How to Repair A Leather Belt / Step By Step Belt Repair From Pet Damage

Today is a belt repair from a pet damaged belt. Rainie found her owners belt and chewed the tip of the belt. This was the owners new custom leather belt. The owner thought that there was not many options to repair this leather belt. I will have you follow along as I repair this leather belt and return the belt to the owner.
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​⁠‪@InMyBusyLittleShop‬
#leatherproject #diy #craftedleather #leathercrafter #leathercraft #leathercrafttutorials #leathercraftsman #leatherrepair

[@ThomasHerring-c4p]

Robert Littles belts and leather goods are top quality and it seems his Warranty it’s just the same. Thanks again Robert, great job repairing my belt! Tom

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Tom it was a pleasure. I hated to see that belt damaged. I was glad to be able to come up with a workable solution. Plus you have an adorable puppy.

[@stevem6788]

Very good repair. Customer service is the key to any successful business. Considering how narrow the custom leather goods market is you are very smart to provide good customer service. This particular customer will always come back & spread the word how well you addressed his needs.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Thanks Steve. Tom was very happy.

[@homegrowncountryhomeplace]

Belt repair turned out great! I would have been super happy with the repair! Great job! Have a Blessed Day Friend! Justin

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Thanks for watching and commenting Justin. I do think it came out nice.

[@williammrdeza9445]

The repair turned out great, Robert. I like the creative problem solving process you employed. The idea that warranty work should include things such as delamination or failed stitching seems reasonable. Belts are ultimately disposable items with a finite working life so a "lifetime" warranty which implies that it will last indefinitely is not a reasonable expectation. I believe your approach on this project was fair and hopefully you were able to recoup some of your time and material on the repair.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Thanks for taking time to provide feedback. I see warranty claims of 80 or 100 years. I will say that I think you could see more than 5 or 10 years as a “workable belt”. Probably much longer. That’s for watching.

[@JohnLittle-ie4ok]

Great work !

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Thanks!

[@JoFrostleatherwork]

Another great video Robert! The belt will have a story to tell if anyone notices the repair!

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Thanks for watching and commenting. It’s still a nice looking belt

[@RicksOutdoors29127]

Turned out great.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Thanks Rick n

[@JohnLittle-ie4ok]

That’s a true test to see if the adhesive will hold the layers together. And it worked perfectly fine. Rainy couldn’t tear it apart

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Yeah the original belt really held up nicely

[@deangrieger5241]

I do the same thing Robert! Atta Boy!

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Thanks for following along. Tom was surprised by the repair. He has a high energy dog as well.

[@deangrieger5241]

@@InMyBusyLittleShop My customers are life time and they appreciate my work....I have Never had a frivolous return. I happily fix any and all. BUT, this is just me.... Happy Trails!

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

I’m in your camp there. I really enjoy just fixing things as well.

[@OpenAirAdventure]

I see that just before you punch the hole, you make a mark, then punch a hole for buckle. Nice fix. Nice bag.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Kenny! Thanks for following along!

[@1littleSher]

In my opinion, animal damage would not be part of a warranty.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Yeah I agree. Tom was just going to cut the tip off. I hated to see that approach. I’m glad that I was able to come up with a workable solution.

[@jonas-mb6cf]

Exelent repair 👍🏻well done, and about warenty its so hard to be a seller bec so meny people that buy leather items doesent know how to treat the leather, i had an exampel that a friend went out in rain and the belt got so wet, and the darn friend put the belt in owen to try to dry it 😂thats a no no in warenty 😂

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Yeah ovens can be really hard on leather. Thanks for your comments and watching my videos

[@jonas-mb6cf]

@@InMyBusyLittleShop a question! What sandpapper is best for sanding the edges,some times i find smal glitter ✨ in the leather and found out it has to come from the sandpaper, have a nice day

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

I have never noticed that issue. I’m just using sandpaper that I purchased over the years. The grey sandpaper is aluminum oxide and the tan is a garnet. I purchased a discounted sleeve of 100 sheets many years ago when I was doing woodworking and I’m still using it up. There is many types of sandpaper based on available raw materials in your geographical area.

[@jonas-mb6cf]

@@InMyBusyLittleShop thx 🙏 for answer

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Anytime!

[@waynebast4009]

Robert, nice try to return that belt to its original glory but I think that puppy would have got a very nice collar and the customer would need to buy a nice new belt from you. Problem solved.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

That would be a great option as well.

[@TinaDennis-p7u]

A warranty should cover the belt on the quality of the leather and issues with the hardware as well as the craftsmanship of the belt. Some belts can be used for up to 20+ years. I would warranty a belt for 10 years under normal use and wear. In the case of damage from a dog destroying it, I would say it just became a limited warranty issue depending on how bad it is, cause if the whole belt is destroyed then it's on the owner of the belt.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Tina, I think that’s a good approach. I normally says that as long as I’m doing leatherwork that I will fix most things.

[@AlfJDale]

Exellent video! What is that eraser thing ✌️? Greetings from Norway Alf!

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

I love Norway. I was able to visit in May! That “eraser” is made for rubber cement. It works well to remove contact adhesive on areas that does not soak in.

[@AlfJDale]

@@InMyBusyLittleShop Oh, how nice, did you get to experiance the National day celebration on te 17'th of May!? I live on Karmøy, an Island , between Stavanger and Bergen!

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

We were not there yet. We visited Geiranger Norway and Alesund. I need to go back and explore further.

