Need New Leather Awl Ouch!

[7thhorsesoldier]

Well, i'm a beginner leather worker and I got some cheap tools today so I decide to try making a leather belt (nothing fancy, just sewing a buckle on). Halfway through I noticed the $0.99 Awl I was using was bent. Not too upset knowing I couldn't expect too much from somthing that cheap I continued on. Nothing could have ever prepared me for what happend next. I doing a saddle stitch and as I was punching a hole into the leather I I heard CrAck... Next thing I know I had a awl needle all the way through my hand. The wood handle on the awl had broken away leaving the back of the needle open and the force of my hand trying to push the awl through the leather and...well you can guess the rest. Trying not to yell a bunch of nasty words I slowly made my way to the tool box and grabed a pair of plyers and yanked it out. My hand is alright and healing but I'm definitely ready to buy some GOOD tools to avoid the same experience . Where are some good supplier's with good tools? Thank yall! OUCH...

[Sylvia]

Well, i'm a beginner leather worker and I got some cheap tools today so I decide to try making a leather belt (nothing fancy, just sewing a buckle on). Halfway through I noticed the $0.99 Awl I was using was bent. Not too upset knowing I couldn't expect too much from somthing that cheap I continued on. Nothing could have ever prepared me for what happend next. I doing a saddle stitch and as I was punching a hole into the leather I I heard CrAck... Next thing I know I had a awl needle all the way through my hand. The wood handle on the awl had broken away leaving the back of the needle open and the force of my hand trying to push the awl through the leather and...well you can guess the rest. Trying not to yell a bunch of nasty words I slowly made my way to the tool box and grabed a pair of plyers and yanked it out. My hand is alright and healing but I'm definitely ready to buy some GOOD tools to avoid the same experience . Where are some good supplier's with good tools? Thank yall! OUCH...

OUCH!! Thats almost as good as my dropping a swivel knife on my bare foot. I didn't get cut though.

I hear great things about CS Osborne tools. I know they have some good awls but not the kind you see with the bobbin. I don't think you are supposed to stab and push with those cheap awls, I think they are meant to travel through a pre-punched hole.

Hope your hand heals soon.

[Art]

You are putting way too much pressure on the awl. Awl needs to be sharper, smoother, and you need some beeswax on it. I even use a chunk of beeswax as a backer when pushing the awl through. Get a Douglas awl and Douglas makes a handle too, kind of expensive, but pretty. A CSO handle will work fine. Get the awl from Sheridan Leather Outfitters.

Art

Well, i'm a beginner leather worker and I got some cheap tools today so I decide to try making a leather belt (nothing fancy, just sewing a buckle on). Halfway through I noticed the $0.99 Awl I was using was bent. Not too upset knowing I couldn't expect too much from somthing that cheap I continued on. Nothing could have ever prepared me for what happend next. I doing a saddle stitch and as I was punching a hole into the leather I I heard CrAck... Next thing I know I had a awl needle all the way through my hand. The wood handle on the awl had broken away leaving the back of the needle open and the force of my hand trying to push the awl through the leather and...well you can guess the rest. Trying not to yell a bunch of nasty words I slowly made my way to the tool box and grabed a pair of plyers and yanked it out. My hand is alright and healing but I'm definitely ready to buy some GOOD tools to avoid the same experience . Where are some good supplier's with good tools? Thank yall! OUCH...

[Sylvia]

You are putting way too much pressure on the awl. Awl needs to be sharper, smoother, and you need some beeswax on it. I even use a chunk of beeswax as a backer when pushing the awl through. Get a Douglas awl and Douglas makes a handle too, kind of expensive, but pretty. A CSO handle will work fine. Get the awl from Sheridan Leather Outfitters.

Art

I sure wish Sheridan Leather Outfitters (and others) would either finish their website or just not have a web presence. I hate it when I go to a site and they have "pictures" but you can't buy... or worse... has a big ol long list of "things" but nothing is linked to a picture. It's enough to make a person kind of cranky. It kind of reminds me of going through a shop door to buy something only to find everything inside is behind a Black wall. Terrible Marketing tactic.

[Art]

Hi Sylvia,

I know, but it is what it is. It is better than the no website they had before, and they do have contact info. Call Vandy and ask for what you need. Vandy is extremely knowledgeable and willing to help, she has an "in" at Douglas tools. Luke knows the mountain of leather they have and can help you with selection. They know what they got, they know what you need to get the job done, and they are darned fine folks.

Art

I sure wish Sheridan Leather Outfitters (and others) would either finish their website or just not have a web presence. I hate it when I go to a site and they have "pictures" but you can't buy... or worse... has a big ol long list of "things" but nothing is linked to a picture. It's enough to make a person kind of cranky. It kind of reminds me of going through a shop door to buy something only to find everything inside is behind a Black wall. Terrible Marketing tactic.

[King's X]

I echo what Art said......Call Vandy at S/O, she is very helpful! Unless you buy Douglas tools or a couple of other high end tools remember that care of your tools will be needed. Sharpening and maintaining your tools is required. The sharper the awl blade the easier it will pierce your leather. I use a Tandy, Hidecrafter and C.S. Osborne awl. I haven't had one brake on me yet.