Saddle Tacks And Nails?

[lcmattson]

I'm sure this has been posted before, but where might be the best place to get tacks for making saddles? Can I get these things at Home Depot, or do I need to buy them online? I've been looking at shoe tacks, but the shipping is ridiculous in most cases, and I don't want to get the wrong thing. I don't have extra money to waste.

[Big Sioux Saddlery]

Most people use nails nowadays in saddles, not tacks. Use tacks when fitting up, as they're easy to pull, but they also work themselves out easily, which is why you don't want to use them for assembly. Most old saddles are full of tacks. Use stainless steel nails for assemble. I get mine from Sheridan leather, or once in awhile the local lumber yard will have something I can use. I'll also use small galvanized nails for repair work. I use hand shoe tacks for tacking up harness and strap goods before sewing. The rawhide of a saddle tree will turn the point before it penetrates. Go to Sheridan Leather's website or call them. Vandy is very helpful.

[oltoot]

I have used cement coated nails from the lumber yard in sizes 4, 6, 8 for years in mix with tacks from Weaver in sizes ranging fom tiny (4 oz lace tacks) to 22 oz. And for the last 20+ years I have used drywall screws in increasing ratios to the other products. No one type will accomplish everything that needs doing. In saddlemaking, I am of the school that says think about having to repair an item in 10-20 years and proceed accordingly.