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FAQ: Instructions on Studding Leather and Similar Material

Studs used for working with leather come with prongs used for attachment. It is a simple task of making slits in your leather to insert the prongs, then bending the prongs inward to secure the stud. The method of studding is done by hand.

Detailed Instructions

1. First find and mark the spot you would like the stud to sit. You can mark the spot you want to stud by making indents in the leather. This can be done by quickly pressing the stud onto the leather. The prongs of the stud will leave indentations in the leather.
2. Next you can use a tool called an AWL to make small slits (holes) in the leather. These slits are made to guide the prongs through the material so the prongs sit in the correct spot. Hammer or push the AWL through the leather to make slits. Make sure that the slit hole size is just smaller than the prong so that the prong of the stud is snug and cannot move around.
3. The slits in the leather made by the awl should match where the prongs of the stud will sit. With two prong studs, the holes should be the same width apart as the stud.
4. Push the prongs through the leather and hold the stud firmly against the leather.
5. While firmly holding the head of the stud into the front of the leather, turn the leather around to the backside and bend the prongs inward to secure the stud. The Stud Prong Press may help you bend the prongs inward.
6. The farther the prongs are bent into the cavity of the stud; the more it will secure the stud to the leather. Your stud should sit on the leather where you want it. It should not be loose or move independently from the leather but should sit on tight. If it is loose, turn the leather around and press the prongs even more.
7. Repeat for your next stud. With practice, this hand method of studding can be done quickly.

Tools sold at StudsAndSpikes.com for studding:

Dual Blade Awl. (Item code: 170-0001)
This is a great tool for thick leather and big studs. Each push will make two slits for quick studding as the blades can be adjusted to a fixed width apart. This tool may be used with just a push of the hand but for tough or thick leather, it can also be hammered. If hammered, it must be used horizontally to the leather, preferably with a protective mat under the leather and a quick hammer on top with a wooden mallet. (Note: this tool can often leave too big of a slit when working with smaller studs.)

Dart Awl. (Item code: 170-0006)
The Dart Awl has only one point for puncturing. A simple tool that make small slits in leather. This tool is universal for all types of studs, especially small studs and medium size studs.

Stud Prong Press. (Item code: 170-0008)
This tool helps bend and press the prongs of the stud to secure the stud tightly onto your material. This tool is great for all types and sizes of studs.

Cobblers Mat. (Item Code: 170-0003)
Sometimes it is used to protect the surface you are working on. The mat will take the punches and slices when working with leather.

Mallet. (Item Code: 170-0004)
Sometimes used to help punch the awl through particularly thick or stubborn leather.

Other low-cost household items and tools that may be used:

Exacto Knife.
May be used like the Awl to make slits. Watch out for their big blade. It is bad if you make a slit in the leather that is too wide as the prongs should be snug in the leather.

Jewelers Pliers.
Often used on smaller studs to bend the prongs.

Needle Nose Pliers.
Used to grab and bend the prongs by pinching the prong and the stud. This method may scratch the stud.
Flathead Screwdriver, Dull Knife, or Fingernail. Used to bend and press the prongs.

Kitchen Cutting Board, Wood Board.
May be used to protect your work area from the blades or points of the awl. When working with leather, wood often does not give as nicely as a Cobblers Mat.

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