Repairing a leather strap

[Neverenoughwatches]

Eyup watch peeps hope we're all good. Before i go searching, trial and erring it, can anyone recommend a good leather glue. I bought a bulk lot of leather straps cheap which actually look quite nice on the wrist even though cheap. I didn't pay enough to think about returning them and yet bought in singles i probably would have at 5x what i paid.  Problem is the side stitching does not extend around the fold at the lug and only relies on the glue which is pulling away. I though a simple re-glue might reinstate their use. 

[RichardHarris123]

Any flexible glue works well, locktite flexible gel for example.  Better still get your sowing kit out. 

[AndyGSi]

These are what I use for my leather work.

[Neverenoughwatches]

22 minutes ago, RichardHarris123 said:

Any flexible glue works well, locktite flexible gel for example.  Better still get your sowing kit out. 

Shouldn't you be enjoying Italy ?

11 minutes ago, AndyGSi said:

These are what I use for my leather work.

Thats what i was looking for . Thanks Andy

[RichardHarris123]

We are enjoying Italy, been out all day, chilling under the air conditioning now. 

Just because you can't sow!!

[Neverenoughwatches]

38 minutes ago, RichardHarris123 said:

We are enjoying Italy, been out all day, chilling under the air conditioning now. 

Just because you can't sow!!

Pleased to hear you are having a good time, enjoy it matey . Last time i sewn anything was a hole in a sock when i was nipper

[RichardHarris123]

Lake Garda tomorrow. 

[Klassiker]

Scorchio!

[Neverenoughwatches]

45 minutes ago, RichardHarris123 said:

Lake Garda tomorrow. 

You will love it . 9Stayed there 12 years ago, food was awful in hotel but the view was incredible,  one night a raging lightening storm over the lake , never saw or seen anything like it since. 

[Angrybear]

I make all my own leather straps. I use Ecostick 5019N. It's a water based contact adhesive specifically designed for leather. Its the strongest glue in the Ecostick range and was designed for shoe making if I remember correctly.

[Neverenoughwatches]

7 minutes ago, Angrybear said:

I make all my own leather straps. I use Ecostick 5019N. It's a water based contact adhesive specifically designed for leather. Its the strongest glue in the Ecostick range and was designed for shoe making if I remember correctly.

Thanks Angrybear, making my own watchstraps are another step i would like to make. Watching " Saving time " on the tube has been inspiring. What leathers and grades do you use and where do you source them please ?  

[Angrybear]

19 minutes ago, Neverenoughwatches said:

Thanks Angrybear, making my own watchstraps are another step i would like to make. Watching " Saving time " on the tube has been inspiring. What leathers and grades do you use and where do you source them please ?  

I primarily use Badalassi Carlo Pueblo, Badalassi Carlo Wax, and Walpier Buttero (standard or museum). I usually buy these in A4 sheets of 1.2 - 1.4mm thickness. I buy mine from Artisanleather or Leatherforcraft.

make sure you use the correct needles and thread. Not many people talk about this but it is crucial. I use Amy rose polyester thread in 0.45mm with an either a 3mm or 3.5mm stitch gap. I also use John James small saddles needles (size 4 if I recall correctly). I will post some photos of the sort of results I'm getting.

 

Edited September 30, 2024 by Angrybear
spell correct

[rehajm]

Extraordinary work!

[Neverenoughwatches]

9 minutes ago, Angrybear said:

I primarily use Badalassi Carlo Pueblo, Badalassi Carlo Wax, and Walpier Buttero (standard or museum). I usually buy these in A4 sheets of 1.2 - 1.4mm thickness. I buy mine from Artisanleather or Leatherforcraft.

make sure you use the correct needles and thread. Not many people talk about this but it is crucial. I use Amy rose polyester thread in 0.45mm with an either a 3mm or 3.5mm stitch gap. I also use John James small saddles needles (size 4 if I recall correctly). I will post some photos of the sort of results I'm getting.

 

Very nice detailed strap .

Appreciate the information Angry bear, this gives something to work with.

[Angrybear]

4 minutes ago, Neverenoughwatches said:

Very nice detailed strap .

Appreciate the information Angry bear, this gives something to work with.

You are very welcome, if you need any more help let me know. 

[Neverenoughwatches]

4 hours ago, Angrybear said:

You are very welcome, if you need any more help let me know. 

Very kind of you to offer Angrybear. What I wouldn't mind if you are ok with  it... is a picture of the tools you use, I'd like to start putting together a basic tool kit, i will probably choose middle of the road quality gear, i do like tools that actually work. And any folk on YouTube that you can recommend, i enjoy watching " saving time " the guy mostly makes videos on watch restoration but often throws in some strap making content. Any information is much appreciated.

I've had a look at leatherforcraft, i like the idea of buying a 5 kilo assortment to practice with. Have you bought one before, wondering if the most of the varying thicknesses are usable. 

[AndyGSi]

@Neverenoughwatches If you want some to have a try with then just let me know.

As a note I use 1mm waxed cotton for all my leather work.

 

[Neverenoughwatches]

4 minutes ago, AndyGSi said:

@Neverenoughwatches If you want some to have a try with then just let me know.

As a note I use 1mm waxed cotton for all my leather work.

 

Holy cow Strapman , i ordered a basic tool kit 3 hours ago, just about to order the leather. What thickness leather do you use Andy ?

Lol forget that , I'm just reading your supply boxes now. 

So buckles then, cousins ?

[Angrybear]

Sure, ill try and take a photo today for you.

My advice would be to avoid assortment bags of unknown leather. Leather requirements for watch straps are quite specific. You may end up with 5 kg of unusable rubbish. That's how companies get rid of the crap no one else wants!

[Neverenoughwatches]

Looking at leatherforcraft suggested by our good friend Angrybear, A5 sheets 210mm -  I'm feeling thats a bit tight to get the length for 6 x 2 piece straps ?

[AndyGSi]

13 minutes ago, Neverenoughwatches said:

So buckles then, cousins ?

Yes, and they've got a nice clearance range at the moment.

https://www.cousinsuk.com/category/watch-buckles

[Neverenoughwatches]

3 minutes ago, Angrybear said:

Sure, ill try and take a photo today for you.

My advice would be to avoid assortment bags of unknown leather. Leather requirements for watch straps are quite specific. You may end up with 5 kg of unusable rubbish. That's how companies get rid of the crap no one else wants!

Thanks Angfybear, i came to that conclusion a few hours ago. Ive got 5 saved items with LforC. Simple stuff to practice with, they have 50% off at the moment with sale and crafts packs, I'm looking forward to some hand crafting

[AndyGSi]

This is my 16mm Strap drawing which is about 240mm long.

[Neverenoughwatches]

4 minutes ago, AndyGSi said:

Yes, and they've got a nice clearance range at the moment.

https://www.cousinsuk.com/category/watch-buckles

Brilliant Andy , i didn't spot them earlier when i was looking

1 minute ago, AndyGSi said:

This is my 16mm Strap drawing which is about 240mm long.

I thought 210 was too tight after accounting for the lug folds.

I'll  be making templates tomorrow

[AndyGSi]

44 minutes ago, Neverenoughwatches said:

I thought 210 was too tight after accounting for the lug folds.

You could split the strap just after the lugs so you'd have a line on
the back of the strap where they join similar to the buckle section.