Need a cheap rivet kit

[fw2008]

Hi;
I have a pair of pants I love because they're very light and dry fast, and pack real well. They also have zip off legs to make into shorts.
But now, the belt has broken off, so they won't stay up :D

Today, I decided to fix the belt temporarily by using another nylon belt I had. I needed to rivet the new belt to the pants, since I didn't think trying to sew the heavy nylon belt would work.
I didn't have any rivets, or the tool to install them, so I used screws and nuts instead. It was tough making the holes in the pants and in the belt for the screws, but I finally did get it attached using one screw, 2 washers, a lockwasher, and a nut on each side.

What I really need is a cheap rivet kit. Probably something I can buy at Home Depot, but I was thinking I might want something nicer than the standard rivets they would sell. Like a Levis type rivet.

Does anyone know of something like this?

Normally, I would have tossed the pants when the belt broke, but my budget is strained, and I'm trying to save money for new gear for a thru-hike next year.

Thanks

FW

[jrwiesz]

Grommets work well, they come in a variety of sizes. Less pricey than a rivet kit.

You don't necessarily need a rivet kit. Just adding to your options. :sun

[Chatter]

Well, if you INSIST on repairing clothing with rivets....

Here is a cheap rivet gun for $4.99.

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-riveter-set-38353.html

There is even a Harbour Freight store near Teaneck, NJ:
SADDLE BROOK NJ #237
441 MARKET ST
SADDLE BROOK, NJ 07663

[mudhead]

Take the clean pants to a fabric store that does alterations.

Amazing what someone who does stuff like that can do on the cheap.

[moytoy]

You don't need a rivit gun for "jean" type rivits. You can get rivits at http://www.castbullet.com/rivet.htmt

[moytoy]

woops...try this http://www.castbullet.com/rivet.htm

[JRiker]

buy a snap kit from michael's, like this one.

http://www.michaels.com/art/online/displayProductPage?productNum=gc0723

then you can still use your belt for something else if need be.

[fw2008]

buy a snap kit from michael's, like this one.

http://www.michaels.com/art/online/displayProductPage?productNum=gc0723

then you can still use your belt for something else if need be.
The pants already have working snaps, but the belt is necessary to make them fit properly. The waistband is not elastic.

Maybe it's just time for a new pr of pants; I've had these for about 10 years.
I just thought maybe I could save some $$, as I am on a very tight budget at the moment, and need to have my boots resoled or buy new ones.

FW

[LIhikers]

How about using an awl, like this (http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___21788), to sew the belt back on to the pants?
It sews all sorts of things together.

[Panzer1]

Take the clean pants to a fabric store that does alterations.

Amazing what someone who does stuff like that can do on the cheap.

I would second this idea. Find a place that looks like they would do a cheap job and ask for a estimate.

Panzer

[JRiker]

The pants already have working snaps, but the belt is necessary to make them fit properly. The waistband is not elastic.

Maybe it's just time for a new pr of pants; I've had these for about 10 years.
I just thought maybe I could save some $$, as I am on a very tight budget at the moment, and need to have my boots resoled or buy new ones.

FW

no, i meant use the snap to connect the belt to the pants. one half of the snaps (instead of rivets) on the belt, the other half on the pants. then the belt is snapped to your pants, but can be removed and worn on something else if need be.