How can I punch very small holes in fine leather

[UKRay]

I am making replacement narrow leather straps for a pair of ladies shoes and have hit a snag. None of my big old harness punches are anywhere near small enough to make the right sized holes for the tiny buckles and the smallest size on my rotary punch is waaay too big. The hole needs to be slightly less than 1mm in diameter through three thicknesses of 1mm leather.

I don't want to use an awl blade as that will tear the leather and leave a poor finish to the hole - I need very tiny smooth round holes. Anyone got any ideas please? I thought about using a very sharp drill - has anyone done this?

I can't afford to screw up as I only have enough of the right coloured leather for one attempt!

Edited June 20, 2008 by UKRay

[Regis]

Drill should work fine. Put leather or wood behind the peice while you drill to support and make a smoother hole (back side).

[Washroad]

I just did this for a pair of my wife's shoes.

I got out my drill index and found the right size, laid the strap on my cutting board, and just twisted the drill by hand. It went through the leather easily and left a clean round hole. She was happy!

[HorsehairBraider]

There is a fine hole punching tool which can be purchased at Tandy's... let's see... Hand Sewing Punch and it's the third item down.

I have punched very small holes with it. I make miniature tack and this is the punch I use for the little tiny holes for my little tiny buckle toungues. This is a model horse like a Breyer:

[Leerwerker]

Contact Roy Fisher at

Unit 2 Crofton Oak

N. Portway Close

Round Spinney Industrial Estate

Northampton, UK NN3 8RD

Phone: 01604 647910

Fax: 01604 647951

Toll Free(UK Only): 0800-085-6765

Email: northampton@tandyleatherfactory.com

and ask him for item number 3229-00 - that is the rotary hand sewing punch - it makes the tiniest holes very neat and clean.

JOhan

I am making replacement narrow leather straps for a pair of ladies shoes and have hit a snag. None of my big old harness punches are anywhere near small enough to make the right sized holes for the tiny buckles and the smallest size on my rotary punch is waaay too big. The hole needs to be slightly less than 1mm in diameter through three thicknesses of 1mm leather.

[UKRay]

Thanks for all your help guys! The Tandy punch is exactly what I needed and Roy Fisher dispatched it really quickly. I like the tool a lot as it is really well made and nice to use.

[Luke Hatley]

I knew that you would like it.

did it punch the size hole that you needed to repair the shoe.?

[UKRay]

I knew that you would like it.

did it punch the size hole that you needed to repair the shoe.?

I can't believe how small the holes are, Luke. I confess I'm much more at home with a big fat 2" wad punch and a womping great mallet. For what it is worth the holes really are very clean. Ideal for fine leatherwork.