Simple and Strong Leather Lead / Leash: 5 Steps (with Pictures)

This is a simple, high quality leash that you cam make yourself in less than an hour! it's made from Latigo leather, which is heavily oiled, and built to take a beating!

Step 1: What You'll Need:

-5/8" latigo strap. This will run about $10 to $15 (you can get this at a leather shop like Tandy Leather factory. Colors are typically black or burgundy.)

-1/4" Chicago screws (3-4 bucks at Tandy)

-bolt clip swivel ($2 at lowes)

-Hole Punch ($5 at Harbor Freight)

-box cutter or knife

-screwdriver

OPTIONAL for a finished edge:

-Saddle soap (a brick at any feed store will cost about $10 and wil last you for a long, long time.)

-edge beveler size 2 ($10 - $20 depending on the tool quality)

-sponge and water

-paper bag

Step 2: Cut and Bevel

Cut the leather to your desired length. add a foot to that length to account for the handle and clip end. (cut 6ft. for a 5ft.)

What is beveling, and why do I need to do it?

Beveling is the process of rounding off the edge of a piece of leather. This is done to give the edge a finished appearance . It is unnecessary, but boy does it make a difference! beveled edges ALWAYS look so much better than raw edges. Bevelers come in different sizes; 2, 3, 4, etc. the larger the size, the more leather is removed per pass. I use a size 2 because there is less room for error. you can always remove more leather from an edge, but you can't put it back.

Push your beveler along every edge to round them off.

Step 3: Wet, Soap, and Burnish

Use the sponge to get your edges wet, then run your saddle soap along the edge while it's still wet. Dont be skimpy with the soap. Use a liberal amount until the edges are heavily coated. This helps to press all the little fibers together.

Next, burnish the edges by running the leather through a piece of paper bag. squeeze tightly against the edges as you pull the leather through and over the bag in your hand. Do this several times until the edges are pressed down and smooth as glass.

Step 4: Punch and Screw.

Fold one end of the leather over your hand to ensure that handle is adjusted to you. place your finger down where the leather meets to hold the spot. Use your hole punch to punch a hole for the Chicago Screw. Use a screwdriver to fasten it. Add the other Chicago Screw to the other end to attach the clip.

I prefer to use Chicago Screws in most of my projects because unlike rivets, these will never snap on you. They make for a more durable, and higher quality product.