I’d be the last guy to sing the praises of Tandy. I agree, they sell cheap stuff at high prices but so do a lot of retailers, bass pro shops comes to mind. But like so many others have already said, pricking irons are not to be hammered in. They are for marking not pounding. I have a set of stitching chisels I bought from Tandy years ago and they work just fine. Buy the correct tool for the job. Yes I understand a lot of people use pricking irons as stitching chisels. But as you have found out, you don’t always get away with it.

@Augcliffe

5 ай бұрын

this 100%! pricking irons are NOT stitching chisels (or hole punches). I am self taught leatherworker and I used pricking irons as punches for about 9 months and was losing my sanity as I could never get a good experience out of them. once I realized I need to use punches it was like the clouds parted. seems obvious now, but if you are self-taught with NO experience, how would you know?

@mikeford963

5 ай бұрын

See, here's where I have a "concern" with that. While I understand the idea, these are HARDENED steel. They should have ZERO issue punching through leather. In fact, I've used them to do exactly that. I DO ensure that I am using a poundo board under my irons, not a cutting mat, or UHMW mat. If all these were meant to do is to lay out holes on the surface of the leather, why are the teeth so long?

@beijingbikinikill8608

27 күн бұрын

Plus jabrony didn’t even have a proper punching pad under his leathers!

I have been leather working for almost 25 years. When I started Tandy was about it for supplies. The tools I bought 15 years ago al longer I still use, the tools bought 5-10 years ago are junk and in the trash. I might buy hardware from them once in a while but that's it. The quality and customer service they offer not is not worth my time to deal with.

@karlgustav5490

7 ай бұрын

same! i have around 200 leather stamp tools. most of them are from the 90's. and some of them are from 2010 to 2015. almost all the recent ones have problem: some broke, and was definitively not high carbon steel and not even steel but zamac ( yes, from tandy leather!!) , some was badly made and polished, and if i compare a same reference, from a 90's tool and a recent one, the new one is really crap and with a different patern than the old one. never again tandy leather. .All my other tools come now from aliexpress! they cost nothing and after a small check and sometime some work on them, they works perfectly for just a couple of bucks! About stamps, lucky me i have almost all of them and dont need to buy more , but for the young guys, it's complicate for them to get good quality actually.

I know you have extensive experience in leatherwork, I have actually been looking at the Tandy Pro tools, and the store GM informed me that those pricking irons are just for marking the holes. She said that you mark the holes with the pro pricking iron, then use an awl (or stitching awl) to actually punch through the leather. I completely agree with you on the warranty issues that you had to deal with. Just figured i'd throw this out there for anyone who happens to read these comments

@christopherperrote7780

Жыл бұрын

That is the appropriate way to use pricking irons, though these look much more like stitching chisels with those extended tines to me; and one does punch through with stitching chisels, so I understand his confusion.

@robertfischer5893

Жыл бұрын

That's like how the manufacturer of Q-Tips says they're not intended to be used to clean inside your ears

@ohsprof654

Жыл бұрын

Agree these pricking irons are just for marking holes. I don’t see the point in pricking irons myself and won’t be buying a set anytime soon😊

@mikecleek3964

10 ай бұрын

I bought the same set I came up with put thick scrap leather underneath it, one of my prongs broke off the bigger one,I got what I paid for.

@mikecleek3964

10 ай бұрын

Thanks for your input 😮

2 problems. 1. Pricking iron are not punches. Hey are for marking your leather and using a sewing awl to complete the holes during sewing. 2. That is not a proper backing for punching. That is a cutting mat. You need a proper poly or hard rubber poundo board. That is why you are having issues. While I do agree that they do not make top of the line tools. Your problems lie elsewhere.

An American company’s Japanese punch made in China… my brain hurts

@TomMcDonaldatYahooDotCom

27 күн бұрын

THIEVES !!

I still have the tools I got from our local Tandy shop in 1974. I've acquired more over the years, the store location has moved a few times, including some years when it was not around at all but the same guy has run the franchise since the beginning. I think they're great, never had an issue but there seems to be a lot of hate for Tandy Leather on KZread. I've never bought that expensive stuff and it's just a hobby for me. I hope it all works out for you! Love the Weaver channel as well.

@jeffreyjoseph1477

2 жыл бұрын

Tandy Leather Co. and the tools from the 70's were made far superior than the current Tandy Leather Factory garbage, many of the older Tandy tools were made in the USA, Tandy is NOT the company it once was nor is the low quality Chinese/Taiwanese tools, I believe that's why many "hate" them.

