CaneMtn Report post Posted March 17, 2024 (edited) I was recently asked to make a very small dog leash (for a 5 lbs dog), which I happily obliged. But it got me thinking of the limitations of the materials and hardware that we use in leathercraft. I love data driven decisions, so naturally I bought a pull test device to do some of my own testing. It is NOT a $16k Tensile Testing machine, so just take these results as what they are...a guy in his garage having fun pulling things apart with a hydraulic ram. I have been documenting the testing and results so far on our Instagram page (@canemtn), but wanted to share the results with this community as well. Tested so far: - 3/8" wide Biothane versus 3/8" wide Leather - Double Cap Rivet post lengths in 4.5mm / 11/12oz Leather - Tested in Shear - 3/8" Solid Brass Swivel Snap To Be Tested: - Double Cap Rivets - in Tension - Solid Copper Rivets - in Shear and Tension - Solid Brass Rivets - in Shear and Tension - Stitching - Saddle Stitch versus Machine Stitch in Shear and in Tension (probably going to use Biothane to rule out inconsistencies in material). - Every width of Leather I can think of. - Every width of Biothane I can get my hands on. If you have any ideas for things you would like to see pulled apart, please share!! I plan to update this post as I have new results. Edited March 17, 2024 by CaneMtn Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomE Report post Posted March 17, 2024 The stretch of leather is of interest for saddlery and harness making - how much the length changes with use. I'd be interested in comparing different tannages for stretch under a controlled load. Bridle, harness, and regular veg tanned of similar weight. Also there is some debate about how much the grain contributes to the strength of a strap versus an equal thickness of a flesh side split. How much leather would you need for testing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mulesaw Report post Posted March 17, 2024 Great idea! I think that it would be interesting to see if the leather retains it strength depending on what treatment it has received. E.g. Neatsfoot oil soaking vs mineral oil soaking. Dry veg tan vs. veg tan that has been given a bit of oil/grease Brgds Jonas Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mablung Report post Posted March 17, 2024 Interested to see the results. FYI, I tried to put the Instagram handle you listed into my browser, but got an error message from Instagram. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fredk Report post Posted March 18, 2024 A snatch pull puts more weight on than a dead-weight Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NatesLeatherGds Report post Posted March 18, 2024 (edited) Awesome tests! 8 hours ago, CaneMtn said: If you have any ideas for things you would like to see pulled apart, please share!! We need some tests with stitched leashes. 8-10 ounces, 3/4 inch. Say 10 or 12 total stitches, saddle stitched. 1mm thread, at least. Please thank you. What goes first? The stitches or the leather? Edited March 18, 2024 by NatesLeatherGds Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
