Trim to Fit Webbing Belts

The one-size nylon, polypropylene, and polyester webbing belts that Black Mingo sells can easily be trimmed to fit. Black Mingo has a hot knife, which electric tool with a heated blade that is designed to cut and seal synthetic webbing. We are happy to trim belts as needed in the store. For online orders, we would need an exact measurement, which can be tricky if we don't do our measurements the same. It's always best to get the size need by trying on the best, so we recommend that you do it yourself. It's pretty easy to do!

Below are some easy to follow instructions, or at the bottom is a quick how-to video from our friends at Thomas Bates that supplies many of our nylon web belts. 

TRIM TO FIT INSTRUCTIONS

1. Get the Size - determine the correct size by putting on the belt with pants as normal, using the pant loops. You usually want to allow 6" of excess "tail" from the point after the belt passes through the buckle. This tail piece tucks into first belt loops as allows for a some growth. If you are expecting some growth in the waistline, you may want to allow a little more excess tail. And it is always better to be conservative when deciding where to cut because you can always make it shorter, but you can't make it longer. Also note, manufacturers usually make the cut on a 45 degree angle to make it easier to go through the buckle. If you want to follow the practice, you need to allow an extra 1" to the tail. Use a Sharpie pen to make a small mark of where to cut.

2. Cut the Belt with a good pair of scissors - The Patagonia, Croakies, Thomas Bates and Bison Designs belts can easily cut with a decent pair of household scissors.  Mountain Khaki's Webbing Belts are a little thicker, but still can be trimmed with good scissors.

3. Heat Seal the Cut -  You need to seal the cut edge to prevent fraying. You can do this with a flat heat source, such as the flat side of an iron, turned up to the hottest setting. You simply place the cut edge against the hot flat surface for a few seconds to allow the edge to melt together. Once the iron is cool any residue should wipe off. If mom doesn't trust you with her good iron, you can also seal the edge with a lighter. You just put the lit flame close enough to the cut edge for it to melt & seal. Try not to put the flame directly to the belt because it could ignite. You may want to have a wet rag nearby to quickly cool the sealed edge. Or you can wet it from the sink faucet.

Heating synthetic materials can emit fumes that can be toxic, so be careful not to inhale the fumes from the sealing process. 

At this point, you should be good to go!