A belt lacer uses a power drive carriage for clinching hook or C-shaped belt lacing elements to a belt end. Optionally, the carriage may be driven in a manual mode or a power mode. A detachable power drive such as from an electric drill may be used for the power mode. The power drive of the carriage may be stopped short of an end wall and a return mechanism may return the carriage to the power drive. A moveable belt support in a hand space position allows for working on the lacing elements and may be shifted to a belt supporting position. The belt clamp exerts a forwardly directed force on the belt as it is being clamped. Face plates or combs may be stored on the belt lacer. A latch secures the face plates against lateral sliding during clinching by clinching rollers on the carriage.