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Make Your Mark With The Best Leather Working Tools

Last updated on March 21, 2023

We looked at the top 9 Leather Working Tools and dug through the reviews from 10 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Leather Working Tools.

Best Leather Working Tools

Our Review Process

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Leather has been a part of people’s wardrobes for centuries, so it’s no surprise that leatherwork has a long history, too. But this work requires specialized tools.

If you’ve ever punched an extra hole to tighten a too-big belt, you likely know just how hard it is to cut through leather. But you don’t always have to punch all the way through leather to do leatherwork. In fact, there are tools that will help you create designs on the surface.

One popular way to make designs on leather is stamping. This process creates a 3D-like effect on the leather in the form of shapes, numbers or letters. There’s also carving, which lets you add more detail to your leather. You’ll often use a swivel knife for carving — an ideal practice for artists. Stamping is a great place to start if you just want to learn, or if you don’t feel comfortable creating shapes from scratch. Stamping tools already have the design built in, so no drawing skill is required.

There are some basic tools you’ll need to get started with your leatherwork. Obviously, a hole punch is something to always have on hand, especially if you’ll be making belts out of strips of leather. But there are a few other basics that you can add later as you become more comfortable with your craft, such as:

  • Stamping tools with shapes, letters and numbers
  • Stitching tool for grooving edges
  • Swivel knife for carving
  • Rivets for embellishment
  • Mat and hammer for making holes
  • Case for storing everything

Some leatherwork kits go beyond embellishing leather. You’ll find some that some even come with repair tools. A thread and needle can help if you have a belt with thread built in and that thread unravels. But you can also use the tools for repairs on fabrics, mattresses, comforters and other items.

Our Picks For The Top Leather Working Tools

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Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

BIGTEDDY Basic Beginner Leather Working Tools, 32-Piece

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BIGTEDDY

Basic Beginner Leather Working Tools, 32-Piece

If you're looking for a starter set, these leather working tools are an excellent buy. You'll get all the basic tools needed to begin your own do-it-yourself projects. Just a few of the supplies include a skiving tool with extra blades, wool daubers, leathercraft prongs, waxed threads and a variety of needles.

Overall Take

Versatile PickThese leather working tools can also be used on tarpaulin, canvas and denim.

 Runner Up

PLANTIONAL Professional Anti-Fray Leather Working Tools, 34-Piece

PLANTIONAL

Professional Anti-Fray Leather Working Tools, 34-Piece

With these leather working tools, you'll be able to do everything from make a belt to repair a ripped leather sofa. The set contains a total of 34 pieces, including sewing threads, needles, a piercing tool and a drilling awl. When you're not working with leather, you can use the tools in this kit on denim, canvas and even carpeting.

Overall Take

Economical OptionWhen shopping on a budget, this affordable leather working tools set is the way to go.

 Strong Contender

BAGERLA Handicraft Leather Working Tools & Supplies Kit, 273-Piece

BAGERLA

Handicraft Leather Working Tools & Supplies Kit, 273-Piece

This 273-piece leather working tools set has a little bit of everything, including leather rivets, snap buttons and leather stamps. The high-quality toolbox will keep everything in place, holding up through years of use. It's a great set for beginners, with tools that will help you make shapes like flowers and butterflies.

Overall Take

273-Piece SetYou'll have everything you need in this set of 273 tools designed for both creating projects and repairing damage to leather.

Pros
" Comprehensive kit as it includes 273 leatherworking tools. Collection offers a nice selection of leather and stamps and needles. Hole punch has 9 size options. Comes with a storage case."
Cons
"Some users find the tools break easily. More expensive than other kits, but does include a wide range of tools."
 Also Great

SIMPZIA DIY Leather Working Tools Kit, 20-Piece

SIMPZIA

DIY Leather Working Tools Kit, 20-Piece

With 131 pieces, this leather working tools set is ideal for getting started with leather projects. You'll get a stamping kit, 60 set snaps and rivets, an A4 cutting mat, a leather punching board, a skiving knife, stitching tools and more. The rivets aren't included, so you'll need to purchase those separately.

Overall Take

Great for BeginnersThis kit works well for beginners, giving you the items you need to get started.

Pros
" It’s a great kit to buy if you want to dip your toes in the water to find out if you’re interested in this hobby."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
16

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the leather working tools available to purchase.
9

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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10

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Tactile Hobby, Best Reviews Guide, BestReviews, Chicago Tribune and Wiki EZ Vid.

2,894

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 9 Leather Working Tools and also dug through the reviews from 10 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Leather Working Tools.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

SIMPZIA DIY Leather Working Tools Kit, 20-Piece

Our Expert Score

9.9
2 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

8.8
111 user reviews

Our Take

With 131 pieces, this leather working tools set is ideal for getting started with leather projects. You'll get a stamping kit, 60 set snaps and rivets, an A4 cutting mat, a leather punching board, a skiving knife, stitching tools and more. The rivets aren't included, so you'll need to purchase those separately.

What other experts liked

It’s a great kit to buy if you want to dip your toes in the water to find out if you’re interested in this hobby.
- Tactile Hobby

What other experts didn't like

It doesn’t include rivets, so if you want to make accessories like belts and bracelets that require them, you will have to purchase them separately.
- Tactile Hobby

What to Look For

  • Leatherwork requires a very specific type of leather. You’ll want to look for vegetable-tanned leather, which has the pliability necessary for carving. Other types of modern leather have oils and wax on the surface, creating a finish that tools have difficulty penetrating.
  • By buying a leatherwork kit, you’ll have everything you need in one place. This is great especially for beginners, as it helps you hone your craft without having to stop to purchase a new tool every time you want to try something new.
  • Some kits come with a plastic case, which can be handy for storing everything. But keep in mind that these are built specifically for the tools included with it. As you add to your collection, you’ll have the issue of not having anywhere to store your newer purchases. Plastic boxes, a rollaway cart or a caddy could give you room to grow. If you’re really serious about it, you might want to set up a workspace and use something like a magnetic tool strip to hold things.
  • Not all toolkits come with rivets. Even if they do, you’ll be limited on style and variety. If you want to embellish your leather pieces, consider buying some rivets to keep on hand.
  • If your leather kit comes with threads, check the colors that are included. You’ll likely need neutral colors more than anything. Browns and tans are especially useful.
  • For those who are new to leatherwork, it can be nice to have a kit that includes a “getting started with leatherwork” guide. But even if it doesn’t, you can find plenty of tutorials and instructional videos online.
  • As with any toolkit, the tools included in leather sets may not always be of the highest quality. Make sure that you’re getting top-quality steel and good handles with your set. You won’t want it falling apart soon after using it.

Leather Working Tool Rankings

More to Explore

Humans have relied on animals for food and clothing throughout history. In fact, primitive man spent much of his time hunting animals and preparing them to eat. While doing so, these hunters would save the hides to use for clothing, footwear and shelter in the form of tents.

Vegetable-tanned leather can be traced back to Ancient Greece, when the Greeks created tanning formulas that allowed hides to be used for military equipment and gear, as well as clothing and footwear. By the 1700s, industrialization brought increased demand for leather that could be used as belts for machinery. From there, manufacturers began finding ways to create softer leather in varying shades to meet consumer demand.

More to explore