First use: belt unfolded, plastic scratch guard removed from metal, belt passed through pant loops, belt inserted into buckle, then pin placed in closed position. The metal pin broke into 2 equal pieces instantly, silently and cleanly, just like other bad reviews describing the same thing. I have had Columbia products in the past and they have been of good quality. However, this band is not good.*Update: Since I was still at the window to return the band, I did it. I opted for a new belt instead of a refund. I know. Surprisingly however. A replacement belt arrived after 20 hours. Long story short, a piece of metal with "teeth" protruding into the cotton belt emerged after about 2 minutes of wear. I put it back in place and hammered the metal into place. . GARBAGE. It's not even worth taking and posting photos. AVOID THIS WASTE.