Tips for hiding staples in loops

[Alexis1234]

Any tips for hiding staples? I've owned a loop stapler for a few years and never used it. Now, I'd like to start for certain jobs. I've tried using a gouge, a channeler and the best result I've gotten has been with a razor blade held on an angle. Any tips? Do I need to glue the cut before pressing the loop? Picture is of one strap I used the razor blade on( its stapled)the other is of an antique box loop with staples. The new one is not glued or pressed, I was just trying things out. Thanks for any help!

[bruce johnson]

I am not going to be a lot of help. I watched the old man who taught me a lot do some stapled loops one afternoon. He was cutting the slit with a knife. I can't remember if it was angled, straight, or what. That was years ago and he has long since passed on. 

On a more helpful note...I was just thinking about getting a hold of you. I got some nice loop press dies in an estate shop purchase. There are probably about 40 of them. If you are interested send me an email.  Thanks! - Bruce

[Alexis1234]

Hi Bruce, thank you for the reply. I sent you an email about the dies. The best result with the stapler has been with the knife, but im not sure how others do it. It seems like I over complicate things.

[Alexis1234]

Email: alexisclark@clarkharness.com 

[fredk]

In one of Al Stohlman's books he describes how to do hidden stitching

I guess the same process would do for a staple

As I remember it;

He cut into leather at about a 45* angle, about 1/4 or 1/3 through. Used a modelling tool to raise the cut leather up to clear a space for the stitching. Did the stitching then glued the raised bit of leather back down to where it was. Gave it a good rub down, (burnish) to make sure it was well and truly stuck and that was it; hidden stitching, or in your case, a hidden staple

[TomE]

7 hours ago, Alexis1234 said:

I'm no help on stapling, but I have some questions about the hardware at the bottom right of your picture.  I saw something similar on a German bridle noseband - an oval shaped loop with a spike that was anchored between 2 layers of leather,  I think by oversewing through a hole in the spike.  What is this hardware called?  Do you have a source for it?  Thanks for any information.

 

[Alexis1234]

Yes, its a vintage pattern of layer loop. I haven't seen anything like it offered new from suppliers. However,  they are available as NOS on ebay- see pic

[Tove09Tilda]

8 hours ago, TomE said:

 

Tom, if they ship to the US, Sprenger might have what you are searching for. 
https://www.sprenger.de/collections/geschirrbeschlage

They usually have everything you need for Horsebridles, Harnesses and even some saddle parts. Quality is really superior! 

[jcuk]

On 10/14/2025 at 7:54 PM, Alexis1234 said:

Any tips for hiding staples? I've owned a loop stapler for a few years and never used it. Now, I'd like to start for certain jobs. I've tried using a gouge, a channeler and the best result I've gotten has been with a razor blade held on an angle. Any tips? Do I need to glue the cut before pressing the loop? Picture is of one strap I used the razor blade on( its stapled)the other is of an antique box loop with staples. The new one is not glued or pressed, I was just trying things out. Thanks for any help!

There is a tool called a Martingale groover which used for rolled work, it will cut into the leather does not remove any leather like stitching groovers. It can be set to what ever  width and depth you want but that has to be done on a test piece first as there is no gauge but it will give you more control on how deep you want to go, than doing it with a knife. The only problem is they are hard to come by Abbey carry them not cheap though, can't tell you about the quality of it and they are out of stock something tells me you may have to contact them they may only be made to order these days if you are lucky.  You may get lucky on eBay as I did got a lovely H Brindley or maybe Bruce might be able to source one that Side of the pond for you.The way I use it is cut the channel then run my single crease through it just to widen it while I stitch once stitched bone over where I have stitched to conceal the stitches. Here is a link to Abbey also a old link to a site your side of the pond better pics of the tool.

https://www.abbeyengland.com/abbey-martingale-groover-fs0210

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/martingale-groover-saddlery-harness-160500031

Hope this helps

JCUK

 

[billybopp]

Would something like this work for your needs??  They come up from time to time on eBay and such, although usually missing the blade.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/187610770315?_skw=gomph&itmmeta=01K7PD3FVNPT1F679GNEZ33QG3&hash=item2bae792b8b:g:qC4AAeSw-aZotF1h&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAAwFkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1cwPaYCAFyMjpOdoaSxi96bkOZDxrJdVbfsEiZI%2BamuWFz954YoN5SFUZRUtgMIGppV1NPDQ%2BVQMSe3hl%2FrdnL8o2jOVSFWMMeXrWRzy67qqmPFySE47diKE1oqclGFDVjDj1j5eNj9fFZrsG6HBhyjCgv%2B9msv1aUqC1wfN%2FK1aKS7FfAHTAVgfAH1pa37Rgy0Pmcqt%2FcqoOsEGOKiOXP4kNtBpj5dNcl9Zr6CIphrng%3D%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR4b-jc29Zg

 

-Bill