How to Attach a Skull Shield Cycle Concho to Leather
By Tandy Leather — Tandy Leather, Inc. | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: How-to Guides
Learn to attach a Skull Shield Cycle Concho to leather: mark, punch a 1/8 in. hole, insert the screwback post, and tighten the washer from the reverse side.
Quick answer
Attach a Skull Shield Cycle Concho by marking the spot, punching a clean hole, inserting the screwback post, and tightening the backing washer from the reverse side.
Why screwback conchos are different from pronged ones
Unlike pronged conchos that require bending tabs over a backing plate, the Skull Shield Cycle Concho uses a screwback post and a separate washer. This design lets you remove or swap the concho later without damaging the leather. The trade-off is that you need access to both sides of the leather, and the hole must be sized precisely for the post diameter (1.13 in. overall concho diameter, with a post that fits a standard 1/8 in. hole). If the hole is too large, the concho will wobble; too small and you risk tearing the leather when forcing the post through.
Step-by-step attachment process
- Mark the exact position: Place the concho on the leather and use an awl or a fine-point marker to mark the center of the post hole. Double-check alignment — once punched, the hole is permanent. Common mistake: marking too close to an edge can cause the leather to tear under the washer. Keep the concho at least 1/2 in. from any edge.
- Punch a clean hole: Use a rotary punch or a drive punch sized to match the screwback post diameter (typically 1/8 in.). Place the leather on a cutting mat and punch straight through from the finished side. Checkpoint: if the leather is thicker than 1/8 in., use a drill with a leather-safe bit to avoid crushing the fibers. A ragged hole will prevent the washer from seating flat.
- Insert the concho post: From the finished side of the leather, push the screwback post through the hole. If the fit is snug, rotate the concho gently as you push — do not hammer or force it. Common mistake: forcing the post through an undersized hole can crack the finish on the concho face. If it does not slide in easily, ream the hole slightly.
- Secure the backing washer: On the reverse side of the leather, thread the backing washer onto the post. Tighten by hand until the washer contacts the leather, then give a quarter turn with pliers for a snug fit. Checkpoint: overtightening can dimple the leather around the concho or strip the threads. Stop as soon as the washer is flush against the leather.
- Test and adjust: Flip the project over and check that the concho sits flat and does not rotate freely. If it spins, tighten the washer slightly. If the leather is too thick for the post to reach the washer, add a thin leather spacer behind the concho. Final check: the concho should not wiggle when you run your finger across its face. A loose concho will catch on clothing or scratch surfaces.
Product used in this guide
- Skull Shield Cycle Concho: The Skull Shield Cycle Concho has a nickel and black finish, a screwback attachment, and a diameter of 1.13 in. (28.58 mm). The screwback design means you need a hole punch and a backing washer (included) — no hammer or anvil required, making it a clean option for finished leather goods.
Skull Shield Cycle Concho
