Fixing a Belt Designed by an Idiot

Pressing the rewind button on stupid design!
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[@IBuildItScrapBin]

Pressing the rewind button on stupid design! Project plans for sale: ibuildit.ca/plans/ Join Locals!: ibuildit.locals.com Support this channel on Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=865843&ty=h

[@lyrikschastlewood]

Is it anyway I could pay you to fix mine ? I’ll cover any cost that’s included?

[@daviddickmeyer5231]

My hat goes off to you. I had one just like it and it did the same thing, but also the set screws wore down the leather so much that they wouldn’t hold it in. I fixed it permanently by throwing it in the garbage can!

[@Sludgepump]

Love it when you bait the safety nannies like this!

[@nkg6013]

Ahhh no guard ...no glasses...faints😜

[@pyrael668]

I seem to have the problem of the belts shrinking....

[@mostblunted_211]

Hahaa

[@ladwainahaney923]

Does anyone know where I can purchase the little pin that goes inside the hole?

[@1anthonybrowning]

“I’m going to reduce the length of the pin with my trusty angle grinder”... and then he glances straight into the camera daring the Safety Sally’s to loss their shit!

[@sween187]

Internet safety trolls heads exploding on this one.

[@Yonatan24]

*Or imploding, always a possibility with some

[@Don.Challenger]

@@Yonatan24 Yep, you are fully correct on that, implosions usually involve contained vacuums or an equivalent voiding that makes that space . . . what will the safety folks do when John finally uploads his Covid 19 days DIY angle grinder manicure tutorial.

[@nathandodds5647]

@@Don.Challenger Can't wait.

[@AB-fs5ui]

Mine did same thing just tapped dowel pin back in with punch n hammer good to go still will swivel.

[@TheOgaboga]

a little tip from a fellow thicc boy ( no offence ) i had trouble with the ends of belts breaking and the soulution i found was to use those brass rings that you put on tarps. i don't know what they are called in english but you can usualy buy a pack of them for dirt cheap and the lifetimes of the belts go way up

[@rickswartz4651]

grommets

[@zackaccount]

Thank you. My belt did the exact same thing and it's only 2 months old. Never buying reversible belt in future

[@sammukai6811]

I have a belt like this and I could not figure out for the life of me how to reverse it. You are a lifesaver!!!

[@jeremybeaverson7167]

I unfortunately have this exact same belt it’s crap it broke after a week

[@muh1h1]

I was expecting polyurethane construction adhesive! You let us all down John!

[@darinhudson9112]

As others have said I have also done this repair a couple times. Though I also epoxied the end of the belt in place also. Those set screws will just tear out of the belt eventually.

[@fixitwithzim]

Rarely does a video title make you laugh, this one did. Ironically I have the same belt with the same issue...and the sob thing squeaks at the swivel when I walk as well. An all around awful design. Good vid man!

[@waveland0]

A dab of white lithium grease fixes the sqeak.

[@paulpardee]

Had that same type of belt buckle. My problem was my gelatinous form caused the spring-loaded section to open and close while I was wearing it, and it would pinch my skin if I didn't tuck my shirt in.

[@dougoliver4235]

I was sure when the video started you where going make a wooden buckle.

[@thomasdoherty6876]

I hate those belts i had one for a few days but got rid of it because the spring loaded bit kept pinching my skin, i ended up looking like something was eating me alive 🤣

[@MrLarrycar]

When I watch your videos I take a drink every time you break a rule. This was a great video!

[@rothsleep4039]

I bought my reversible belt just months ago and it failed exactly like this. Thanks for the advice.

[@jimmyv5160]

Is there a story behind that push stick in the background. It looks really interesting and wouldnt mind knowing how to make it

[@Don.Challenger]

If only there was an analogue for his "hand" grinder

[@Traderjoe]

I’m reluctant to tell you about a belt that I discovered about 2 years ago that eliminates all these problems and actually holds my pants up. I was going through what you are going through until I found this thing and I can’t go back now. I only keep thin traditional belts for dressing up now. All my belts like this one you show are now obsolete to me now.

