Leather cord and crimp tube with hooks on end

[Shygirltx]

Twice I've finished a leather string necklace by using sterling silver crimp tubes on the end (the ones with a hook on one end and a loop on the other end) and have had problems.

The first time, I put a dab of glue on the end of the leather before inserting it into the crimp tube end and flattening it in the middle. The leather slipped out after about a couple of weeks.

The second time, I followed the same process, but what happened was that the leather (1.0 mm) broke just below the crimp tube end while the end of the leather cord remained sealed in the crimp end.

Can anyone give me some pointers on using this type of fastener with leather or suggest an alternative? I really like the way these necklaces look, but I'm discouraged because of the results.

Thanks,
Denise

[Luann Udell]

I'm not sure if this will help or not, but I quit using 1mm leather cord for the reasons you just listed.

It just wasn't as durable as the thicker cords.  Crimping actually seems to weaken the leather at that point, and the leather would soon break through. 

It might work better to just glue.  Super glue is the best adhesive to use with leather, thanks and a hat tip to Trisha Leary and 'The Old Man' (her hubby, a longtime leather worker) for that advice.   

Hook-and-eye clasps are problematic, too.  If the necklace isn't "heavy" enough, the hook can come undone.  Since the 1mm leather cord will wear out more quickly if there IS weight on the necklace, using both is sort of a lose-lose proposition.

You could try another source for your leather, since it's POSSIBLE the leather you're using isn't a high-quality leather.  But I found it didn't really matter, it still broke easily.  After repairing about a dozen necklaces in one season, I quit using it.

I hope someone else has ideas, because I DO like how it looks.  But now I only use it to lash things to thicker leather cords.   

[Russ Nobbs]

You might find the more expensive Greek leather slightly sturdier than the typical Indian leather.
We currently do not carry Greek or Turkish leather.
The Indian leather we carry is the very best quality of Indian leather we can find. (We've tried many other sources!!!) But the Indian quality is reflected in the lower price when compared to Greek goods.
1mm is pretty thin, on the other hand,  we sell a lot of it, so some folks must find ways to use it and continue to re-order it.

[Luann Udell]

You're right, Russ, that's why I only use the Greek leather.  The 1mm cord is wonderful for tying things onto thicker cords (yes, I've mastered the collar-and-capstan knot!) but I can still break it.  If I use it in necklaces, it tends to break right where it enters the crimp.  I think it's just too much wear-and-tear that weakens it. 

On the other hand, even a 1.5mm or 1.8mm is a lot stronger.