Belts for the Luggage Rack

Here is a picture of the finished product, holding down the great leather suitcase (lined with Irish linen) from the late 50's that I found in a little antique shop on one of our many day trips this past summer.

To construct the belts I visited Tandy Leather, here in Ottawa and picked up 2 belt blanks (5' x 1 1/2") two brass buckles, two belt keepers, eight screw posts (hockey helmet) and a 40z. bottle of Fiebing's Leather Dye (British Tan). I first dyed the leather blanks (use rubber or latex gloves, it's messy). Next I attached the buckles to one end of each blank. Using a buckle punch I punched out a 3/4" long oval approximately 1 3/4" from one end to accept the buckle tang. The buckle was secured using a brass hammer rivet. I then measured the belt against the rack (suitcase in place) to determine the length needed (centered top to bottom). Once cut, I fitted the cut end around the rack rung to determine where I would need to punch the holes to accept the screw posts. Holes were punched (3/8" in from both sides and the end), and the belt attached to confirm fit (centered top to bottom on the suitcase). Using the first punched buckle section as a template, I layed out and punched the second buckle section to ensure a match in terms of length. I then re-attached one of the buckle sections to determine the length I would need for the tapered end of the belt and to locate where I would have to punch out the small holes for the buckle tang to fit into. I cut both tapered sections to length, punched out the post holes and fitted. Satisfied with the fit, I use the first section as a template for the second and punched out the holes to accept the screw posts, ensuring once again that both pieces were identical. The last holes to be punched, were the holes to accept the buckle tang. Using the pre-determined mark as center, I punched the center hole and 3 additional holes on either side of the center hole (for balance and adjustablity). Finally, I removed all the belts, finished the edges with dark brown Kelly's Cobler Heel and Sole Dressing, for contrast (and water-proofing) and applied a coat of water-proofing to the entire assembly.

A close-up view of the screw posts. I picked these up at a sporting goods store. They are normally used to hold hockey helmets together. I used the 1/4" length.

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A shot to show you where on the rack I attached the straps. I used the screw posts so that the belts could be removed when the rack is not being used with the suitcase.