How to cut a new strap hole

[N. Kentucky Bass]

I need to slightly raise the hanging level of my electric bass. My leather strap is out of holes -- I need to cut a new hole to make this work. The existing holes are 5/16 inch in diameter. There is a 3/8 inch slit below each hole. Any advice on the cutting process? Thanks!

 

[onda'bass]

Drill bit?

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

Drill bit?

All I know about potential processes are in this blog:

How to Make a New Hole in a Leather Belt (Using Whatever Tools You've Got)

Between these 6 methods, there's bound to be one that matches the tools you personally have on hand in order to make a new hole in your leather belt.

www.artofmanliness.com

The only mentioned tool I have is a drill. But I have reservations about trying to cut a clean 5/16 inch hole in leather. Even if I place clamps on either side of the drill point, I fear the leather will twist around and mangle. Am I overthinking this?

 

[singlemalt]

Way overthinking.

Go get the drill

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

Way overthinking.

Go get the drill

Drill gotten, hole drilled, mission accomplished. Thank you for giving me courage to proceed!

 

[RattleSnack]

Late now, but for anyone reading in future: leather punch is inexpensive tool, makes perfect round holes of different sizes, can be used for any leather belt. I always have one at home.

 

[darwin-bass]

My dad used to use empty rifle shell casings as leather punches.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

My dad used to use empty rifle shell casings as leather punches.

I suppose bass players in Kentucky create holes with a gunshot.

 

[Tj smith]

I’d use a drill bit also or a hole punch for leather working. U can drill the hole then split the hole with a wood chisel.

 

[Ostie]

My dad used to use empty rifle shell casings as leather punches.

That’s brilliant!

 

[Rip Van Dan]

I need to slightly raise the hanging level of my electric bass. My leather strap is out of holes -- I need to cut a new hole to make this work. The existing holes are 5/16 inch in diameter. There is a 3/8 inch slit below each hole. Any advice on the cutting process? Thanks!

View attachment 7175425

Don't use a drill bit, it will grab and twist and make a ragged hole. You need to get a hole punch. You can get sets of them for not a lot of money. Then you get a piece of scrap wood; lay the strap on the wood with the rough side down; and grab a decent hammer. Then place the leather punch on the top of the strap in the location you want to place a hole and smack it hard enough with the hammer to cut through the leather and slightly into the scrap wood.. Twist and pull the punch out using the end of the punch you smacked with a hammer to remove it leaving a very professional looking clean and precise hole in your strap.

Here's a link to one inexpensive set.

Amazon.com

This is a leather punch set available at Amazon for $7.99. It includes six sizes (1/8", 5/32", 3/16", 7/32", 1/4", 5/16"). Measure the holes that are already in your strap to find which one to use.

The slot on the side is so you can remove the leather pills removed from the leather to make the hole. If making multiple holes it will continue to slide them out and out. I have a set like this I've used for leather work and it's simple and looks good. You could also buy a leather hole punch pliers but they are a LOT more expensive.

 

[sleddogn]

I suppose bass players in Kentucky create holes with a gunshot.

or let tobacco spit eat its way though

 

[2saddleslab]

I suppose bass players in Kentucky create holes with a gunshot.

Nope, we use a proper leather punch as @RattleSnack suggested. After all, we do know a thing or two about saddles.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

Nope, we use a proper leather punch as @RattleSnack suggested. After all, we do know a thing or two about saddles.

Hey, I was just being silly. Nothing against Kentucky -- I'm sure we have WAY more whackos in California who would be down with using artillery to make strap holes. The drill worked fine for me.

 

[2saddleslab]

Hey, I was just being silly. Nothing against Kentucky -- I'm sure we have WAY more whackos in California who would be down with using artillery to make strap holes. The drill worked fine for me.

No offense taken. Now if you said something like in Kentucky it's called a teethbrush because they brush all 3 teeth, well that might get you removed from our Christmas card list.

 

[Otter]

This is an option that does not require a hammer:

UNCO- Leather Hole Punch Tool, Multi Hole Sizes for Belts and Leather

 

[Lo-E]

I would have opted for an arch punch, personally, but if the drill worked then mission accomplished.

 

[BluesBrothers51]

Late now, but for anyone reading in future: leather punch is inexpensive tool, makes perfect round holes of different sizes, can be used for any leather belt. I always have one at home.

I agree- you can purchase them through Tandy Leather, Weaver Leather, Hobby Lobby, Montana Leather etc. variable sizes

 

[Rip Van Dan]

Don't use a drill bit, it will grab and twist and make a ragged hole. You need to get a hole punch. You can get sets of them for not a lot of money. Then you get a piece of scrap wood; lay the strap on the wood with the rough side down; and grab a decent hammer. Then place the leather punch on the top of the strap in the location you want to place a hole and smack it hard enough with the hammer to cut through the leather and slightly into the scrap wood.. Twist and pull the punch out using the end of the punch you smacked with a hammer to remove it leaving a very professional looking clean and precise hole in your strap.

Here's a link to one inexpensive set.

Amazon.com

This is a leather punch set available at Amazon for $7.99. It includes six sizes (1/8", 5/32", 3/16", 7/32", 1/4", 5/16"). Measure the holes that are already in your strap to find which one to use.
View attachment 7175729
The slot on the side is so you can remove the leather pills removed from the leather to make the hole. If making multiple holes it will continue to slide them out and out. I have a set like this I've used for leather work and it's simple and looks good. You could also buy a leather hole punch pliers but they are a LOT more expensive.

I forgot to mention cutting the slot. A box knife will work, a single edged razor will work; an X-acto knife will work and even a really sharp pocket knife will do the trick. I've used all of those except for the pocket knife my self. Here's how you do it:

• After you have punched the hole, measure the length of an existing slot and then put tape around the end of your strap that same distance from the hole you just punched. That tape will help stop you from cutting beyond your measured distance.

• It's best to use some kind of razor to cut the slot, but don't try to cut through it in one stroke, especially if it's fairly thick.

• Instead, score it starting at the tape border and pull the blade through to the hole. Each slice will part a little more of the leather. It may take 3 to as many a 6 strokes with a razor to cut through depending on the thickness of your leather strap. That way you'll get a nice clean slot.

 

[vvvmmm]

Clean slots are important, I've heard.