@ryanamey5024

2 жыл бұрын

My personal experience is that Tandy is the Walmart of leathercraft. They have some good stuff but most of what I’ve purchased there has been garbage. Spent right around $500 my first time there, I’d estimate around $300 of that was useless and had been replace by other brand tools. I would never advise someone not to go to Tandy if they are just starting out and would otherwise not dive into leathercraft. I would simply advise them to be careful, look at videos beforehand, speak with someone who has purchased from Tandy, and then proceed

@notstrong5789

Жыл бұрын

George Tandy died in 78, after that it was downhill, low grade Chinese metal.

@robertmcelroy1389

8 ай бұрын

The problem with the tool braking is that you are using a hard surface to pound on. You need to use two layers of the black softer pounding mats. But the two prong is going to brake anyway. Tandy's original directions for using the tools said they were pricking irons but😮 could also be used to punch holes. When mine broke they replaced it when I showed them their article. The replacement broke even though I had hardly taped it.

@robwagner7545

8 ай бұрын

My mom bought a starter set from Tandy for me and my wife just after we were married in 2006. The tools from that kit are significantly better than the "upgraded" tools we bought at Tandy since actually getting into the craft three years ago.

Just an FYI, that is not " proper backing " for punching stitching holes!! I buy nothing but the highest quality pricking irons from Amy Roke, KS bladepunch, Sinabroks, Kevin Lee and Crimson Hides.... they are all made from the best steel and the teeth are extremely thin. You would brake any of the irons on exactly what you are using... a typical self healing cutting mat, THATS NOT GOOD my friend. Get a vinyl punching mat, they are like clear jelly and made for specifically punching stitching holes in leather. Also use a thick piece of scrap veg tan leather to punch ontop of for extra extra extra protection. I also buy those 1 1/2" thick blocks of solid black rubber that are 8" x 8" ,and I punch ontop of those as well. Stop punching into a self healing cutting mat, the second you don't strike those irons perfectly straight and dead on ( professional irons ) it's gonna SNAP TEETH!!! . The reason why the cheap ones weren't snapping like the higher quality one... the steel is super cheap and softer, so they just bend instead of snapping like a higher quality ones will. Tandy is terrible, their tools are like toys lol... BUT STOP PUNCHING INTO SWLF HEALING MATS. Hope you take my advice, cause it's gonna get costly with higher quality irons. Iam a professional artist and Bookbinder and avid leathercrafter.... ive learned this lesson the hard way and not using a self healing mat to punch stitching holes when i got into higher quality pricking irons. Hope you have a great day bud

Thanks for sharing this info. Tandy Leather just isn't the company it once was.

I bought stitching chisels from Weaver Leather and they lasted me for YEARS before I finally upgraded to a sewing machine and then sold them on eBay for someone who I'm sure will be super happy with them as I was. I highly recommend them!

@michaelvitetta7231

Жыл бұрын

You bought stitching chisels, he bought pricking irons, not the same even though the look similar . The main difference between the irons and the chisels is that the chisels create an actual hole to stitch thought instead of just marking the stitch placement which removes the need for the additional tool during saddlestitching.

@adamrobertson2048

Жыл бұрын

I agree they are my current pricking irons and I love them for the price

@pennycandyys

2 ай бұрын

@michaelvitetta7231 why on earth would you need to buy two separate tools for that, even if you were planning to just use an awl. Why on earth would you pay almost a hundred bucks just to mark holes? My brain cannot process that.

@pennycandyys

2 ай бұрын

Oh, and by ‘you’ I don’t mean you personally lol.

I have the same Pro tools. I am also in a forum for leather tools history. Looking back on a comment teaching some of my students about making their own tools, I would agree with you about some of the typical manufacturing processes in the tools. I would like to say though that as I have learned about the pricking irons over the years, the different types, and history, I got wise. I started purchasing tools from Masters in leatherworking as second hand sales for pricking Irons. The vintage ones are excellent quality tools. They are reasonably priced as well. I use my 2.5mm Irons from Tandy for detail and watch straps. But I have new ones as well. Learning about them I learned about the types and ways the companies teach how to use them. But as I really got down to the nitty gritty and learned the differences between the WHY'S of the changes in tools and techniques used for over the 200 years. As a 30 year leatherworker it made a huge difference as to why certain pricking irons were used for horse and tack work and safety concerns because of the thread ripping through the leather with heavy use. And what tools I had to watch out for with integrity when it came down to purchasing. I still like the pro tools.

