tiny nails, old thin leather

[SherriTRN]

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?

Edited 1 hour ago by SherriTRN

[BlackDragon]

Don Gonzalez has a couple videos on breaking down a saddle and cleaning. He gets into a lot of detail and shows you the tools he uses, some he made himself.

https://www.youtube.com/@DonGonzalesMaker/search?query=breaking down a saddle

 

[SherriTRN]

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

[TomE]

This tack puller has worked well for me on English saddles.  https://a.co/d/hplCLS2

[SherriTRN]

Thank you