Setting Boot Hooks

[mjhayesleather]

Does anyone have a good method of setting boot hooks without the use of a press? Is there a handheld setting tool available or something I could fabricate? I would really appreciate any of your ideas. –Matt

[Luke Hatley]

Matt : try setting the boot hooks with a 'durable dot line 24' snap setter or with a tublar rivet setter,

you know you will have to be careful not to smash the hooks.........

someone else might know more than me..........good luck

Edited May 12, 2008 by Luke Hatley

[mjhayesleather]

Luke, I already tried line 20, 24, durable dot and eyelet setters but none worked. Thanks for the input though.

[indypbear]

Matt,

Try contacting OTB (Ohio Travel Bag) 1-800-800-1941. They don't have a hand tool but the anvil and base (T-1294 & T-1295) for the press should be able to be modified to work. Good luck with your search.

Indy

[mjhayesleather]

Thanks Indy.

[PeterD]

Does anyone have a good method of setting boot hooks without the use of a press? Is there a handheld setting tool available or something I could fabricate? I would really appreciate any of your ideas. –Matt

I found a piece of metal that would fit tight into the boot hook. I then rested the boot hook on a couple of pieces of scrap leather on my anvil. I was then able to use a snap setter to flare the back end.

[mjhayesleather]

PeterD, I did exactly what you did but not with the same results. My hook did not flare on the end like a snap does, the shaft just compressed. I have tried two brands of hooks but maybe I need to look for one with a thinner walled shaft. Do you remember who you purchased your boot hooks from? Thanks for the help. -Matt

[PeterD]

PeterD, I did exactly what you did but not with the same results. My hook did not flare on the end like a snap does, the shaft just compressed. I have tried two brands of hooks but maybe I need to look for one with a thinner walled shaft. Do you remember who you purchased your boot hooks from? Thanks for the help. -Matt

I don't remember. In order to make it work I started with the smallest setter and light tapping to get the flare to start, then progresses to the larger ones keepting the flare going. However I have found boot hooks that use two rivets and that is much easier. Nor sure where I got them I have two types; a weathered looking brass and a black type.