Essential Leathercraft Tools You NEED To Start Out! From Harbor Freight

I've done a breakdown of the beginner leathercraft tools you can find on Harbor Freight, so you know what's available, which tools work good, and which tools are flat out garbage. I'll even test some of the more important leather craft tools, so you can see for your own eyes. And, if the HF tool doesn't work out, I'll offer you an inexpensive alternative tool you can purchase instead.

Here is the list of tools available from Amazon:

I am an Amazon Affiliate. If you click on these links and purchase any of these tools, I will earn a small commission off the purchase at no extra expense to you. I sincerely appreciate your support if you decide to use my links and make a purchase.

00:00 Intro
00:40 Tools Available
05:08 Tool Tests & Project Build
10:40 Observations & Opinions

#leatherworking #leathercraft #leathercrafttools #leatherworkingtools #beginnerleathercraft #leathercraftpattern

[edgell]

I forgot, a great place to find a good self healing cutting mat is Hobby Lobby. $14.99 plus tax will get a thick mat that is of good quality by Tech Tools. They are found with the architect and drawing tools. The mat is 18” X 24” Only down side is the grid is only on one side. The second side is is simply green. A value for the buck.

[CIAGPNP]

Wow, excellent tool tips. Thank you, sir. This is also good for experienced leather crafters. On the cheap is always helpful! I always put scrap leather under my work peace when I am punching it!

[ronroberts]

Another great video! Love the content. Keep em coming!

[carolscott]

I saw the knot you tied. It reminds me of a saddle knot. I haven’t thought of that for years and years. On another note, I’d love to see you show how to make your stamps. I’ve only ever made a lifter from a ring shank nail. Stuck it in a deer antler and promptly cut myself LOL!

[gall_crafter_works]

Awesome selection of budget basic leather crafting tools. I still keep some of my budget picks despite upgrading some of them. If there's one essential I'd probably add, it's sandpaper for evening out and to smoothen edges. If you could mount it on a budget sanding block, that makes it even better. Great video as always, my brother! Cheers!

[norm]

Thank you for sharing this with us. Great tool ideas. Everyone stay safe, warm, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia

[yellowdogjb]

I've had two of the rotary punches bend to the point that the punches no longer hit the brass stop.

I have that same hammer, love it! I also have the HF punches. They work fine considering that I don't use them every day.

I really like the cutters that are round and look like pizza cutters. They are well worth the money.

[TheCraftySmith]

There's one more essential tool to grab from harbor freight, and that would be the 5.99 wing divider. Now, they have 2 different types of wing dividers there, there is one with a cheap screw at the top and looks like it won't hold a setting to save it's life, or the one I got that has thicker metal and a solid screw, and also has a pencil holder for doing circles i.e compus. It's called the Pittsburgh 6inch wing divider and trust me it's very handy for making stitch lines

[evictor]

literally have all of these for leather work from HF. Worth every penny.

[ThePatrick]

I was bought their wooden chest with the drawers with the felt lining for storing my leatherworking tools. It's really heavy duty and has two different sets of keys to keep it locked up... really nice...

[edgell]

I have used 90% of the items you highlighted, and I am comfortable using them. I am not a big fan of the blades for the hobby knife or the box blades. They don’t seem to hold an edge. However, new blade every time you start a new project will give you sharp cuts and strategy edge. I know your intent of the video was to show a sample what you can buy at HF. Good job. I have been using the punch set and have no complaints. To go one set further, have you thought of or have a HF one arbor press? I have been using mine at least five or six years and I must say it does a great job! I have made some modifications such as a 1/4” hole in the center of the shaft and a 1/4-20 screw in the side to hold tools . Also, it works great as a press of my makers mark, letters etc…
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

[s-volt]

I really like this video!!! Great job!

[matkosmat]

Hey man, I've been enjoying your videos, thanks for all the tips! A tip from me: try holding the scalpel like a pen and cut vertically, not horizontally. Or was that just for the camera?

[CavanalK]

First time seeing your videos. Algorithm did good lol! Enjoyed so far and subscribed. You remind me of my friend Dave and sound just like him. Great beard and clear concise on-camera work too. Love me some HFTools and I do knifemaking. Getting prepped to start doing some sheathwork in addition to the Kydex stuff I’ve messed with. Sometimes leather just carries over the essence and style of a knife better than Kydex can. Also enjoy BOBs and related wares. BTW that HFT bag is a good bag, but with some heft, I’d stick with the Woodcraft model. I have several of the HFT ones with various little sets of tools. Some in the truck toolbox, one with cables, ratchet straps, etc. I use one for my chainsaw tools and gear too. For the most part they ride around in the back of my Blazers, or in the truck toolbox then get used on the tailgate or close-by, so I can’t attest to they’re heavy duty carrying strength. They have some heavier model bags that really have some carrying capacity. The Bauer and Hercules models are also nice. At that point you’re getting up there with the Woodcraft price. I’ve shot them with some CampDry waterproofing spray and that’s been helpful. You’re right up my alley, So I’ll be checking out more of your channel.

[michaelmurphy]

While the HF tools may not be the best choice, for someone just looking into the hobby, it's hard to beat $50 to get the basic tools necessary to see if you're going to enjoy it. If it turns out you don't like it, you can always find a use for the bag, mallet, and knives. Best case, you use the HF stuff for a year or two and upgrade to something better as you need more tools or they wear out.

[BigCarmine]

Punches require a bit of fine sharpening but work great if you do that.
Rotary punch-handy to carry in your saddle bag or have hanging around the barn...not designed to be an everyday, heavy use tool.
Hobby knife.. fine sharpen the blades before use.
Like you demonstrated, right out of the package, not so great. If you know how to, a little effort (just a tiny bit) makes a huge difference.
The most important thing: dont break the bank starting out but don't make it hard because of cheap tools. Have fun with your new hobby/crafting project and enjoy it.
Great info and recommendations!

[Cherokee]

The HF ruler with the cork backing is ok, I just don't like that the cork doesn't go all the way to the edge of the ruler allowing the leather to slightly distort/move/stretch. In my opinion that's why you don't get a very good cut with the HF hobby knife.

[michaels]

So the red and black exacto store knife I have and love. I have put me blades in it. Not sure if that makes a difference. I have the rotary punch also, I don't often use it, but it works. Self healing cutting mats, either Amazon or Walmart. I hated there punches from hf. Didn't care much for the rubber mallet either. I also have a utility knife from hf, bigger size because I'm kind of not small. But appreciate your honest review.

[ThePatrick]

Yeah, you do want the Silky Katanaboy 650. I had one bought for me, just incase the economy got really bad and I couldn't get any gas for my Stihl chainsaws. The 650 cuts just as smooth or smoother than a chainsaw... leaves beautiful clean surfaces. It's the only silky I own. But I'd love the get my hands on the outback trio...

[glenking]

I appreciate the tool comparison. Have you tested rotary cutters in leatherwork? I'd enjoy seeing a comparison video. Thanks!