With rubber and pvc conveyor belts in the mine, we had hole punches. But you can get a drill bit to do the job. Another thing to mention, a circular saw and a chain saw do a good job cutting belting.

If it is bigger a foster bit works great. If you have a shop press and gasket punches that works good too. Some of the ships have metal core belts which makes it a little harder. Which boat did it come off of?

It came off of the John Bolen.

I make rubber paddles for conveyor belts out of old mine belt. I just drill the size hole I need and not worry that its not a clean hole, then just screw the bolt in it.

I make steel target hangers from old round bailer belts , I just drill and ream with the drill bit as best I can and then , yes screw the bolt in washers are good

I have an uncle and a cousin that may very well have both worked on that at Bay Ship

This, rubber and similar materials will cut a lot easier with a water lube, ask any 4 wheeler how easy it is to trash a $1K tire when crossing a creek!

Any bit will drill belting . Put a piece of duct tape on it drill baby drill.....

used regular drill bits in the mine when installing Flexco clips in our conveyor belts for clipping and patching holes.

Well it all done I bought a forster bit 1/4 didn't have 5/16 and bought a 5/16 drill bit also used my Christmas tree burr to clean up the hole.