The Unsung Heroes of My Leather Shop

When people ask about the tools I use most in leatherworking, they expect me to talk about round knives, pricking irons, or maybe my stitching pony. And yes, those are all important. But the real heroes of my shop are the underrated tools that no one ever told me about.

1. Digital Calipers I bought my first pair on a whim. For years, I just used a ruler and wing dividers to measure things. I assumed calipers were for machinists and metalworkers, not leather guys like me. Then one day, Amazon tossed a $20 digital caliper into my feed and I thought, “Why not?”

I use it constantly now. Seeing the actual number on the screen just clicks in my head in a way that marks on a ruler never did. Measuring leather thickness, setting stitch spacing, or checking the width of a belt blank — it’s all faster and more accurate. I honestly wish someone had recommended them to me earlier.

Digital Calipers on Amazon

2. Binder Clips These little guys don’t look like much, but they’ve earned their place in the shop. I use them to hold glue-ups, suspend pieces while edge coat dries, and corral bits of leather together while I work. I’ve got a coffee can full of them, and they’re always disappearing into projects like some kind of shop gremlins.

Binder Clips on Amazon

3. Shop Organization This one isn’t a tool, but it’s probably the biggest upgrade I’ve made. For years, I worked in chaos — piles on the bench, tools buried under scraps, constant frustration when I couldn’t find the thing I literally just set down.

Spending a little time and money on organization changed everything. Pegboards, trays, and a place for everything mean I spend more time making and less time hunting. It’s a mindset shift as much as it is a practical fix.

So if you’re building out your shop, don’t just chase the fancy knives and mauls. Grab a set of digital calipers, a handful of binder clips, and give yourself the gift of a clean, organized space. It’s the little things that make the biggest difference.