[@PeachState112]

I will always remember one of John’s top tips... good epoxy should smell like diarrhea

[@Don.Challenger]

One common group of epoxy curing hardeners are the Thiols containing Sulfur ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epoxy#Thiols ) and of course that characteristic fragrance that follows about them ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiol#Odor ).

[@Dingbat217]

The last 'real leather' belt I bought delaminated after a while, there were thin slithers of real leather on the outside but the inside looked like cardboard, and that was a well-known brand! The belt-buckle was fine and still is...

[@madmodders]

2:47 that voice and face expression made me instantly think of Perry Cox in Scrubs. :-D

[@baconsoda]

LOL, that was the best moment in the video!

[@randyc5650]

I have had the swivel break and I have had the little screws pull through the belt. I unscrewed the belt from the broken swivel and attached it to the buckle with the broken belt. When that one broke, I removed the belt and stored it near one of my iron vices. The other belt was already stored near the other smaller iron vice. The two buckles were thrown into the trash and a vow was taken to only buy black belts and brown belts separately and to never buy another swivel belt. I probably would have fixed it again but I lost a screw.

[@michaelcoceski5442]

Thanx John, no screwdriver shall touch my belly button ever again. Had a good laugh.

[@robshamel3210]

About 3 years ago I bought Grip6 belt, I have no affiliation with the compny, but it is the only belt I'll ever buy..never have to worry about the end wear out you speak of...Nice fix on this one..

[@Allhandlesalreadytaken9]

John with the EPIC SAFETY TROLL... lols... thanks brother.

[@tjacksonwoodworker3726]

John, I'm with you. I don't throw anything till I have at least tried to fix. Fixed is Fixed per Red Green. Also, compared to my shop clothes you look absolutely sartorial.

[@atheron1776]

I got sick of belts falling apart too, the ones at the department store are overpriced junk. Got an Amish handmade one from ebay at least 5-6 years ago, it still looks new today even with daily use. A quick search shows what appears to be the same type are still being sold "made by Amish in Ohio". Admittedly its super thick, very plain, and maybe not fashionable but I don't care too much. My pants stay up and I'm not buying new belts all of the time.

[@CrimeVid]

atheron1776 Link ?

[@atheron1776]

@@CrimeVid I don't think we can post links here, I just searched for "amish work belt". Again I don't know if its the same seller but user nobie27j aka "Nohma Leather" appears to be the selling the exact same one I got as a "1 1/4 heavy duty work belt"

[@rickswartz4651]

along with my ibuildit inspired wood stuff-i do a fair amount of leatherwork - there are a number of solutions-including a different belt- but your solution is good . I glue those ends as well as using the set screws- all my parts will stay on and remain useful

[@jdwilliams7]

I had exactly the same problem: belt I bought from JC Pennys. Gave it to friend to fix. He included a link to this video when he told me he'd fixed it. Seems like he could use a set of punches since he used a drill bit as a punch.

[@UberAlphaSirus]

I always fix my belts. The pins went on this one, so drilled and tapped M3 and dome head screws. BTW, that outro gave me a great laugh. What film is it from?

[@IBuildItScrapBin]

The Sopranos

[@UberAlphaSirus]

@@IBuildItScrapBin As a kid I was told I would go phurbbbbbbbbblllphurbbbb like a balloon if I messed with my belly button. Now I'm in my mid 40's I got something else to worry about. I only use it to keep saw dust in!

[@hamishgibson9084]

My problem is the leather ripped so it was hanging on on an angle I recut the end now I can’t get the belt back into the metal part that you screw in

[@747Max]

Yeah it's a Walmart belt. Had the same problem after about 2 months. I tapped the drilled hole and used a screw instead of the pin. However, I used much stronger language than you did while fixing it.

