If you’ve ever struggled to get clean, consistent ends on your straps or bag handles, you’re not alone. In leathercraft, the small details make a big difference—and the right leather end punch can save a ton of time and frustration.
In this quick shop tip video, Leather Craft Tool Tip: End Punches and Bag Punches, I go over how these tools work, when to use them, and a few things to watch for when picking one for your shop.
What Are Leather End Punches and Bag Punches?
End Punches are designed to round off or shape the ends of leather straps and pieces. The end punch gives you a clean, uniform curve on strap ends—perfect for belts, billets, or tack work.
The Bag Punch, or Oblong Punch, is designed to create a slot with rounded ends in a variety of sizes. This is used for buckle tongues on straps or anywhere you might need a slot.
Why They Matter
Using an end punch or bag punch instead of cutting by hand helps keep everything consistent and professional. No uneven corners, no guessing where your curve should start—just clean, repeatable cuts every time.
If you’re producing multiple pieces or want your work to look crisp and balanced, these punches are worth having in your toolbox.
A Few Tips from the Bench
- Keep your punches sharp—a dull one will leave ragged edges.
- Always punch on a firm but forgiving surface (like HDPE or heavy rubber).
- If you need to, mark your center line first so every punch is aligned.
Final Thoughts
Leather end punches and bag punches aren’t flashy tools, but they’ll quietly level up your work. Once you use one, you’ll wonder why you ever tried to freehand strap ends.
