Need help with a leather fastener . . .

[bedbugbilly]

I'm going to be making some "slings" for a couple of my rifles.  I'm looking for the "fastener" or "stud" - I don't really know what it is called so therefor, am having trouble locating any.  I'm looking for the metal (brass or whatever) fastener that has a shank and a fixed domed or flat head on each end - with the shaft length being the thickness of two layers of leather.  This is the stud that is used on a sling that is put through the sling swivel and when the leather is folded, the stud is worked through a hole with a slot on each side to hold the folded portion of the sling together - allowing it to be removed if desired/necessary.

If anyone knows where I can locate these or what the name of them is, I'd greatly appreciate it.  Many thanks!   

[Freedom]

I am not totally sure that I understand your question.....But I use Chicago Screws for my slings at the bottom tail end of my slings and I use a Blood Knot to attatch the top swivel on my slings.

[Freedom]

This may not be even close to what you have in mind, but here is a couple more... I hope this helps.

[outrider]

I think what your describing is referred to as a "Sam Brown" button..Leather Factory #1309-01 for the brass one and 1309-02 for the  Nickle plated one.  Page 121 of the 2012 catalog

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

I don't think that a Tandy/Leather Factory Sam Browne button will do for this applicattion,  The round end is too small. I have used a chicago screw for slings like Freedom suggested. You have to be VERY careful to make sure the chicago screw it tight before you climb that mountain!

On European slings the double button type fitting is common but I've never seen them available as a stock item in North America. If you know someone with a mini-lathe, they can be produced by the bucket full. If you notice on older military pouches, etc. the button finials are much larger than are available these days.

[Trailrider]

While I can and do make the stud finials used (lathe-turned, using a profiling tool made from an original) on 19th Century U.S. military holsters, I would NOT recommend this for use on a rifle sling. The suggestion to use Chicago screw posts is an excellent one. As far as being sure the screw posts are tight while in the field, I recommend using non-permanent Lok-Tite or clear nail polish on the threads before installing them.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

The nail polish is a good idea, Trailrider. I'll have to try that. I've also tapped the threads once with a scribe before assembly to distort them slightly so they stay tight.

[bedbugbilly]

Thanks all.  I'm not looking for the "Sam Brpwne Stud" or fastener.  I've used those for years but much prefer the "Acorn" for period corret applications for straps.  What I'm looking for is, for want of a better description . . . like a "double headed copper rivet" only the head is slightly domed (a button head).  The ends slide through a slotted hole and the shank length is the same thickness as the two layers of leather (folded).  These were commonly used on a number of military style slings and leather straps.  Also used on such things as saber slings, etc.

The Chicago Screw would be a good alternative but I would like to find a source for what I'm looking for as once installed, there is no way that it can be "undone" unless intentionally.  I'll check S & S as they may have them - didn't think of them until know. 

Thanks again . . . I'll just keep looking and if I run across any, will post.  Thanks!   

[bedbugbilly]

I finally found what i was looking for at S & S Firearms

the studs that I'm looking for are on page 143 of their catalog under "Harness & Saddle Hardware"  - they have two sizes

HS32 - Saber Belt Stud - brass - .650 Diameter - $1.75/ea
HS32A - Saber Belt Stud brass - .550 Diameter - $1.75/ea

They also sell the single brass hook with rivets which can be utilized for a single hole adjustable sling - same as Civil War style musket sling - those hooks are on page 144 - 62 Civil War Cavalry Belt Cross Strap Hook - $3.00.  I can easily make these out of brazing rod.  I haven't decided yet if I am going to use a sliding buckle for the adjustment on the sling or if I'll use a single hook/sing hole adjustment.

Just thought i'd pass on this information - thanks to everyone for their help.  I had forgotten the assortment of hardware that S & S carries - have dealt with them before - fine folks.  Thanks again!   

[Slickshot]

BedBugBilly,

Could you post a picture of these saber studs for us...I am not sure what you're talking about and need to see the item...

Went to that website, and did not see a picture there; this is why I ask.


Thanks,

Slickshot

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Search "HS32" or "sabre belt stud' and they will show up, but no image.

[Slickshot]

I believe I found a picture of a saber stud...

Does this look like what you purchased?

Just found this link for them also...sold for $1.50 per.   http://www.regtqm.com/Saber-Belt-Stud-p/diy-112.htm


Slickshot

[bedbugbilly]

Sorry for the delay in getting back . . .

Slickshot . . . those are the animals I've been looking for.  You punch a hole the sie of the shaft and then make a slit - the same as you would for a Sam Browne stud.  This is done on both pieces and then this stud is inserted.  These were utilized on saber slings to make the loops for attaching to the belt and scabbard rings - also used in a number of military style slings and other straps where a secure fastener was required but could easily be detached.

The image on the S & S catalog really doesn't show them well - your image is much better.  If you go to the S & S Firearm site (make sure you get the right S & S Firearm site as there are a number of them - you want the company that sells Civil War/IW/SpanAm weapons, accouterments, etc. Go to their homepage and on the right hand side of the page, you can click and download their catalog.  You can either download a particular section - gun parts, uniforms, etc. or the entire catalog.  They carry some pretty unique period attachments, parts, etc. that are good to know about in case you ever need them.  They are one source that I've used for the brass acorn studs that are period correct for Civil War/IW holsters, cartridge boxes, cap boxes, etc.  Good folks to deal with 

Thanks also for the other link.  If I still had a metal lathe these studs would be a snap to make out of brass, copper or steel.

[bedbugbilly]

Slickshot - I just blew up the photo that you showed and I don't believe these are it.  The photo you show appears to have a "stud shank"

What I'm talking about has a domed head on each end of the shank - identical heads.  You slip the head through the hole with the slit on both pieces and it holds them together.  The stud could be inserted and removed at will - it is not affixed to the leather at all other than the two layers of leather being held together on the shank between the heads on both ends of the shank.

[David Carrico]

I've only been making saber belts for 25 years. Slickshot, those are saber belt studs!

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I didn't realize saber belt studs are that big. They describe them as "Size Large approximately 11/16 inch diameter and approximately 1/2" high, size Small approximately 9/16 inch diameter and approximately 7/16" high."

I'd think those should work really well for a guitar strap or a sling.

[bedbugbilly]

David - you are soooooo correct on what is pictured.  I stand corrected on my last comment.  I was looking at the picture wrong of the one that was up on the heads - originally, when I looked at it, I thought there was a stud sticking up - I went back and blew it up bigger and they are what I'm talking about.   

I should have described them originally as being similar to a Chicago screw only without threaded shank and larger diameter heads.

I'm sure you've used these by the bucket full!  I've seen similar used on some European military slings that I once had and they were made out of steel.  Can you advise if there is a "proper name" for them other than saber sling studs?

I should have thought of you right off the bat!  Hope this finds you doing well - thanks so much for chiming in - greatly appreciated.

Also - do you have these available for sale in small quantities?  Many thanks!   

[David Carrico]

Yes, I have some if you need them. I'm feeling better all the time, Thank you!