[@jackarnold8292]

These belts ant worth a shit. Thay should be in jail for selling this mess.

[@stevenschmelling5597]

I find belts are one of those things you get what you pay for. You buy cheap and you'll get a while out of. By a heavy duty nice one, and it will last a long, long time. I've been finding the Duluth Trading Company one I have now to be holding up excellent. I believe I've had it for 5+ years, and I would expect to get at least that many more out of it. And I'm a big guy, so I make a belt work for it.

[@ww321]

I have that same stupid belt. I fixed the buckle and later on when it tore in half where the holes are I split the stiches and inserted a piece of seatbelt strap and resewed. I'm wearing it right now. I got a Hank's Belt a few months ago and have been happy with it. It's the cheapest they sell.

[@ww321]

Oh great videos !

[@sethmiller1357]

I have the same belt and it failed in the same way. Mine failed while I was at work. I drilled and tapped the hole for a machine screw and used loctite during assembly.

[@KUGW]

I love the new leather working belt channel lol its awesome lol.....

[@MakarovFox]

i have reversible belt too but you take of the buckle an put it again whit the belt reverse, and the system is very well make you have a pin that the belt fit in it and a metal rectangle (like your) that fit over the belt so the belt now can scape the pin, is complicated to explain only in words

[@Wordsnwood]

I hate paying $40 for a belt, but the $10 one are junk.

[@IBuildItScrapBin]

I'm switching to coveralls.

[@emeltea33]

@@IBuildItScrapBin Overalls should be considered too.

[@KyleMerl]

Wow.... that's a helluva dream.

[@emeltea33]

That was funny, you happen to know what it was from?

[@KyleMerl]

@@emeltea33 not sure but it sounds familiar. My guess was the Sopranos maybe?

[@emeltea33]

@@KyleMerl Thanks, I saw that as a reply looking a little farther down. I haven't seen that show in so long.

[@ThomasGapinski]

“We have assumed control” of our belt

[@pradeepprajapati8156]

Seriously this much effort to fix a BELT

[@pedalman4595]

That's one hell of a Allen Wrench you got there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@DesandSam]

I have that same belt, which broke in the exact same way. Now I know why I kept the bits.

[@TJG421]

This is pretty funny. I have this exact same damn belt. It's a Levi's reversible black/brown belt from Kohl's and mine just popped off as I took mine off coming in from work. Love it but what a shame

[@williamward7707]

Thanks for the video...I just repaired my wifes belt, (it also is now no longer reversible without removing the set screws,)...She also wanted to get her money's worth...thanks again....wm

[@EPortillo5000]

Have one of those belts a long time ago, don't know what was happening in my head when I buoght it, I didn't have issues with the pin but with the grub screws that for some reason where always uneven!

[@clydedecker765]

Had three of those reversibles .. All failed by having the leather(?) pull out and NO SET SCREWS to put them back. There were never any in the belt design. They always fail at the wrong time with no back up to wear....

[@jacobperez8921]

I really hate the reversible belt buckle design with a passion. I just bought a new belt from Burlington with the same design and when I tried to wrap my belt around my waist, the buckle just fell off 😅. The worse part is that most belts comes with this cheap design.

[@johnkeller9290]

It’s hard to find anything made well these days. I do feel compelled to donate some hex wrenches to you though...

[@mike93lx]

Lots of good belts out there, you just don't find them at department stores

[@Don.Challenger]

Once, long ago, I was looking around for some leather to replace a broken briefcase strap, I settled on a pair of belts at The Hudson's Bay store, the one of the pair that was the wrong colour I put to use around my belly and it still girds my pants (jeans) to this day and no doubt will long (and sadly) outlast the firm it was bought from. And still looking very fine.

[@mattschoular8844]

If this KZbin thing doesn't work out, you may need that belt for your next job interview....oh wait...nevermind, you can just collect CERB for the rest of your life if our current PM has his way...Thanks for the video John. Keep up the great content...

