How to Thread a Weight Belt Buckle

Getting this right could save your life!

There are 'right' and 'wrong' ways to thread a standard 50 mm (2.0 inch) quick-release diving weight belt buckle. Getting it wrong can be very, very dangerous. So it's important you learn the correct way to thread your dive weight belt buckle.

However, there are many variations in the design of diving quick-release weight belt buckles. There are two, three and even four slot weight belt buckles. Most have a wider first slot to take two thicknesses of webbing strap, but some don't. The 'right' way to thread the buckle differs for each design. Here we cover how to thread the webbing on the two most common buckle designs.

We strongly recommend the use of a stainless steel quick-release weight belt buckle with three slots, the first slot being able to take two thicknesses of webbing strap.

3-Slot Quick-Release Stainless Steel Weight Belt Buckle

Threading a 3-Slot Quick-Release Weight Belt Buckle

Threading a 3-Slot Quick-Release Weight Belt Buckle

Starting from the left of the metal buckle, as it will sit on your waist:

1. Open buckle and thread the left waist webbing strap down through the first slot (double width, left end slot) of the buckle.
2. Position the buckle approximately 45 cm (18 inches) of webbing length from the left waist slot.
3. Thread the webbing from the back up through the second slot (centre slot).
4. Continue to thread the end of the webbing down through the front of the third slot (right end slot).
5. Pull the webbing tight between the slots.
6. Then thread the webbing back up through the back of the first slot (double width, left end slot) so there are two thicknesses of webbing through the first slot and the webbing end passes under the rest of the belt.
7. Pull the webbing tight and make sure it's flat.
8. Check the buckle closes properly.

Threading a 2-Slot Quick-Release Weight Belt Buckle

While we don't recommend the use of 2-slot belt buckles, if it's all you have then this is the correct way to thread them.

Threading a 2-Slot Quick-Release Weight Belt Buckle

Starting from the left of the metal buckle, as it will sit on your waist:

1. Open buckle and thread the webbing down through the second slot.
2. Position the buckle approximately 30 cm (12 inches) of webbing length from the left waist slot.
3. Thread the webbing back up through the first slot so the webbing end passes under the rest of the belt.
4. Make sure the webbing is pulled tight so it lays flat.
5. Check the buckle closes properly.

It's important you know how to correctly thread the weight belt quick-release buckle you're using. If it's on a rental weight belt, check that it's threaded correctly.

If your weight belt buckle is damaged for any reason, it must be replaced before you dive with it. Keep a spare weight belt buckle in your scuba gear bag and replace your old buckle if you ever think it might fail to perform. See Weight Accessories for weight belt buckles we have available.