Recommend a tool you like that is not mainly used for leathercraft

[Danne]

I start with a recommendation. 

Small silicone brushes. I use them both with waterbased and solvent based glues. I haven't used them a lot yet so can't answer how they will hold up against solvent based glue. But I usually wipe them off directly after I have applied glue.

[LatigoAmigo]

Nice thread @Danne.

I had been giving thought to using a magic marker to apply color to my edges, but felt the available colors too limiting. Plus, I wondered if the water based colors used in magic markers might not hold up over time. Then, while visiting an art store, I found these refillable markers which can be used with any alcohol based dyes. Have been very happy with the results.

[Danne]

5 minutes ago, LatigoAmigo said:

Nice thread @Danne.

I had been giving thought to using a magic marker to apply color to my edges, but felt the available colors too limiting. Plus, I wondered if the water based colors used in magic markers might not hold up over time. Then, while visiting an art store, I found these refillable markers which can be used with any alcohol based dyes. Have been very happy with the results.

That seems like an awesome solution. 

[Handstitched]

"Recommend a tool you like that is not mainly used for leathercraft" 

I use large 5mm square or ' O' rings instead of a bone folder to mold cases etc. I use the  curved wood handles on my  bevellers  instead of a slicker  to burnish ( ideal for tight curves & corners, holes etc. ) 

I use an old dried out  biro  or the tip of a pencil , dipped in dye for intricate details, instead of a brush. 

I use Q tips ( ear buds) for gluing  small  leather items, detailed parts etc.  .  They're disposable and cheap as . 

Does that count? 

HS

[jcuk]

I use wooden Golf tees for burnishing buckle tongue slots had the same ones for 25 years, also use a ski/snowboard scraper to help finish some edges to hide the join on some pieces of work cost £4.

JCUK

Edited November 30, 2020 by jcuk

[Sheilajeanne]

I use popsicle sticks for spreading glue!  

I also use a dried up ball point pen for transferring patterns from tracing paper to leather. Handstitched, that's what you call a Biro, right?

Edited November 30, 2020 by Sheilajeanne

[Lobo]

Probably the most useful tool in the shop was always a bench-top drill press. Used as a drill to remove broken snaps or rivets. Various size drum sanders for edge dressing. Chuck in a hard felt polishing bob for edge burnishing. I can't think of a single tool that did so many things or was used more often.

[Handstitched]

16 hours ago, Sheilajeanne said:

use popsicle sticks for spreading glue!  

I also use a dried up ball point pen for transferring patterns from tracing paper to leather. Handstitched, that's what you call a Biro, right?

Yep, spot on  .  I like the popsicle stick idea .  

HS

[Sheilajeanne]

Lobo, wish I had a drill press!  Have tried using a regular drill for burnishing - didn't work very well!

If I were handier with woodworking, I'd likely be able to make a stand for the drill, and that would make things easier.

[MarlinDave]

I use fired rifle brass for punches. When they get dull or bent I toss them and get another. .223 best for Chicago screws.