It’s a pricking chisel, it’s not meant to punch holes, it’s meant to mark holes and then awl them.

@rollingstockco8223

Жыл бұрын

You are correct! Here's what the website says "These pricking irons are not intended to punch holes and cannot withstand drops or hard use. Handle with care." I believe he didn't use as intended and therefore broke the iron.

I have been using my Tandy Lucky-7 tool set that I bought back in 1961 when I was a Kid in 7th grade! Since then I have bought more tools over the years from Tandy! I have been making holsters and tooling leather since then with no problems! What you ran into is what is going on today a lot of companies don't care about customers or customer service anymore! And a good example is, I was making toast the other day and it was hard to get the bread out because they cut down the size of the bread but charged you more!

Pricking iron is for marking not punching. Stitching chissel is for punching holes... just saying. I've never had any issues with tandy. But i typically get my supplies and tools from Weaver

Tandy used to try & sell me stuff that was moving slow. When i first started working with leather, i had watched so many videos about making bags, wallets, card holders… this does not make you anywhere near a person that works with leather… like… AT ALL! Long way from calling yourself that! … but as far as tools? Equipment? I had that stuff down. I also realized that certain things are better to start off with before you start getting expensice tools. … but every time i went up there, I'd have to learn where stuff was located, so… for example I'd need thread. I knew what i needed… but they'd always try to get me the stuff nobody was buying. Wide bevelers, weird shaped french skivers, and ALWAYS… some thick ass thread! Like… 1.5 of THE SAME SPOOL THAT WAS THERE FOR A YEAR! (little exaggeration… but i bet they threw the thing away?) I learned that they weren't a REAL friendly place… but options weren't a-plenty… so I'd go back with caution. They sure are the way you described!

The issue with the stitching irons is that they use DC53 steel. 9t is an amazing steel for knives and blades tools because it has very good edge retention (it stays sharp for a long time). However, the high hardness of that steel makes it quite brittle. It also isn’t shock resistant at all. Therefore, DC53 is a terrible steel to use for stitching irons. These tools are made using EDM machining which is the most expensive but most precise machining possible. They are very well made/manufactured, however, the manufacturer obviously doesn’t know anything about metallurgy and steel. They also use 304 stainless steel for the stitch groover blades. 304 steel is an austenitic steel. It is a steel you use for kitchen sinks and utensils like spoons, forks, butter knives etc. Not tools that need to have an edge and stay sharp. It is very corrosion resistant due to the high levels of chromium and nickel (normal stainless steels only use chromium for corrosion resistance). That nickel makes it more corrosion resistant than regular stainless steels that only use chromium, it also makes the steel non magnetic, however it makes it so the steel cannot be heat treated or hardened. Therefore, it will get dull incredibly quickly. 304 is good for creasers or any tools that doesn’t need to hold an edge or be made of hardened steel, but should never be used for knives and bladed tools. If they upgrade their steel, Since leather will have incredibly high end tools. They also have good customer service, unlike Tandy. Better buy their tools from them directly on Etsy. They have their own seller account.

@Cuprum-ws5lo

8 ай бұрын

Thanks for the information. I’m looking to get into general forging just as a hobby, and I plan to use scrap metal. The information that you shared will be valuable for me in choosing the right scrap for the project. May I ask…. In your description of DC53, you say that it has good edge retention and that makes it very sharp, but it is brittle so it doesn’t resist shock. Does that mean it would be good for blades inside machines that are stationary, such as a paper shredder?

@sinpac6161

5 ай бұрын

see I think that is where all the confusion is. a pricking iron is different then a stitching chisel. The pricking iron is just a locator for a diamond shape awl.

I've never been disappointed with Vergez Blanchard tools, they cost a bit more,but they're fairly nice

Thanks for the heads up, if I’m gonna use tools that are made cheaply and might break, there’s no reason to pay top dollar for them and never a reason to use a company who cares nothing for customer service while charging a premium.

I just had a problem with some beginners tools I bought from Tandy. I picked up 5 sets of punches and scissors etc. several of them broke immediately when my students began to use them. I emailed pictures to my local Tandy store (I had opened a ticket with the national Tandy service center who routed me) and the store manager just stuck a $60 gift card in the mail for me. I didn’t even have to show them my receipt. Just the pictures of my broken items. They may fail in places, but so far in my experience they stood behind their products.

