The buckle is solid but what I like best is that the stitching is on the inside so the strap looks like a really classic leather belt. There are no instructions but I have other ratchet straps so I knew how to cut and attach the strap. The buckle is easy enough to put on and take off so I would try it on before cutting to see how much you want to cut. Trimming with scissors makes it difficult to get a clean, even cut. It is better to use a hacksaw or even a serrated knife to make a straight cut.