MISSING BUCKLE: If the entire buckle is missing and it's not clear how it was originally oriented on the webbing, follow these guidelines:

A replacement buckle is sized by the width of the webbing it will be attached to.

As a general rule, when fastening a buckle while wearing an item, the release piece (insert) is held in the right hand while the lock piece (receiver) is held in the left hand.

VARIATIONS: Sometimes only one side of the buckle will be replaceable, like when one side is sewn onto a backpack.