[@NJEsperantist]

I had a belt that broke exactly like that. Managed to repair it and preserve it's reversability. Then the actual buckle broke. Trashed it then.

[@alfredneumann4692]

I guess, at bathday John uses this anglegrinder for his finger- and footnails.

[@williambranham6249]

Yes I have one of those and yes mine failed. The best belt is a military style woven belt with an official buckle . Do not buy a cheap buckle. Try to find an old official buckle. Thanks John.

[@robinfisher4990]

What movie was the outtake dialog from?

[@hulkpeace]

Sopranos i think.

[@createsource]

I've seen a few of these, but I'll try the solution posed by the fellow Rush fan.

[@thomastittlemier2104]

Come on John, we all know you why you held the pin in your hand, then used the grinder. Awesome!

[@Don.Challenger]

. . . Precision.

[@michaeltablet8577]

Could have held it between his teeth. Safety police would rant about that forever. Guess they don't understand that John holding a grinder is like a surgeon holding a scalpel.

[@nicksanders3134]

Just had a Levi's reversible like this pop on me at the 1 week worn mark.

[@scottward4316]

Thanks for making the vid. I have a belt just like it.

[@UnPenta]

Wish I new this was an issue. I bought a belt a bit over two months ago and it just broke.

[@rdk162]

You need a 925 silver buckle with a full grain leather belt

[@kiklulu5149]

I have the exact same belt and that exact part broke thank you

[@benjaminlorrig9299]

A few years ago (a lot more than belts usually last,I guess) I bought a belt from a traditional leatherworker and this belt just doesn't want to open up along the seams the way leather belts usually do (I am not sure if it even has any at this point),but because of that,the buckle,which originally was coated silvery is now looking nearly copper-red. But I'm not going to get rid of the second belt in my life that ever held up this long (grew out of the other one that lasted,then had a few that died the usual way in between). Red belt buckle > crappy broken belt. No swivel-hinge on it either (silly failure point that I have no need for).

[@benjaminlorrig9299]

Aside from all else,it didn't even cost any more than a regular priced supermarket leather belt,it's just all-around better.

[@topkek_]

nice fix. I never regret spending money on a quality belt.

[@daveturnbull7221]

Best belt I ever saw was a piece of thin rope. infinitly adjustable and cheap as heck :)

[@animationcreations42]

Hey John, that was very unsafe using the angle grinder like that! You could have set the shop on fire with the sparks! 😂

[@BloodSprite-tan]

i think he does it like that just to piss off the safety nancy's. he'll be fine he knows what he's doing.

[@David_Powell]

@@BloodSprite-tan I suspect @animationcreations42 might have been being a trifle sarcastic.

[@eduardom800]

If I was to handle with that relâchement my grinder, a couple fingers would fall off... but would have no way to unscrew my belly nut and any thing else would remain were it was supposed to be....

[@Don.Challenger]

Yes, sadly, I would probably overthink it to my elbow :-(

[@yaqub5447]

Had a belt just like that, wedged a butter knife in between the belt and metal bit forcing up the pin,then hammered the other part on haha

[@mckenziekeith7434]

It is always marketing who dictates these requirements. Engineering has to do their best. Which in this case was NO GOOD.

[@JimDockrellWatertone]

Finding a decent well made belt at a reasonable price is impossible these days. May as well bite the bullet and pay for a good one. I think I ought to go to the local saddle shop and get one there.

[@IBuildItScrapBin]

Think I'll switch to suspenders

[@JimDockrellWatertone]

@@IBuildItScrapBin LOL, I've thought that too, particularly now that I'm getting wider in the middle.

[@billstoner5559]

My problem with belts is called the Dunlap disease. 😉😏

[@michaeltablet8577]

I have furniture disease. My chest fell into my drawers.

