replace one 2 1/2" stirrup leather

[mistyL]

Hi, this is my first post and I really need some advice. I've gotten my first "for real" repair job, and I'm not sure what to charge. I need to replace one 2 1/2" stirrup leather, I know its a very basic repair but please, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Misty

[bruce johnson]

Misty,

First off, I would ask why you are replacing just one? Unless it is a nearly new good leather that was in a wreck or they messed it up by doing a home repair, replace leathers as a set. If it is from wear, the same factors that wore out the first one are working on the other one. By replacing pairs, the leather has the same wear and stretch characteristics.

That said, in my area, currently I charge $105 for a set of full double pre-stretched 2-1/2" leathers. I charge $10 more for Nevada twist leathers. "Half-holes" and a latigo strip are $10 more too, but I should charge more than that. Take a pretty good look at the buckles too. Some saddles have Blevins knock-offs that have loose pins even when new. On older Blevins, there can be some corrosion on the pins. Replace them if needed, I charge $25, dye the slide to match, if done at the same time. I don't do half-leathers either - been there, seen those wrecks.

[mulefool]

I'm in the same ballpark as Bruce as far as price. I would also say I virtually always replace both. You'll probably want to pull the other one off anyway to make sure the holes lie up even. I wouldn't feel comfortable just replacing one and using the old holes for marking the new ones, since the old ones are most likely stretched out.

[mistyL]

Thanks Bruce and mulefool, for the great advice, the reason I'm only replacing one was because thats all she wanted, but you brought a great point to my attention and I'm gonna talk to her about both of them. The saddle itself looks pretty good, not old at all, and the leather is wearing out at the point where its rubbing against the rigging dee. The other stirrup leather (off side) looks pretty good but I can see where it's rubbing too, so sooner or later it will have to go.

Thanks again for your help.

Misty

[Don]

I agree with Bruce and Mulefoot, you should advise her to replace both sides. In our shop we only replace them in tandem unless a new saddle in a wreck, and we never, never, and I mean never patch stirrup leathers...

As far as price we charge $135 for complete replacement and another $20 for blevins.