I am only 2 weeks into my leather working journey and love my new hobby. I wish I had to start many years ago. Great customer service by the manufacturer Since, Grade A+. Grade F for Tandy. I live in China and bought relatively cheap tools to learn on and have not broken any tool yet. So far 3 passport holders, 3 handbags/clutches completed and half way through making my first purse. But I will certainly look for the brand Since here. Big companies need to be held accountable and not rely on brand recognition for volume sales while gaslighting customers with genuine concern or problems with their products. Thank you for sharing.

@tylerbrown7611

2 жыл бұрын

I mean, you DO live in the capital of the world for shitty tools and generally shitty everything else too, so..

Interesting problem. I don’t know about the pricking irons from Dandy Leather but the Pro Groover that you bought is an excellent tool. I’ve worked with that Groover for two years now and it’s proven to be excellent. I especially like the adjustability of the tool. I can’t say that I ever had an issue with Tandy Leather. That said, I use Weaver for 90% of my purchases and they stand behind their products. As a rule, I do not knowingly purchase China made products.

Firs off, like tandys for their black Friday and other specials, but all the career leather workers I know purchase their tools through either weaver, springfield leather, or go to a custom company like Ron's Tools. I started with the weaver diamond chisels, never broke a single one even going through 10 - 12oz. A set of 2, 4, and 6 prong will run about 20ish dollars. Also been using a P-Maks French chisel, nice brass punch modeled after Snibroks with replaceable diamond teeth for less than 40

I support you 💯% and you’re correct, they are a Scam who doesn’t care about the customer. Thanks for this. Others should know. Keep up the good work. Sincerely, Mark with ✌️Hipster’s✌️ Leather Crafts & Crap☮️

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Thank you for sharing it with us. I, personally, have been using Kevin Lee ('Kevin Premium', french style) stitching irons for years, and never had problems with them. They are $200 for a 3-piece set (2 teeth, 5 teeth, and 10 teeth). They are probably the best you can get for that kind of money. And they have much cheaper options too. The $200 set are their most expensive ones. They too are made in China, but by people who care.

Why don't you use a punching board? You are punching on a cutting matt. :P

I'm new in my leather journey, we have a local Tandy. It's OK for starting off but as I get better, I'll upgrade to better.

I invested in a saddle sewing machine, so most of my leather working now goes that way. But for years I had been looking for those English style irons with the slant chisel tips that create such a beautiful stitching lines. Maybe 10 years ago, I was in Tandy, and while I no longer wanted them, they had a whole set of those chisels, different spacings and chisel counts. They were bagged up and sold off the remainder table. I bought one of the sets, but I have yet to upack them from their bags. I guess maybe there were problems...

Just yesterday October 2023 I went to Tandy to purchase quality tools and was really let down that the quality was cheap Chinees made junk at best. The round knife was so dull you could not cut a thin piece of leather with it. I asked for another one and they were out of stock other than the one I had in my hand. I'm serious when I say this was a butter knife and not a cutting edge or skive. The price indicated that it should be a high-end tool. I'm done with Tandy tools, Pro line and standard.

I had a similar experience with the M series Pro iron. They couldn’t do anything for me. Or redirect me to anyone. It was definitely a huge disappointment given I paid $100 tax included.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING NICK, IM NEW TO LEATHER CRAFTING SOOO I SUPPORT YOU AND STAND BEHIND YOU AND I WILL NOT BUY ANTHING FROM TANDY LEATHER !!

Thanks for the info. I will keep that in mind.

Tandy is awesome in a quick pinch. I love my local store and the associates there. Lady’s are knowledgeable and the men don’t talk down on you for being new. If you’re looking for Top Shelf Tooling, you’re in the wrong spot for sure. But if you need something on a middle level (

I’m by no means an experienced leather worker. I have been to Tandy a few times and each time they were helpful, their tools have performed well and their leather deals were good to great.

I'm a beginner and I use a hand punch to make holes. What advantage do these tools have over a hand punch?

@kboleather

Жыл бұрын

Pricking irons are used to mark stitching holes on leather that is really thick (think saddle leather or bridle leather). You would then use a stitch awl to complete the hole and lay down your stitch. Pricking irons are not designed to penetrate through leather. Stitching chisels are but they too have a thickness limit.

There is a difference between pricking irons and stitching chisels. Pricking irons is just that, they prick the surface of the leather. They are not designed to set stitching holes like stitching irons are. However, Tandy was known for accepting back their broken tools regardless of how they were used. Tandy Leather has changed greatly since they installed the new ceo. The quality has gone down yet their prices have gone up. Tandy used to be a go to place for folks entering the hobby as their tools were good and mentoring was over the top. Unless things change Tandy will disappear. Gary over at WUTA is producing some top notch tools at affordable prices.

