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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.
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Dual Blade Awl
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
The Dart Awl has only one point for puncturing. A simple tool that make small slits in leather or helps open holes in weave. This tool is universal for all types of studs, especially small studs and medium size studs.
Cobblers Mat
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
Sometimes used to help punch the awl through particularly thick or stubborn leather.
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.