[@billstoner5559]

michael tablet LOL!!😂

[@Jimmy4949]

It doesn't have anything to do with the belt, but I use an old phone book to mix epoxy. Open it up to a page, mix the epoxy, and when done just close the phone book.

[@IBuildItScrapBin]

They still make phone books?

[@donaldmumaw]

Designed to look good for a cheap as possible. Then when I breaks people have to buy a new one. Probably designed exactly how they wanted it!

[@VALERIAN19899]

I have the exact same belt and I'm a bigger guy...... The leather is almost pristine but the cheap casted metal buckle is toast....

[@dannywilsher4165]

I use rope or tie wraps through the front two belt loops.....

[@DesandSam]

...bought from Walmart.

[@xianli6488]

Special tools and materials nedded?

[@KevinLitman]

I hate those types of belts. I avoid them because they just don't last. How about a wooden belt? :-p

[@WigWagWorkshop]

Yup, I have a black/brown version of this belt and the same thing happened. Junk

[@Korealignments]

I bought almost this same belt a few years ago and it was too small for me then. But it was a nice-looking belt and I was anticipating losing weight. It's been in my closet since then. Over the last few months I've lost enough weight that I can actually wear it. I've worn it all of maybe six times and it popped apart today. I went searching for some solution because surely a belt would not be this poorly designed. There had to be some way to easily slot the pin back in and secure it. But nope. What a dumb-fck way to design a belt.

[@donbeagle5288]

I've had to fix 3 of them too. I gave up on these belts and went to a a heavy duty carry belt. Have had no problems since. Take note that the set screws have a tendency to come loose or fall out. I just riveted it on the belt.

[@mostblunted_211]

My belt broke within the first hour wearing it 😭

[@seancunningham8945]

Yea has this same belt, same problem. Unscrew the bottom piece from the leather, take the pin and hit it back into place with a hammer and it should stay fine for a while if you don’t want to go thru all this extra work. It’s just a terrible design all that pressure is held by some flutes. They don’t even put proper screw threads on it.

[@anthonywallace1676]

Mcm perfected the reversible belt it literally just flips over

[@rjtumble]

To be clear, those aren't your dress up pants for the shop, they're for the camera. :) Not a product endorsement, but you might give "slidebelts" a try. I've been wearing mine for a few years now and it's holding up really well.

[@davem7735]

I had to pound the pin in farther. What a damn waste. Usually the belt holes wear out and the tongue slides out. This buckle breaking I’ll give these guys a foul rating.

[@mduvigneaud]

FWIW, the "everyday" belt I have is a nylon strap with a nylon buckle much like this: www.amazon.com/dp/B085ZSD8VC I got it because I wanted something that was fine to get saltwater on.

[@Don.Challenger]

Who won that one this time: Another "Great Canadian"™ not unlike John, once tangled with a Cuisinart™ on late night national TV - Pierre Berton on Peter Gzowski's talk show during the food recipe section - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWiaYqmBmNemZqM (and the bystander was David Steinberg) this boosted Gzowski's audience rating.

[@samking4179]

even the idea of going with set screws to attach the buckle to the leather is idiotic. from a short term sales point of view a good gimmick (reversible belt). from a long term repeat buyer point of view a complete fail. too funny. great audio at the end of the video!

[@sethbracken]

I have that same stupid belt.

[@nocturnalwoodworker7201]

I hate when I unscrew my belly button.

[@bluelive23]

Using that knife to drive the screws really annoyed me ;p

[@NotFadeAway522]

Great shirt!

[@mechminded2207]

Have the same, failed in the same way.

[@chrismcc68]

Mine just broke and I tried to fix it. "Designed by an idiot" is putting it mildly.

[@pinterelectric]

Nice shirt

[@SurajGrewal]

could have tapped that hole and replaced the pin with a screw.

[@cvoskuil]

I hope that wasn't a good drill bit.

[@tiberiu_nicolae]

He can sharpen them back on the same angle grinder 🤣