iamunique127 Report post Posted March 7, 2021 I use collar stays to spread glue in small areas. I'm retired now and don't wear shirts that require collar stays, the reinforced plastic tabs that keep a shirt collar straight. I buy cheap pin vises and insert them into old, cut down file handles to hold my awl needles. I use cheap plastic For Sale, Beware of Dog, etc. signs from the Dollar Store from which to cut templates. They are big enough for most anything I make, rigid enough so they can be used repeatedly, store easily and seem to last a good long time. I glue various grades of sandpaper to wooden coffee stir sticks for sanding in tight spots like belt holes on pancake sheaths. If the sandpaper is glued up the edge too it is really useful for sanding the ends of oblongs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sbrownn Report post Posted March 7, 2021 I use my low angle block plane to true up the edges of the items I make...no sanding necessary if the plane is sharp. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ole South Report post Posted March 22, 2021 (edited) Free chopsticks... The bamboo ones are the best. Easily formed, they can be specialty molding "spoons" or stylus'. Nicely hard and smooth after filing/sanding and then burnishing on another piece of wood. I've even made double-ended orange peelers from them. Like the above mentioned skewers they are great for filling larger holes in wood or as a quick molley in concrete. You can soak or steam bend them too. Edited March 22, 2021 by Ole South spellcheck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tugadude Report post Posted March 22, 2021 Fiskars rotary knife. No drag on thin leather. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
donohueleather Report post Posted July 17, 2021 Roofing hook blades (utility knife blades), when cutting heavier weight leather you can hook the edge, and carefully control the draw, either against a guide/straight edge, or along a drawn or traced line. The blade pulls through with minimal effort and eliminates the need for multiple passes. Due to the curved nature of the blade it also helps cut bends and around corners without over cutting. I load my utility knife with straight blades and hook blades so I can quick change as needed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zuludog Report post Posted July 17, 2021 A corkscrew! This is an invaluable tool for obtaining protective covers for awls. But then you have to do something with the surplus materials............. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PastorBob Report post Posted July 18, 2021 I bought a set of brass punches of various sizes from Harbor freight. I have a couple in the leather shop. One is perfectly sized for the large tandy stamps to use as a handle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JayEhl Report post Posted July 19, 2021 Boy these area all super ideas, especially for us new guys. This thread should've been titled "Leather Worker Hacks! " I know it's not earth shattering but I glued on different grit sand paper to (free) paint stirrers that I've picked up at the local hardware stores. That way I have different grits on a block ready to sand long edges. For smaller tinier areas I like the chopstick and bbq skewer ideas. Ya'all keep these coming! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tsunkasapa Report post Posted July 19, 2021 I like a spokeshave for skiving belts and other straps. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scrapyarddog Report post Posted July 21, 2021 PVC pipes of various sizes. I use them for round box stitching, to glue exterior and lining of bag flaps (to make sure the finish product naturally bends a certain way), to make handles. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites