Another Question For The Kilt Makers

**Dreadbelly** · 23rd November 04, 09:10 PM

Who, out of all of you, can offer something for fingers that fumble due to rhuematoid?

When I get a traditional, I am unsure of my abilities to deal with buckles. What I was wondering is, instead of the buckles on the traditional straps, if I could get those quick release snaps. You know, the kind you pinch on both sides and it comes undone? Would it look right and would it be functional? What about adjustable somehow?

**Blu (Ontario)** · 23rd November 04, 09:33 PM

I happen to like the look of the leather straps and buckles of the traditional kilt. I think they add a bit of "sex" appeal. There is no question that the quick connect fasteners are simpler and offer great adjustment, but I think perhaps they lack the polished appearance of the traditional buckles. Who knows... maybe somebody makes the quick connect fasteners in leather and nickle! That could be cool.

**Dreadbelly** · 23rd November 04, 09:35 PM

Originally Posted by Blu (Ontario)

I happen to like the look of the leather straps and buckles of the traditional kilt. I think they add a bit of "sex" appeal. There is no question that the quick connect fasteners are simpler and offer great adjustment, but I think perhaps they lack the polished appearance of the traditional buckles. Who knows... maybe somebody makes the quick connect fasteners in leather and nickle! That could be cool.

Actually, I have seen those quick connects on a set of leather luggage and they were made out of metal. But I have no idea of the availability of said item in metal, or how much it would add to the cost.

But it would be sooooooooooo much nicer.

**Dreadbelly** · 23rd November 04, 09:54 PM

http://www.cdwplus.com/singleMSRB.html

http://www.strapworks.com/index.asp?...rodID=366&HS=1

Something like that would be perfect. Shiny!!

**bear** · 23rd November 04, 10:06 PM

I picked up a set of black plastic quick release clips and black nylon webbing that I will put on Phil's formal cut kilt.
I think plastic is the way to go on a poly/viscose kilt because they can safely be tossed in the washer/dryer.

**Dreadbelly** · 23rd November 04, 10:07 PM

I didn't think of that.

Metal clips a no no in the washing machine? I hang my kilt up to dry.

**Magnus Sporrano** · 24th November 04, 04:10 AM

Maybe what you're thinking of are Fastex buckles. They are used a lot by military suppliers as well as for outdoorsmen. You can toss them in the laundry (assuming the garment itself is laundry-safe). They are pretty rugged but easily replaced if needed.

**Canuck** · 24th November 04, 05:37 AM

Originally Posted by Dreadlock-Ness Monster

I didn't think of that.

Metal clips a no no in the washing machine? I hang my kilt up to dry.

On a tangent regarding metal, leather and washing
My contemporary kilts have traditional closing with leather straps, and metal hardware. They can safely be put in the washer. I connect the kilt and connect the extra metal hardware not found on a tradional kilt, throw it in the wash. no problem.
When fastening your kilt what gives you the problem? is the strap to flimsy that it doesn't slide through the buckle easily? My experience is When you pull the strap through the buckle the pin almost always falls into place in the hole of the billet. Is the buckle in the wrong place on the left side? Would you not have more trouble trying to release the plastic fastener because you have to pinch it evenly on both sides to release it. With a buckle and strap you pull the strap and the pin releases, I would think that, pulling is easier than pinching as far as hand control goes.
By using good quality leather billets and balanced roller buckles it is extremely easy to fasten the kilt and much easier than the plastic buckles mentioned here.
Cheers
Robert

**Ugly Bear** · 24th November 04, 07:11 AM

Here's a picture of clips in action:

From experience, they're great. Washer-safe, easy to use, and they look bitchin'. And they don't need as firm a pinch as you might think; just a gentle squeeze makes them release, but they have yet to pop out on me. Only drawback is having to find a way to tuck away the excess webbing when you draw the straps tight.

**Canuck** · 24th November 04, 07:15 AM

Originally Posted by Ugly Bear

Here's a picture of clips in action:

From experience, they're great. Washer-safe, easy to use, and they look bitchin'. And they don't need as firm a pinch as you might think; just a gentle squeeze makes them release, but they have yet to pop out on me. Only drawback is having to find a way to tuck away the excess webbing when you draw the straps tight.

Cool, but how does it work on the left side? does the clip go through the button hole easily or do you use velcro to attach the inner apron?