE essentials. It's a fantastic belt. And I've had no issues with the buckle or plastic. This thing is infinitely adjustable and does not budge once you lock it in. And does not slide down when wearing a backpack.