Shopsmith Forums

Posted: **Tue Feb 28, 2012 11:03 pm**

Did you know tool belts shrink? I have proof. I had a tool belt hanging in my shop for over 20 years. You know because when I first started woodworking I had to have one just like Norm. Well.....I got it down tonight off the hook and thought "I'll try it on for old time sake" yep! the belt shrank a good 3 or 4" in 20 years. Had to adjust the belt out to make up for the shrinking.

Posted: **Tue Feb 28, 2012 11:30 pm**

cincinnati wrote:Did you know tool belts shrink? I have proof. I had a tool belt hanging in my shop for over 20 years. You know because when I first started woodworking I had to have one just like Norm. Well.....I got it down tonight off the hook and thought "I'll try it on for old time sake" yep! the belt shrank a good 3 or 4" in 20 years. Had to adjust the belt out to make up for the shrinking.

Another 20 yrs will add to that! Do not worry until the belt starts growing!:eek:

Posted: **Wed Feb 29, 2012 8:53 am**

I'm going to have to find my tool belt and test that theory.

Posted: **Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:55 am**

I can definitely verify the theory!

Posted: **Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:55 pm**

Haven't noticed tight tool belts, but my sweet wife has shrunk my pants.

Still glad she does all the clothes washing:) .

Posted: **Wed Feb 29, 2012 5:24 pm**

Yes, this is true. It also happens with regular belts. I believe that is because most belts are made of leather. Leather shrinks (so I've heard) when it gets wet and dries. So, as humidity increases and decreases, belts shrink. What is surprising is that it has shrunk only 3-4". Obviously you must live in a drier climate or it would be more in the 6" shrinkage range.

Posted: **Wed Feb 29, 2012 7:55 pm**

What I need is to find an appropriate way to stretch my 40 plus year old tool belt. Jim

Posted: **Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:21 pm**

fjimp wrote:What I need is to find an appropriate way to stretch my 40 plus year old tool belt. Jim

The trouble with tool belts, is you have to walk around with yer hands a foot away from yer hips(like a police man!).

Posted: **Wed Feb 29, 2012 11:21 pm**

My toolbelt still fits......... Kind of........ But my jeans sure have shrunk.

Brent

Posted: **Thu Mar 01, 2012 10:10 am**

JPG40504 wrote:The trouble with tool belts, is you have to walk around with yer hands a foot away from yer hips(like a police man!).

But you look tough, no one messes with a guy who walks like John Wayne