{"product_id":"tandy-leather-craftool-oblong-punch-3-4-slot-cutter-for-buckle-straps-fast-precise-cuts","title":"Tandy Leather Craftool Oblong Punch — 3\/4\" Slot Cutter for Buckle Straps, Fast Precise Cuts","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Tandy Leather Craftool Oblong Punch is a handheld tool that rapidly cuts clean 3\/4\" oblong slots for buckles, straps and hardware installations.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you make belts, collars, bags, harnesses or repair leather goods, neat buckle slots transform a project from homemade to professional. This solid, purpose-built punch lets you mark, position and strike to produce uniform oblong openings without lengthy trimming or shaping by hand. Use it on vegetable-tanned or firm skived leathers with a poly cutting board beneath to protect both the blade and your work surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does this punch speed up buckle slot work?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe punch removes the guesswork of scoring and trimming slot shapes. Drop the punch onto the leather, seat it on a suitable backing, and strike with a non-metallic mallet to cut a precise opening in one motion. That single-step action is faster and more consistent than freehand cutting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCuts a 3\/4\" oblong slot in one strike for quicker assembly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRediminishes finishing time with smooth edges needing minimal burnishing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRepeatable positioning yields uniform slots across multiple pieces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat kinds of leather projects is it best suited for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis punch excels wherever a rectangular or oblong hardware opening is required. It’s ideal for traditional belts, strap ends, dog collars, harnesses, and small bag closures. It also works well for repairs when an existing strap needs a new slot or resized hardware placement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBelt buckle slots and keeper openings for leather belts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eStrap adjustment slots on bags, harnesses, and tack.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eReplacement or relocated hardware openings during repairs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat materials and backing should you use for best results?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Craftool punch performs best on fairly firm, non-elastic leathers—especially vegetable-tanned pieces used in belts and straps. Always place the leather on a durable, sacrificial surface to preserve the blade and prevent blow-through damage to your bench.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRecommended backing: poly cutting board or hardwood bench block.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAvoid striking on metal surfaces; use a rawhide or plastic mallet for cleaner cuts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWorks on single- and double-layer straps; test on scraps before final cuts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I maintain the punch for long life?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoutine care keeps the cutting edge sharp and the alignment true. Clean the blade after use, avoid striking on hard surfaces, and strop or lightly hone the edge as needed. Proper storage prevents dings and extends usable life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eClean leather debris from the bore after each session.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLightly hone or strop to refresh the edge rather than resurfacing aggressively.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eStore in a dry place and keep away from corrosive chemicals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWho is this for: Makers who want consistent, professional-looking slot cuts without complex jigs or lengthy hand finishing will appreciate this punch. Hobbyists and seasoned leatherworkers alike benefit from faster throughput and uniform results when producing belts, accessories, repairs, or any project that requires neat oblong hardware openings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"product-faq-snippet\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: What size slot does this punch make?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: It cuts a 3\/4-inch oblong slot, sized for common belt buckles and strap hardware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: Can I use it on thick leather?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Yes—works on firm leathers and multi-ply straps, but test on scrap and use a poly cutting board.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Tandy Leather","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55254624272721,"sku":"B001VSJRHW","price":27.98,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1086\/5567\/3681\/files\/tandy-leather-craftool-oblong-punch-front-view.jpg?v=1791682177","url":"https:\/\/craftiche.co.uk\/products\/tandy-leather-craftool-oblong-punch-3-4-slot-cutter-for-buckle-straps-fast-precise-cuts","provider":"Craftiche","version":"1.0","type":"link"}