I heard personally from former Tandy executives that the daughter of the Tandy founder took over the company and is essentially taking her cOlLeGe dEgReE and crashing the plane with no survivors

@kboleather

Жыл бұрын

Janet Carr took over Tandy as CEO about five years ago. She comes from a shoe corporation.

@robertfischer5893

Жыл бұрын

@@kboleather is that why it sucks and everyone but nescient newbies hates it?

@kboleather

10 ай бұрын

@@robertfischer5893 Folks love tandy when they first enter the world of leather crafting. Soon skill and experience shows them that quality cannot be found on any Tandy shelf.

I have only ever broken a pricking iron when I forgot to place the cutting board on top of the quartz slab

Decurburisation doesn’t always mean the steel is “over heated”. If anything Decarb is harder than hardend steel. 80CrV2 has very thick decarb but incredibly tough steel. So lets all hope the inner core of that pricking iron is nice and tough. Regardless, I am genuinely shocked !! that Tandy let you down so badly. I just placed a huge order from them. I find that Tandy Leather is good for some stuff such as the “Craftool” range. I find this the best brand for anything that needs to be struck with a hammer, everything else just bends or snaps… In my experience

I bought one of there newer craft pro curved awls, just bought it, after an hour into my project, it snapped. I went back the next day explaining what happened, and what leather I used it in, (they did replaced it), but said they can't replace it again if the new one breaks...

I've watched a lot of leather videos and all punch through the leather with a pricking iron and a soft headed hammer. I do the same and expect my tool to serve me well. I feel for you and I like watching videos and thank you for your content

@genecarden780

2 жыл бұрын

No they use stitching chisels

If you went to experienced leather workers they would tell you the difference between a pricking iron and a stitching punch. Also experienced leather workers would tell you not to punch on a cheap green cutting mat, these was an accident waiting to happen

Tandy and Weaver are both risky regarding quality. Like Oak Ridge Review stated below, Tandy is awesome in a pinch, primarily because they're so ubiquitous. Several months ago I purchased a set of pricking irons from Weaver and the entire set was dull right out of the box; they were clearly dull. There were no sharp edges on the irons; every tip reflected light. I sent them back for a refund. Now Weaver has acquired Ohio Travel Bag and I'm concerned about the direction of OTB. I have no complaints yet, but time will tell. I'm fortunate to have a Tandy about three hours away, so if I place an order in a pinch I've always received it the next day.

In all fairness that is Tandy's policy on refunds for certain tools and I understand it. However I also have a policy, I will not do business with a company that will not stand behind the products they sell. So, I haven't bought anything from Tandy in a long long time.

I've been using a pricking iron set from Weaver leather. Was maybe $40? Haven't had a single issue in over a year

I have some Tandy tools and the regular stainless Diamond chisels are ok some of the edge tools are garbage. Everything that i have purchased from weaver leather has been top quality and good to go even in their budget tools. Have the same round knife came sharp and with a stop it has stayed sharp! Nice stuff on your site i may have to order a knife when budget permits.

Tandy has let me down over and over. Without any doubt they have decided to offer very low quality tools and service to maximize profit. Its shameful. I was applaud with there customer service the last time a contacted them. I wanted to tell them why I thought there product needs further development and they treated me like a pest.

I am sorry to hear that. You may have done so by now, but please look into Buckle Guy Leather Supplies and their Corter Leather line of tools. Excellent.

Tandy basic tools have served me well for a few years now but the pro always struck me as overpriced "prestige" name of Pro. One cheap product to avoid is the hollow silver slot punches, they come in 3 sizes and the problems are they caps stick and so they clog, then the caps begin to mushroom at the tube because the metal is too soft. The black Craftool versions are better except for the smaller impact surface for your driver. General advice: Always avoid metal on metal when punching to avoid equipment damage. Enjoy your craft!

I am actually a knife maker. And as a knifemaker you quickly get into leather crafts when you want to make sheaths. Meanwhile I also make small leather goods for myself, freinds and family. My collection of leather tools is growing as well. My first pricking / stitching irons where cheap ones as well. None broke but the overall quality is soso. Then I stumbled over Nigel Armitages channel and his tool reviews. Since then I use Crimson Hides (CH) pricking irons. When I had to go to a businees trip to Singapore I picked up orderes tools myself to avoid shipping costs (and import duty). There I met the owners, a nice young couple and their baby daughter. The owner did leather work, first as a hobby then when he lost his main job as a business and then as a tools supplier. Yes the Crimosn Hides tools are also made in China but to the CH spces, has CH quality control and sold under the CH name. A lot of tools I make myslef, all cutting tools, skivers, awls etc. I buy at Tandy leather (Europe) but no tools so far.

