Making Leather Washers For Snap Reinforcement

[georgeandgracie]

I need to reinforce a large snap on waxed canvas. It's large mainly for looks, but I'm afraid it may pull through the waxed canvas. The washers will show so they can't be irregular in shape. I've seen this done by someone else - a link to their page is given below.

Are leather washers available commercially, or is there a way I can make these myself?

http://shop.strawfoothandmade.com/product/lined-shoulder-bag-chestnut

[veedub3]

I use washers on the waxed canvas bags I make all the time. Although they can still be seen, they are usually on the interior of the bag used for added strength in attaching the leather handles to the waxed canvas bag. I am sure you can do the same for snaps. I simply use one of my round punches to punch holes in scrap leather to use as a washer. I make them all different sizes and keep them in a baggie for when I am ready to use them. Unless someone is using a round punch that is not round, they are pretty symmetrical in shape.

Karina

[electrathon]

Sharpen a piece of pipe.

[georgeandgracie]

Wholehearted thanks to you both. I just bought a C.S. Osborne 3/4-inch round punch on eBay. Someday that sharpened-pipe idea may prove to be handy, especially for a larger washer.

[Tree Reaper]

The Osborne punch works good for that.

You'll have to sharpen them though.

[georgeandgracie]

Thanks, Tree Reaper. I'll do that.

[Tree Reaper]

I bought the set from Springfield Leather, mainly because of the center pin within the punch.

It gets you dead center each time.

A little pricy at $79 wholesale but decent for what you get.

the set is # 88-0156

http://springfieldleather.com/24676/Punch-Set%2CSelf-Centering/

[Ken G]

I have found a source for 3/4" leather washers with a 1/4" hole that I can use here: http://www.twinleather.com/

They are only a dime a piece but I will need to order 450 of them to come up with a minimum order. They do have other sizes and shapes available if I can figure out something else I can use.

Edited December 9, 2013 by Ken G

[veedub3]

"They are only a dime a piece"

You can make them for free from scrap leather that would otherwise be tossed out. You have probably already purchased the leather. The parts that are too small to do anything with - take a punch and start punching! I got three round punches on Ebay for $9.00 including shipping - sizes 3/4", 1", and 1.25". The center hole I make with a punch set I got from harbor freight for $6.00. (9 sizes from 1/2" down) With this set up I can make any size I need, and how many I need, whenever I need them. Just a thought!

Karina

Edited December 9, 2013 by veedub3