I've never had to cut a rubber strap so I'm curious, what strap are you cutting and is it a requirement or is it just too long?

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It’s just a regular rubber Seiko strap that’s too long. I've tried cutting a few rubber straps in the past and never could reproduce a perfectly symmetrical and smooth edge. So I’m reluctant to try again. Some people can do it ok, but not me. I've searched the forum and seen instructions on how to "manually" cut and trim a rubber strap, but would ideally like to find some sort of tool that can automate it. The same way a hole punch tool "automates" making holes in leather etc.

 

wonder if a leather punch would work? the kind shoe repair guys use to trim leather belts

 

Maybe roughly cutting to length then either belt sanding or bench grind to shape.

Corner rounding cutters are available in the crafting hobby but I think they would not accept the thickness of the rubber.

 

I use something called a 'half moon punch' for leatherwork, can't see why it wouldn't be suitable for rubber, though you can always tell when a rubber strap's been cut.

 

Thanks. I've just been looking at these on YouTube. How exactly would they be used on a strap, though? The half-moon shape they cut is a concave shape and not a convex shape like a strap cut should be. See:

Also, should such machines allow for a concave shape cut, how do you adjust it for the width of the strap tip?

 

I was thinking the same thing, take a look at some leathercraft tools. There are "strap end punches" of differing designs. I'd maybe get somethat is a wide, flat U shape, align the side of the U with the strap and make one cut. Then slide the tool over and align the other side of the U and make another cut. That way the roundover is the same and you don't have to try buy a punch that is exactly the right width. Like others have mentioned though, it'll never look like a factory edge with the mold lines, but at least it'll be even.

 

I was thinking the same thing, take a look at some leathercraft tools. There are "strap end punches" of differing designs. I'd maybe get somethat is a wide, flat U shape, align the side of the U with the strap and make one cut. Then slide the tool over and align the other side of the U and make another cut. That way the roundover is the same. Like others have mentioned though, it'll never look like a factory edge with the mold lines, but at least it'll be even.

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That's also an option, but you'd need to buy several of differing sizes to fit the various width of the watch straps you need cutting.

 

I think if you buy one that is extra large (like 1" wide), then you can make two cuts for each strap, and be able to use it on any size strap (as long as it's narrower than the punch you buy).

 

The best weapon for cutting and shaping a rubber strap is a VERY sharp craft knife.

 

first, I use a fine tooth razor saw, then I measure & trim the square corners with a large toe
nail clipper.

 

Trace around a nickel with a razor knife to give a rounded end. Cut it at an angle for another option.

 

You’re overthinking it...it’s a piece of rubber strap.

As above, just trace using an oval object or similar, and cut that sumbitch.

Absolutely NO ONE is going to see it, notice it, compliment it, or rag on it ;-)

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Cookie cutter and a mallet?

 

A very sharp- and hard- cookie cutter....

 

Buy a section of 22mm electrical pipe.

Cut a length of about 150mm. Saw, cut, bend, shape and grind a 'U' on one end.

Hey presto one rubber cutter for a few $/£

 

I just lay another strap on top of the one I want to cut and use a razor blade. I then finish it off with some fine sandpaper. Works perfect every time.

I do agree h the above statement, you are overthinking this.