Weber custom Leather handle wrap

[SmokinPerformer2]

I've been trying to combine my two hobbies, BBQ & Leatherwork. Leather is a byproduct of the meat industry and what better way to reunite them as BBQ and functional art.
  They already make leather dye and nylon thread in an assortment of colors. I'm gonna attempt to leather wrap my 6630 stainless steel Weber tools and dye the wrap to match my vintage grill color.

Over the next two weeks, I'll post a step-by-step totorial on how I'm doing this. Feel free to join in or borrow any ideas if you'd like to create your own custom leather wrapped tool handles. Chris

[SmokinPerformer2]

Sample of the leather stamp I'll be using

[LiquidOcelot]

I like this idea i HATE how poorly the rubber is held onto those tools. I LOVE my weber basics tools, and the weber essentials tools are awesome also. Excited to see how yours turn out

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G928A using Weber Kettle Club mobile app

[Firemunkee]

I love this!! Looking forward to seeing the progress and final product

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Weber Kettle Club mobile app

[SmokinPerformer2]

I'm also excited about this project. I haven't leather wrapped any tools yet so It will be a learning process along the way. Chime in anytime along the way with suggestions.

Dismantle of tong tool: the black soft-touch handle comes off pretty easy. I can't use them for a template due to the leather stretching. I plan to just wet mold the leather around the stainless steel.

[JEBIV]

I think this will be sweet, looking forward to seeing this

[SmokinPerformer2]

I'll need to separate the two pieces so I drilled out the long rivet using a 1/4" drill bit.

[SmokinPerformer2]

Remove rivet and save to measure for diameter. I'll need to source a longer rivet fastener later as it will also secure one side of the leather handle.

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[SmokinPerformer2]

Save spring and hardware for re assembly.

[SmokinPerformer2]

I'm using a 10 3/8" x 28" long section of full grain shoulder leather and will be more than enough to complete the 3pc. handle set.  I'll measure out just how much is needed once this project is completed Incase you'd like to leather wrap your own 6630 tools.
The leather I'm using comes in weight sizes and I'm using 8oz. It's the same thick quality full grain leather used for gun holsters. Normally in a gun holster, it's stitched back to back with another piece and you end up with a 1/4" thick leather holster.
This piece of vegetable tanned leather is craftsman quality so no need to dish out top dollar for a piece of leather that will be used as BBQ handles. Also, it's a natural color and accepts leather dye very well.

[SmokinPerformer2]

You can see the thickness of this piece of full grain leather.

[SmokinPerformer2]

It's a couple millimeters thicker than it needs to be able to sit flush against the Weber grill chrome end cap. The trick is the skive the flesh side (under side) of the leather near the ends to desired thickness so it can rest flush.
I'll skive that area later once I cut my piece out.
  Chris

[Bob BQ]

Sample of the leather stamp I'll be using

I'm guessing you had to get the Weber logo stamp custom made.....?

[SmokinPerformer2]

Yeah it's one of those weird deals. Where you know a guy that knows a guy that has a custom stamp die maker and makes them for free. Problem is, he is never around when you want stamps made. I've been waiting for this stamp to be made for the last  8-10 months. Geez, the service is horrible and I'll never recommend this guy that knows a guy to have anything done.

But if you're following along on this build, You really don't need any custom stamps for your leather wrapped handle. I think they will look just as cool either way.

[SmokinPerformer2]

I'll complete one side of the 2 part tong handle first to make sure I like the end result.

   After measuring the handle section that needs to be covered. I cut out a 3"x 6 11/16" piece. I didn't give myself much room for error but it should work.