Introduction: Be BATMAN! Altoids Tin Into Utility Belt Pouch (or Metal Wallet)

By Ravensmoon Artisans
About: I make stuff. All sorts of stuff. I prefer to use materials that would otherwise be headed for the landfill. It's the best seeing someone's face when you tell them what that nifty item is made from (post-po…

As a kid, I LOVED the campy Adam West Batman.  It was just too funny.  But I always thought having a utility belt would be the neatest thing!  Imagine, being able to come up with all sorts of nifty items at a moment's notice!
When seeing the Altoids tin challenge, I knew I HAD to make one of these.  It would also double nicely for use as a wallet.

Step 1: Paint the Tin

I figured flat black would be the best option for the superhero-in-training... doesn't reflect light so readily.

Step 2: Drill Holes

One hole in the front near the long non-hinged edge, and two in the back, close to the short edges, in approximately the middle.  Doesn't have to be PERFECT, but the closer you are to where they are in the pic, the easier it will be.

Step 3: Prepare Belt Connector Strap

The belt connector strap is 4 1/4" long.  I used leather because it was what I have lying around... A LOT OF IT.  Webbing or something else could be substituted.  This is going to have a snap, so the entire pouch can be removed from the belt if desired.  Punch a hole for the snap, and for the rivet (at the other end, not pictured).

Step 4: Rivet the Belt Connector Strap

Like the title says.  I used a tubular rivet, but any rivet will work.

Step 5: Set Snaps

I used a line 24 snap available at any leather or shoe repair shop.  The female with the cap went on the strap.  The male with the post went on the tin. The female end on the strap just went onto an anvil to be set.  The male end was a little more tricky, in that if I smacked the tin with a mallet, it would flatten it, or at least deform it.  So I scrounged around and found a piece of steel to use as a raised anvil for inside the tin.  Once I set the male end of the snap, I folded the leather over and snapped it together.  It did so with a nice "click"! 

Step 6: Button Stud and Closure Strap

The little thing in my hand is called a button stud.  It is used for many applications, usually for holding things securely closed that need to be opened quickly and easily.  And there you have it! 

Cut a strap for the closure, punching a hole near the end.  Using the threaded "screw" of the button stud, go from the inside to the outside, so the screw sticks out from the front.  Put the hole over the screw, and the button end of the stud onto the screw.  Tighten it all down SOLIDLY.

Step 7: FInish the Closure and You Are DONE!

Bring the closure strap round the tin, going UNDER the belt connector, and overlap the button stud.  Where the strap (pulled snug) overlaps the stud is where you need to cut a "buttonhole".  Punch a hole directly over the button stud overlap, then cut a slit about 3/4" long BACK from the punch.  Trim the end of the strap to length, and you are DONE!