I'm no expert on leather tools, but these type of irons are not worth much as punching irons regardless how good the punching surface is prepared. V shaped between points, they are always going to try to wedge open.

Thanks! Abig difference from the prices from the mid 70s

Wow never buying from Tandy thanks for letting me know.

Years ago Tandy used to be the only supplier around but those days are over quality is the name of the game . Personally I never us a cutting pad for punching always have used leather glued to a plastic cutting board works great non for about 18 years. Good luck

I bought my leather pricker, 10 teeth, from George Barnsley and Sons. Hand - made, Sheffield steel, cost £108 and you can see and feel it is built to last.

I think the metal in the replacement has temper markings to make it less brittle. It’s done with steel stamps. I would want mine to have those markings

Steel does not "burn from overheating. It crystalizes and when they happens, it becomes VERY weak. Overheating metal for too long (turning it blue) makes a weak spot that looses it's strength and rigidity. It becomes like glass in some cases.

It looks like a hardening issue to me. It was so hard it was brittle. Heat treatment of steel is a very exact process. It's not a scam it's just bad heat treatment and quality controll in china (what's new). If it's magnetic carbon steel cook it in the oven at 200 degrees Celsius for half an hour. It MIGHT help make it less brittle. If it's stainless steel then I don't know, it wouldn't be hard to make.

All tools I bought from Tandy Leather are very useful and still in use😮

Thank you for the information.

Ok this will not go over well but, I looked at the ad for the tools on Tandy and yes it tells you right there in bold lettering that they are not to be used to punch through. Their usage videos say not to punch through. Even the manufacturer does not show them being used to punch through. They are even called pricking irons and not chisels. The factory videos have an awl on the table and that would not be necessary with punching through. My opinion is also that you misused the tool. As a knife maker could you not temper the tool back a little so as to not have it so brittle?

I love my local Tandy 😅 maybe I’m lucky with the particular franchise and the employees they have, I can’t see this ever happening there

@sixfeetundertheradar6080

2 жыл бұрын

I work at Tandy, and I agree. I think it really depends on who’s working at the store. I’ve heard horror stories of previous managers, lucky for me all my coworkers are pretty cool. Tho I don’t stan the corporation of the job I do enjoy the work I do

The stitch groover is an excellent tool which is ambidextrous and solid

It does say on the website not for puching!

To be fair, these pricking iron are indicated for use in marking holes and not punching holes. They are made for precision, not hard use.

I see more & more of these and have had experience of these modern day scams... sadly once the have your money they don't care. I bought £100 tool from The Trimming Shop in UK. I called them an they told me they would not do anything, it was my problem. You have to be so careful these days!

Most of the tools sold at the local Tandy store are economy quality and priced as such. If you do lots of leather work I wouldn't buy Tandy tools. Pay more for better quality. I buy from Weaver and have never been disappointed.

Tank you for the warning, I will NOT by Tandy tools , 👍 Greetings from Brazil 👊

I always use a rubber pad when punching and pricking. it will save you sharp edge i would never use my irons on a hard surface not even wood

Pricking irons and stitching chisels are different. Lesson learned.

Get weaver Diamond chisel or there flat chisel. They work great

@AlexanderMason1

2 жыл бұрын

These are cheap junk. The tools shown in this video are a million times better than those cheap weaver stitching chisels. The problem is that they used a brittle steel. They are however made extremely well and are machined using EDM machining which is the most expensive, but most precise, clean, accurate and high quality machining. The weaker ones are super rough. They work fine for the price but you can get that similar low quality tool for half the price.

@zmtman2671

2 жыл бұрын

I use weaver stitching irons they do not let me down. Have not broke one or even damage them. Even when children use them. Children are hard on everything I stand by my comment.

I have leatherwork professionally for over 45 years. I found the best way for making stich holes is with a Dremel tool and a small nail like a 4p or an stich needle. It's a whole lot cheaper, faster, more durable, and, has nicer stitch holes. Also, the best tools I have found by fare are C.S. Osborne or old Gompf tools. If you get the chance, attend the saddle makers get together and you'll learn a lifetime of knowledge from old saddle makers.

