geargarcon Report post Posted January 19, 2018 (edited) I'm attempting to make a bag by following the example of one of our very talented and helpful forum members. Here is a link to what he has made: http://andersenleather.blogspot.com/2017/02/briefcase-with-3-piece-gusset.html I'm having a hard time finding some of the hardware I need though. I've already tried all the usual suspects (Tandy, Weaver, Springfield, Ohio Travel Bag, Buckle Guy). I've also asked the creator of this bag, but he's not in the US. So now I'm asking for everyone else's help. Can anyone point me to a US retailer who sells a metal strip / spring steel which I can use to reinforce the top of the bag where the handle attaches? Also, if someone knows of a US retailer of solid brass bag locks, I'd really appreciate that too. Most of the locks I'm finding in the US aren't brass or are a little to dainty. I've found a few nice locks, but they are all European. Cheers Edited January 19, 2018 by geargarcon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
garypl Report post Posted January 19, 2018 16 minutes ago, geargarcon said: Can anyone point me to a US retailer who sells a metal strip / spring steel which I can use to reinforce the top of the bag where the handle attaches? I think you should be able to find a piece of flat steel at a welding supply shop, big box store like HD or Lowe’s or maybe even Buy a steel ruler and wrap it in leather. Gary Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fredk Report post Posted January 19, 2018 You could try an industrial work place; they use spring steel banding around packing cases etcetera. I used to get if from that sort of place when I made wooden toys. However that steel is very hard to cut and drill. An alternative is brass strip from K & S Metal out of Chicago. A lot of hobby shops carry racks of their brass and aluminium in strip, sheet, rods, tubes. It can also be bought directly http://www.ksmetals.com/ I always have a selection of their brass strips and sheets on hand. Its useful for supporting or backing some fittings Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
garypl Report post Posted January 19, 2018 3 hours ago, fredk said: An alternative is brass strip from K & S Metal out of Chicago. A lot of hobby shops carry racks of their brass and aluminium in strip, sheet, rods, tubes. It can also be bought directly http://www.ksmetals.com/ I agree with Fredk - most hardware stores around me have racks of steel strips in various thicknesses and lengths. I bought a chunk of 4 x 12 x 1/4” steel plate for @$15 to use as a stamping surface for my arbor press. The hardware store had all kinds of steel in smaller sizes for less than what I paid. Gary Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leathersmyth Report post Posted January 19, 2018 Home depot should carry metal that will work. The locks, can be found from UK. I will look and see if i have a extra one kicking around that i have ordered from, and not needing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tejas Report post Posted January 19, 2018 Might be an overkill, but in google try: sailboat stainless steel strap tang Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
geargarcon Report post Posted January 20, 2018 Thank you so much for all of the responses! I hadn't even thought of a hardware store. I figured I was looking for a leather working specific piece. If all else fails, I do have a small metal ruler that I really don't like to use because it is so thin which I could repurpose. @leathersmyth If you have an old brass lock you have no need for I would love to purchase it from you. Thanks again for the help everyone. Gotta love this forum! gg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