[@robertgibbs5022]

It turn out great, I'm wondering how long does it take you to make the belt vs how long did it take you to repair?

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Good question. The repair took me about 30 minutes. To make that belt I have about 5 hours involved. It’s all hand stitched.

[@robertgibbs5022]

@@InMyBusyLittleShop yes much better to repair

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Yep!

[@milom.2057]

How about a “tail-light” warranty? 😏 Personally, I think a reasonable warranty should cover the WORKMANSHIP for a specific set time. If like you said, it starts to delaminate, threads break, colors fade, or the buckle breaks WITHIN a reasonable time, then yes, the maker should probably cover. However, if the above list starts to happen due to normal wear and tear and it’s months down the road, then it’s on the owner. What if you made them a belt and guaranteed it fits but they later gain or lose weight and now it doesn’t fit, are you obligated to “repair/fix/replace?” How about a three-month warranty that covers the workmanship listed above? I think that is a very reasonable AND generous amount of time. Just my two cents.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

I like that approach. I try and purchase very good leather to use. I have also learned a bunch since starting this journey. I might give too much away but want them to enjoy their purchase. Who knows maybe purchase a second one or a belt for a friend.

[@jamesw.3491]

In a category where we are making "upscale" and high quality goods, I think a minimum of a year is bare minimum. What does it say to the customer about your work and materials if you are only willing to stand behind it for 3 months? It may take 3 months to break in a belt or a wallet. I guess if you are selling products for walmart prices, then they could expect walmart quality. If I am selling a $100 belt, the buyer will expect a better product and a better warranty. Otherwise what's the point of buying those goods, when the seller won't even stand behind them? Where is the value in that?

[@milom.2057]

@@InMyBusyLittleShop by the way, great job on that belt. Turned out pretty nice. Not sure what you did with the piece you cut off but the puppy may like it as a chew toy. I noticed the hammer you were using. What is it and where can I get one like it? I’ve been looking for one online but can’t find the right one. Thanks

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Yeah I agree. Really I have had very few people have issues that they told me of. I have had really very few one time purchases from people. Normally I get follow up orders or recommendations. I have told most people that as long as I’m still able to do leatherwork then I would be happy to fix any issues.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

I forgot to answer on the hammer. That is the “horse shoe brand” look up Ranch2Arena.com

[@jamesw.3491]

A screw falls out, broken stiches, sure that's a warranty. I think all of us would be on the same page what would fall under warranty. Normal wear and tear. Run your belt through a meat grinder? I sell new belts. A belt should be covered for 5+ years. Some cover them for life, but I don't really agree with that. Your workmanship should be what's covered, not the product from any un-named damage like dog chewing. I can see covering leather than just falls apart, but not something damaged by something other than material failure. Use your belt for a tow strap? Not covered. Wearing a heavy pouch on a belt and it breaks? Covered. I see your skiving. Pushing the skiver through is pretty tough. Slide the blade, don't push. Those types of skivers you slide cut with it, not push cut. A french skiver, push cuts. Not telling you what to do, but polishing your skills will make skiving easier. The tote looks really nice. Great job. Do you line any of your totes/hand bags? Do piping or binding on any of your work?

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

I appreciate the tips on the skiver. Yeah I think that we are on the same page on the warranty. I didn’t charge for this repair. That might not be a great example for those making a living at leather work. Since it’s a hobby and I figured it would make an interesting video that was my decision. I do appreciate you taking time to give a thoughtful comment. I hope you have a great week.

[@jamesw.3491]

@@InMyBusyLittleShop Sometimes doing something for a customer, means more sales and great feedback to other potential buyers. He may tell a dozen people about how great you treated him and how great your work is. That is something you can't put a price on. It's having great customer service skills that pay dividends. Were I in your shoes, I probably would not have charged for the repair either. I make a living running my own business (not leather) and I do things like this on occasion for people. Small favors pay big dividends. Being good to your buyers is treating people right, and makes people return to you to spend more of their money. You build trust this way. Just because I would not warranty that type of damage, does not mean I would not repair it for free. I probably would make his puppy a veg tanned leather chew toy as well. Got a chunk of saddle skirting?

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

I offered to make the tip that I cut off into a key chain half kidding and he said that he didn’t want to give the puppy a reminder of how fun it was to chew on the belt. I forgot to address your tote question. When I designed the tote that I have made some I went with a design that was forgiving to mistakes (able to hide). I do have a few new ideas of how to make a little different. I have not completed any piping. I guess I need to jump in and figure it out. I did decide to attend the Pendleton Leather show coming up in about 8 weeks. I bring it up because I signed up for a class on making a bag that covers some of the areas that I’m somewhat reluctant to tackle. More to follow on that. I also signed up for a drawing class.

[@jamesw.3491]

@@InMyBusyLittleShop I bought Aaron's last monthly box (Maker's), that included a round bag with templates. It has piping in the bag. Since then, I purchased a whole roll of 3/32" welting/piping. If you need some, I bought a 750 foot roll. Be happy to share some with you if you need it. I would just need your address to send it to. Piping adds more difficulty, but elevates the professionalism in a bag, IMO. Makes it look more polished and high end. Good luck with the classes. Hope it benefits you greatly.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Thanks for the offer. I might take you up on it. I think the class that I’m taking is the bag that you are talking about. Aaron is my teacher in Pendleton. More to come on that.