@AlexanderMason1

2 жыл бұрын

Cs OsborneMakes some decent tools for a decent price as well as cheaper tools for a lower price point for people looking for less expensive tools. That being said, if you think they have the highest quality tools out there, you don’t know what you’re talking about, and also haven’t tried any good quality tools out there. They are good compared to cheap Chinese made junk but aren’t even close to the quality of other tools.

It is the nature of the failure. I don't care if he pounded it into mild steel, there is no world where it should shear off a massive hunk of steel like that. Not sure where we are with China margins at this point. One of the reasons why they originally took over the world was that say there was a company that sold $200 Bowie knives from China. Knives that were pretty good, and even got singled out as an edge geometry example by ABS smiths. People would complain, and say stuff like "I can make a knife they could sell, thinking they were up against a normal 20-50% margin. But in reality, the margin could be as high as 95%. So those agile first movers who when to Taiwan, or China could get these incredible deals, and good quality, and they could advertise the hell out of stuff, and replace knives that were used as crowbars, or whatever, because the margins were so ridiculous. And overall, they could move a whole new group of buyers into custom like knives. I mean, who actually needs a Bowie knife? But with these kinds of deal you could sell bowie knives to people who don't need them, and aren't wiling to pay what they actually cost to make. I don't know what China margins typically are today, but Tandy probably should be getting a good enough deal that they can eat the cost of replacing product at the expected failure rates, and still make a stack of dough. Good customer service isn't just replacing crap, it is getting stuff that doesn't need replacement in the first place. And if you can do it at slave labour margins, you have a business model that works.

I have the pro trim knife. Biggest disappointment yet. Absolute garbage.

Pricking irons are to make marks not punch through. The old “pricking irons” you show are called stitching chisels which ARE made for punching holes. So technically you did misuse them 😅

That’s a nice looking Mosin you have there!

I started doing leatherwork as a schoolboy in the sixties. I saw right away that Tandy tools were mostly junk. They never improved. CS Osborne tends to be a little better. You should look into Barry King and Rocky Mountain Leather Supply.

Whether for pricking or for punching, the fact that this tool broke in very few uses shows the lack of integrity and trust Tandy puts behind its tools. As a leatherworker myself, I will not use Tandy ever again.

Thanks for the information.

garrett wade actually sells what thus far seems to be a quality half moon knife as well as a left & right beveled knife. They also have an interesting selection of other tools & everything I've bought from them has been of good quality

I buy all my pricking irons or stitching chislels from Weaver leather. Never have had a problem And they are far less than $80 per set.

@nickscraftstalks3754

Жыл бұрын

I'm thinking about that as well

Ive found that etsy is a really good source for tools. I bought a really nice swivel knife on there.

I ne er use a cutting board or mat under my work when punching holes or stitching holes. ALWAYS use a scrap piece of leather...never broke a tool. 👍

Pricking irons are not punches. They are only supposed to be used to prick (mark) the surface of the leather. The hole then needs to be punched through with a stitching awl. Pricking irons are not punches.

Alibaba and AliExpress are exactly where most of these us companies get their products. Just like anything else, there are good manufacturers in China, and bad. I just purchased brass rivets and they are exactly like the ones I purchased from a us company, down to the packaging, but the us was over four times more expensive. YMMV

Tandy gets you on shipping too.

Great video and yes Tandy Leather sucks in the customer service department.

Dealing with Tandy has been hit or miss for me. I love some of their products, others are just garbage. Do yourself a favour and buy Crimson Hide French or Japanese pricking irons. Yep, they're expensive but if you're looking for a lifelong tool, Crimson Hide irons are it.

I will agree that Tandy sells some cheap stuff for beginners. A bunch of other leather supply stores have plenty of stuff that is not awesome either for beginners. I am not affiliated with Tandy in any way. They also have lots of awesome stuff. I use it every day. I think leather craft would be a lost art if it was not for Tandy. Where I am located at, it is the only leather goods store for hundreds of miles. I can actually put my hands on something before I buy it. Anyone that is promoting this craft is awesome in my opinion. There Tandy Pro edgers are super awesome as well as lots of other stuff. Tanners bond clear cement is awesome. I have a Craftool stamp set that was made before 1963. A lot of those tools are sought after and reproduced today. I dont want anyone mad but I just cant see how everyone keeps looking down on Tandy. Dont expect the cashier to be a professional world renowned leather worker. I think Tandy is still great.

