Cant't close the belt on my Jandy cartridge filter.

[morzh]

Washed it, put all back, put the top back, then put the belt (clasp?) on. The distance between the ends is about 1/3" larger than I need for the bokt to reach the nut. No obstructions, checked that, sprayed the belt inside with water just in case. Also sprayed the seam. No luck. I need some vice possibly to pull it together but usually this is not the case so I need it, right?

What am I doing wrong or how can I succeed in closing it?

 

[morzh]

OK, figured this one by myself.
I have a vice.
Put it agains the gap, tightened enough so when released it stayed close enough to catch a thread.

The single problem was, this is a 40 pound vice, holding it in hands while clamping is, how would I say it...inconvenient but it worked.