When it comes to leatherwork, the right leather glue can make all the difference. Whether you’re building saddles, wallets, or belts, a strong bond keeps your project clean and lasting. But with so many leather glues out there, which one actually sticks best?
In my video, Which Leather Glue is Stickiest?, I put a few popular leather glues head-to-head in a real shop test to see which one sticks the best.
The Glues We Tested
For this round, I tested a handful of the most common leather adhesives used by pros and hobbyists alike. Each was applied to the same leather, allowed to dry, and then peeled apart to see how well it bonded.
This wasn’t a lab test—it was real-world use, just like we do in the shop every day.
What We Found
Some glues tack up quick but don’t hold as well under pressure. Others take longer to dry but create a stronger, more flexible bond. In leathercraft, that balance between open time, tack, and final hold matters more than the label on the bottle.
One stood out as the strongest bond in the group… and it was a true surprise to us in both type and application.
My Recommendation
You don’t need the most expensive glue on the shelf—you need one that fits your workflow and leather type. For everyday projects, I like a glue that’s:
- Easy to spread
- Quick to tack up
- Holds tight even when flexed or sewn
I share my personal favorites and show the test results in the full video so you can decide which glue might work best in your own shop.
Final Thoughts
Leather glue is one of those small details that separates a good project from a great one. Take the time to find the adhesive that matches your projects and your process—it’ll save you time and frustration in the long run.