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Step 14Make the Buckle
The process for making the buckle is almost the same as the previous step. There are one or two differences, though.
The buckle requires 5/16in x 1/2in tension pins. I had to order these from McMaster-Carr because I wasn't able to find them locally. If you can't find them and don't want to order them specially, you can use a salvaged buckle or some Velcro.
The first picture shows the layout of the buckle, minus the clasping pins (I'll wager that there's a trade name for those that I know nothing about).
To make the clasping pins, measure ~0.25in from one end of a wire and bend 90 degrees. Measure another 0.25in and bend 90 degrees. The result should be a 'hook' shape. With pliers, close the hook to form a partial loop. There should be enough room inside the loop to fit another wire into it.
Trim so the total length is about 2in. They are easier to handle this way, and you will end up trimming it to fit soon. Make another, as you need two.
To start the buckle loop, measure 0.75in from one end of a wire and bend 90 degrees. Measure 0.5in from the first bend and bend.
Slide two 1in tension pins or one 2in tension pin onto the second bend. Add ~0.1in (the width of two marker flag wires) on the other side of the pins and bend. From the third bend, measure ~0.5in and bend. Trim the excess past 0.75in from the last bend.
On one side, slide a 0.5in tension pin onto the buckle loop, followed by a clasp pin. Do the same on the other side, making sure the clasping pins are oriented the same direction. Holding the parts in place, insert the 1in tension pin in the center and compress closed with the pliers.
Consider where the clasping pins lie on the tension pins carefully. Mark just above this point on the clasp pins. Make another mark ~0.25in above the previous.
Bend at the 'lower mark' slightly 'downward' and trim at the second mark. You can file down any points on the clasp pins now if you want or need to do so.
All of the hardware should be completed at this point. We will begin installing them in the next step!
The buckle requires 5/16in x 1/2in tension pins. I had to order these from McMaster-Carr because I wasn't able to find them locally. If you can't find them and don't want to order them specially, you can use a salvaged buckle or some Velcro.
The first picture shows the layout of the buckle, minus the clasping pins (I'll wager that there's a trade name for those that I know nothing about).
To make the clasping pins, measure ~0.25in from one end of a wire and bend 90 degrees. Measure another 0.25in and bend 90 degrees. The result should be a 'hook' shape. With pliers, close the hook to form a partial loop. There should be enough room inside the loop to fit another wire into it.
Trim so the total length is about 2in. They are easier to handle this way, and you will end up trimming it to fit soon. Make another, as you need two.
To start the buckle loop, measure 0.75in from one end of a wire and bend 90 degrees. Measure 0.5in from the first bend and bend.
Slide two 1in tension pins or one 2in tension pin onto the second bend. Add ~0.1in (the width of two marker flag wires) on the other side of the pins and bend. From the third bend, measure ~0.5in and bend. Trim the excess past 0.75in from the last bend.
On one side, slide a 0.5in tension pin onto the buckle loop, followed by a clasp pin. Do the same on the other side, making sure the clasping pins are oriented the same direction. Holding the parts in place, insert the 1in tension pin in the center and compress closed with the pliers.
Consider where the clasping pins lie on the tension pins carefully. Mark just above this point on the clasp pins. Make another mark ~0.25in above the previous.
Bend at the 'lower mark' slightly 'downward' and trim at the second mark. You can file down any points on the clasp pins now if you want or need to do so.
All of the hardware should be completed at this point. We will begin installing them in the next step!
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