Tool bag strap source

[Fred Otjen]

Is there a source for a replacement leather strap for an A tool bag? Please reply with the info.

[Jim Alton]

Autos International makes reproduction toolbags although the hardware on their straps seems s little lighter than the originals.

Chances are, any good local shoe/leather/luggage repair shop can replace the leather. The big challenge would be replacing the 1950's metric rivet.

[Brad Ripley]

Beg to differ -- the rivets are easy, it's the grain of the leather that's no where. Note the grain in Fred's photo. Plus the buckle and keeper is not found domestically either.

[Jim Alton]

I did say GOOD local shoe/leather/luggage repair shop. Some of those guys like a challenge. I'd think it would be possible to reuse the hardware except for the rivet.

I always thought my 356A's tool bag was original and it's strap is smooth, not like the one in that photo.

[Alan Hall]

In agree with Brad, it is hard to find any leather with the coarse grain like the original straps. The repro bags I have seen have straps that aren't even close. I have checked a few material suppliers that have whole or part hides and the closest I ever found is the coarse grain in the attached photo. It is similar but both color and grain are not really correct.
Alan

[Tom Scott]

I have an original A tool bag strap which became dried and brittle and eventually cracked and broke off. Using this strap I was able to have some very good reproduction straps made. In the process I learned that the variations in color and grain are different for every cow hide, thus no two straps will be the same as you can see using the two or three examples in this post. I have a very limited supply of the reproductions which I will sell in the classifieds. I can have more made if there is sufficient demand. Here are photos of the original strap and the repros. I will post the for sale information later tonight or tomorrow, going to dinner with an angel.
Tom Scott

[Tom Scott]

Apparently there is a bug in the upload photos software, so I will try to add another one.
T

[Jim Alton]

So, do all original tool kit bag straps and--for that matter--travelling kit bag straps have such an obvious grain pattern?

I thought my 356A's tool kit bag was original and it has smooth leather. I think my 911's travelling kit bag predates any copies (I've had it since '97) and it's strap is also smooth.

[Joris Koning]

Jim,

No, I believe there are distinct differences in the strap material between the earlier and later style bags

[Steve Harrison]

My 54 bag has smooth strap leather.

[Tom Scott]

If someone has an original Pre A strap or a "smooth" strap which is unusable, and they are willing to send it to me, on loan, I will attempt to duplicatethis type. I am also investigating reproducing the B straps. Stay tuned.
Tom

[Fred Otjen]

Just got my tool bag back after a new strap and re stitch, the original buckle was reused. Rick "stitch" Coleman in Fresno does this work and interiors/tops too. Pictures below (I think).

By the way, can anyone identify what year this bag is, I haven't seen this color before?
I'm using for a '57 A.

[Steve Harrison]

Hello Fred,
That's a good tip to relay to everyone about who can do the bag work. I'll bet there are a lot of bags out there that need attention.
As far as the year for your bag, the number of pockets and their location will be the best way to date it. Could you post a picture with it open?

[Jim Alton]

If it helps any, here are photos of what I'm pretty confident are an original 356A tool kit, an original early 911 Travel Kit and a reproduction travel kit.

356A Tool Kit

Early 911 Travel Kit

Reproduction Travel Kit

The hardware on the reproduction is noticeably lighter than on the presumed originals.

[Tom Scott]

After seemingly endless research, meetings, conversations, Facebook postings, etc. etc. I have concluded that the cowhide used in making the tool bag straps varies greatly, even within the same hide and therefore the color and texture are not the same. About the only absolutely conclusions that can be drawn is that they were leather and usually brown. Here are some photos of the straps I reproduced.
Tom Scott