Leather Cover for Chisels

This is the easiest and cheapest way to make leather covers for your chisel that is a good long term solution. I can think of easier and cheaper ways like wrapping a piece of leather with tape, but I think that is a bad solution.
The most difficult part is using the right
I wanted to do a project that let's woodworkers dip their toe in the world of leather. This was literally the simplest project involving leather. I have use leather chisel covers like these for years and are very satisfied with them. This design has be thoroughly tested. So I hope you enjoy them as well.
John Zhu
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2017

[@josuelservin2409]

I started to do this with my tools when there was too many to put into my tool roll and I need to carry them with me in a tool bag.
And also because they look fancy XD

[@johnzzhu]

Yeah with these I don't much worry about it poking me or cutting holes.

[@HeavyboxesDIYMaster]

This is very good when you throw it in a tool box for on the job site.

[@johnzzhu]

Thanks Andrew. I know that some people (ie. Paul Sellers) don't like chisel covers at all. But I've found them useful, and never have cut myself yet when putting on or taking off the covers (this was Sellers reasoning for not liking them).

[@AdventuresInDIY]

Great idea John!

[@johnzzhu]

Thanks Chris.

[@GatoLand]

Good job, congratulations!

[@johnzzhu]

Thank you.

[@robertbrunston5406]

Thanks john

[@johnzzhu]

You're welcome.

[@StavrosGakos]

Nice!

[@johnzzhu]

Thanks!

[@333rpd]

Nice project. Would it be easier to start the chisel in if the back side was slightly longer than the front?

[@johnzzhu]

Thanks. I am not sure, I've never done it that way. I think it would be similar. Just have to go slow the first time.

[@dvtsaw]

how do you tell chrome tanned from vegetable tanned leather.I have a large piece of leather that I got from Tandy leather but it is rather thick.

[@johnzzhu]

It should be listed on their website the tanning method. You can tell by the stiffness, veggie tanned (VT) leather is much stiffer than chrome tanned at the same thickness. Thick leather, >5mm, are probably VT. If the color is consistently tan probably VT. The suede side is also rougher on the VT compared to chrome. These are starting points, you can probably find more info online.

[@wiffasmith1]

@@johnzzhu if you cut it it should have a white line through the middle. I personally would not use chrome tan though as it can leach tanning salts onto the tool causing corrosion. Veg tan is much better if you buy quality leather it should not stretch much. Nice project though

[@PurplemonkeyHS]

Any concern of the chisel edges cutting the thread?

[@johnzzhu]

The answer is no. The chisel forms a triangular shape, so if measured the way I have shown then there is no way the edge can cut the thread. As it wedges open the cover, it also tries to center the chisel. So after the first fitting it pretty much goes in the same way every time. You may have noticed that during the fitting one of the corner poked through the leather, and that corner was several mm away from the thread. It is more likely to catch one of the flat surfaces than the thread. Thanks for the good question.