@guzzirob

4 ай бұрын

I'm a hobbyist leather crafter. I've bought many tools from Tandy and found them to be ok for my use. What I do most appreciate about Tandy, at least in my town (Independence, MO) is how very helpful all the employees have been. They give free lessons there and will happily answers all your questions as well as give you friendly advise and tips. As I get more experience I might decide to upgrade to higher grade tools. I think their leather selection is pretty decent. They have a lot of different skins and choices as well as a lot of leather parts and supplies.

Tandy is a joke! Look up and try Kevin lee tools, they are Chinese made but VERY good and punch very small holes! They have a base model set that is very good pricing and of course they have a very expensive set. I got the base model set and absolutely love it! Check them out:)

Those are to Mark the stitching line and then you need to use a stitching awl to finish any professional leather worker would know that sorry

I am sorry to inform you but you are NOT using the proper backing with your pricking irons or hold punches for that matter. The green mat you are using (and by the looks of it you have used it quite a bit with stitching punches since there are hundreds of holes) is called a self-healing cutting mat. It is for cutting ONLY!! What ever solid surface you have under that mat is what is breaking your punches. Plus, the punch is absolutely MADE TO PUNCH LEATHER!! You must have talked to some first month Tandy employee who had no business telling you that bullshit! But to be fair the only thing you should hammer punches on is a 1/4" or thicker black rubber mat (you can buy them in 12"x12") and you don't need to hit the punches like it's a baseball bat. Those punches are sharp and go through without a lot of force. They also make a white or red hard plastic composite board that you can use under a stitching punch. But what you are using is NOT for punching and you will quickly dull your stitching punches or hole punches and like you found out. Plus it seems you have broken more than one punch using the wrong mat! That is not what it's made for my friend. Buy the proper backing mat for punches. I have been doing leather since 1970 and have used expensive and cheap stitching punches and have NEVER broken a punch! EVER! You punches are fine. You surface is what is breaking them. Good luck my leather friend. SIncerely, Frank Yantosca t/a Red Oak Leathers

What’s crazy is Amazon would gladly replace anything defective whether $5 or $500. That’s very disappointing about Tandy because that’s where I go for all my leather stuff. The store in San Bruno is shutting down soon anyway but after watching this I’ll be going Weaver or Springfield

The exact thing happend to me with this brand!!!

Pricking irons are to mark the holes and an awl is supposed to be used to make the hole itself, just before you saddle stitch it. Here's a video of it: kzread.info/dash/bejne/a5idtJOwgpSxkag.htmlfeature=shared&t=677

Thanks for the rant, the Algorithm works. If it's not meant to make actual holes, why does it have this massive hammering area in the end? Why not a wooden handle, if it's not meant to be mauled? Blah. I got disappointed, too. It turns out even the most prestigious sites carry Chinese products without checking their quality. And even the most prestigious brads outsource production in China. I bought a right angle, and it measures 91 degrees. How about that! I bought needles from this amazing, traditional, historical, royalty-approved site, and guess where the needles were made! I bought a paint roller that didn't roll. I bought a freaking Indispensable knife, and its screws couldn't even grip the blade. Made in USA. This is what I want to see on my tools. Everything else is taking risks that cost me more in the end.

Scam?? Not hardly. Garbage customer service?? Yes. Sub par, overpriced tools and products?? Yes.

@AlexanderMason1

2 жыл бұрын

Definitely not overpriced. Just the wrong steel is being used. The tool itself is made to the highest level of craftsmanship and is as precise as can possibly be. It is made via EDM machining. If this wasn’t made in China, it would cost double the price or more. Definitely not overpriced bud.

I do have a nice knife like that but after all knives made in Japan are much better than those made in USA.

Where IS the best place to buy REAL QUALITY leather tools? Is there such a place where you can buy quality without going bankrupt?

Thank you. I'll make sure to AVOID Tandy.

Pricking irons are NOT for punching holes!! Read the description and learn the difference between pricking iron snd stitching chisel. Pricking irons are just to mark the leather and then you poke holes with an stitching awl. Stiching chisels (or stitinch forks) look very similar but are harder and for stamping holes in thick leather. Expensive tools are only worth it if you already "mastered" the craft..same with expensive kitchen knifes if youre just a basic homecook. Source: I made a similar mistake.

Tandy is the Starbucks of leather. I will not spend money on their website. Tandy is full of it. Some local folks in the stores are nice and knowledgeable but that's the end of anything resembling customer service.