need help with hole alignment for snap buttons

[Joe R.]

I'm making an ax sheath and need the leather flap to be tight (using 5/8" diameter snaps and 1/8" thick veg leather).


I was about to make both holes at the same time ('A' in picture below) but then thought :"Humm, there might be something more to this," like button thickness and leather stretch (both for now and down the road).


If one should offset the holes, which direction should it be taken and by how much?

 

[A Justice]

I would pull the leather tight and drill them in the same spot.

Of course, someone with a lot of leather experience might have better thoughts and experience on this.

 

[sheathmaker]

Set the snap in the main body and leave the part for the flap until later. Then, with the axe in the finished sheath, pull the flap over and mark the spot where it contacts the previously set half. Mark there, then set the remaining half of the snap set.

A perfect fit every time.

Paul

 

[Joe R.]

Set the snap in the main body and leave the part for the flap until later. Then, with the axe in the finished sheath, pull the flap over and mark the spot where it contacts the previously set half. Mark there, then set the remaining half of the snap set.

A perfect fit every time.

Paul

Of course! That makes perfect sense!
Thanks Paul, I feel silly.

 

[leatherman]

I've got to commend you on those graphics! Well done.

And yes, the way Paul describes it is exactly the way I do it as well.

 

[Joe R.]

Thanks. I've had so many threads take different directions over the years, that now I spend two minutes in "Paint" whenever possible to make things crystal clear.