SherriTRN

DONE! And no tears. Cut the two apart where sewn together, and now have the top skirt off.

Thanks. I'll give the old college try.

The fleece needs to be replaced. I will have to take the skirts off to accomplish that, correct? That is the only reason I was going to take them off. But if I'm taking that far, figured I might as well make sure I get it really clean and conditioned while apart. If I understand what shank nails are, no. All the nails I have pulled thus far were smooth. Just thinking by looking at it and not having previous knowledge in saddle repairs, why can't I just get a tiny punch and punch the leather around the nail heads out and pull it up. Then fight getting the nails out. Or hammer them in as flat as possible. Re-nail in the same hole with a larger head nail, or beside these (if I couldn't get the nails out). It seems easier than trying not to rip this thin leather. Am I crazy?

Thank you

I actually watched a video of his to get started. I'll search his YouTube page for more that get into details.

I am deconstructing an old saddle of mine. First time, no help but what I get online. Are there tricks to removing the tiny nails that are in old thin leather without tearing it? Also, my saddle's skirts are sewn together. I was advised not to cut them loose and just take it apart together. Since I have never done this before, I don't know if I will be able to really clean and condition the leather unless I cut them loose. Any advise?