What Is a Blevins Buckle on a Saddle?
For more than 50 years, Blevins buckles have been the standard for stirrup adjustment buckles. A Blevins buckle is a metal buckle attachment that slides up and down to help riders adjust the length of their stirrup and keep their feet steady. Most Blevins buckles are made from high-quality stainless steel or aluminum interlocking metal slides and copper rivets. Available in horizontal and vertical configurations, Blevins buckles come in sizes ranging from two to three inches. While traditionally sold in a light tan colored leather, keep in mind that Blevins buckles can be dyed any color to match your saddle. This article will take a brief look at Blevins buckles. You'll be saddled up and riding in no time!
How Do Blevins Buckles Work?
A Blevins Buckle with Slip Cover (also called a sleeve) attaches to the bottom of the stirrup leather on your Western saddle to support your feet at all times. The Blevins buckle is installed and covered with a slipcover to ensure the stirrup is steady and secure while on a ride.
How To Measure Blevins Buckles
To measure a Blevins buckle, use a soft and flexible tape measure to measure the width from inside to inside. It's essential to measure the width from the inside. If you measure from outside to outside, you'll be a ½ inch too large when you add your Blevins Buckle Sleeve.
How To Keep Blevins Buckles From Corroding
Like many metal Saddle Accessories, Blevins buckles must be carefully maintained to ensure they're in good condition for your next ride. Over time, a combination of moisture in the air and your horse's sweat can cause your Blevins buckles to corrode or rust.
Additionally, this can cause the leather to dry around the rivets. Keep your Blevins buckles and saddle in dry, warm environments to prevent corrosion and to keep the leather moist. Remember to check the Blevins buckle on your saddle periodically to make sure the buckle is not corroded. If corrosion occurs, the Blevins buckle may become loose, crack the leather around the rivets and/or break during your next ride.
How To Install Blevins Buckles
Blevins buckles are among the most trusted stirrup buckles in the industry. If you've been using another method to keep your stirrups steady and are looking for something better, you might consider making the switch.
Need to know how to change to Blevins buckles? Just follow these four simple installation steps:
- Carefully remove the rivets from your old stirrup buckle.
- Cut away any damaged leather and drill new rivet holes.
- Line up the holes with the Blevins buckle and install your new rivets.
- Slide the Blevins sleeve on and attach both ends.
How To Replace Blevins Buckle
If you have an issue with wear or breakage, you can often just replace the slide rather than the entire Blevins buckle. As long as your sleeve is tight and can keep your feet steady, you won't need to replace it. Checking for corrosion and replacing the Blevins as necessary will help keep your saddle safe for years to come!
Shop Blevins Buckles at South Texas Tack Today
Now that you know what a Blevins buckle is, how to install a Blevins buckle and how to stop one from corroding, check out the selection at South Texas Tack for the best of the best. Blevins buckles from South Texas Tack are excellent tools to make your rides safer and more secure. Made with superior craftsmanship for an affordable price, you won't find a better deal on Blevins buckles out there. We also carry an entire line of saddle accessories designed to improve your rides and keep you comfortable year-round. Browse our complete selection today.
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