Leather Bolo Ties and Slide Clips: Styles and Attachment Guide
By Tandy Leather — Tandy Leather, Inc. | Published: 2026-10-15
Category: Product Reviews
Compare concho bolo slide clips, scalloped leather conchos, and critter conchos for leather bolo ties. Learn how to attach a bolo slide and choose the right back option.
Quick answer
For a secure, adjustable leather bolo tie, pair a concho with the Concho Bolo Slide Clip. The clip locks the cord and accepts a decorative concho, so you can swap styles without restringing. If you want a lighter, more decorative slide, use Scalloped Black Leather Conchos with pre-attached spots. For a bold, hand-polished accent, choose the Bear Critter Concho. The Long Swivel Bolt Snap is best for straps and keychains, not bolo slides.
How bolo slide clips work with leather cord
A bolo slide clip is the mechanical heart of an adjustable bolo tie. The cord passes through the slide, and a locking mechanism holds the slide in place while letting you move it up and down. The Concho Bolo Slide Clip measures 3/4" x 7/8" and comes in nickel plate. It has a flat front that accepts a decorative concho, so you can attach the concho of your choice. This two-piece approach means you can change the look later without replacing the slide.
Decorative concho options for bolo slides
Scalloped Black Leather Conchos come in three diameters: 1.5 in., 1.75 in., and 2 in. They have pre-punched center holes and pre-attached nickel-finished spots, so you can thread them directly onto a cord or attach them to a slide. The black leather and silver spots give a classic western look. The Bear Critter Concho is a hand-polished, antique silver, nickel-free plated piece with a screwback attachment. At 1.13 x 0.88 in., it is smaller and works well as a standalone slide or as a accent on a leather strap. Because it uses a screwback, you can attach it to a slide that has a threaded post or use it on its own with a leather backing.
How to attach a bolo slide to leather cord
Start by cutting your leather cord to length—typically 36 to 40 inches for an adult bolo tie. Feed one end of the cord through the back of the slide clip, then through the decorative concho if you are using one, and back through the slide. For the Concho Bolo Slide Clip, the locking mechanism grips the cord when you slide it down. Test the tension before trimming the cord. If you use Scalloped Black Leather Conchos, the pre-punched center hole fits most standard bolo cords; you may need a small leather spacer or knot to keep the concho centered. For the Bear Critter Concho, the screwback post can be passed through a hole in a leather slide or used with a small backing plate. Always leave a little extra cord at the ends for the tips.
Trade-offs: slide clip vs. decorative conchos vs. snap
- Concho Bolo Slide Clip: Gives you a locking, adjustable slide that accepts any concho. The trade-off is that you must supply and attach the decorative concho separately, and the nickel plate may not match antique silver finishes. Best when you want a secure, changeable bolo slide.
- Scalloped Black Leather Conchos: Lightweight, pre-punched, and ready to thread, with a classic black-and-silver look. The trade-off is that they do not lock the cord on their own—you need a slide clip or a friction knot to hold them in place. Best for decorative accents on a slide you already have.
- Bear Critter Concho: Hand-polished, nickel-free, and detailed, with a screwback for easy attachment. The trade-off is its small size and screwback post, which may not fit every pre-made slide without a backing plate. Best for a standout accent on a custom leather slide.
- Long Swivel Bolt Snap: Great for straps and keychains with a bolt-action gate and 360° swivel. The trade-off is that it is not designed for bolo cords and will not hold a slide in place. Skip it for bolo ties; use it for bag straps or lanyards.
Product facts
- Concho Bolo Slide Clip: Concho Bolo Slide Clip: 3/4" x 7/8", nickel plate, designed to hold a concho for a locking bolo slide. This is the only true slide clip in the group. It gives you a secure, adjustable hold and lets you swap conchos without restringing.
- Scalloped Black Leather Conchos: Scalloped Black Leather Conchos: available in 1.5 in., 1.75 in., and 2 in. diameters; black leather with pre-attached nickel-finished spots and pre-punched center holes. These are decorative conchos, not slides. The pre-punched hole makes them easy to thread, but you still need a slide clip or a knot to keep them in place.
- Bear Critter Concho: Bear Critter Concho: 1.13 x 0.88 in., hand-polished antique silver, nickel-free plated, screwback attachment. The screwback lets you attach it to a leather slide or use it as a standalone accent. It is smaller and more detailed than the scalloped conchos.
- Long Swivel Bolt Snap: Long Swivel Bolt Snap: bolt-action slide gate closure, 360° swivel design, extended shape for added reach. This is a strap and accessory snap, not a bolo slide. It works for keychains or bag straps, but it will not hold a bolo cord securely.
Which bolo slide setup fits your project?
Best for
- Leathercrafters making an adjustable bolo tie who want a secure, locking slide.
- Anyone who wants to swap conchos without restringing the cord.
- Makers who prefer a nickel-plated slide that accepts a variety of concho styles.
Not for
- Projects that need a lightweight decorative concho only, with no locking mechanism.
- Users who want a pre-assembled bolo slide with the concho already attached.
- Straps or keychains—choose the Long Swivel Bolt Snap instead.
