Craftool Thonging Chisel Set: How to Punch Lacing Holes

By Tandy Leather — Tandy Leather, Inc. | Published: 2026-11-03

Category: Anleitungen

Learn how to punch clean, evenly spaced leather lacing holes with the Craftool Thonging Chisel Set, from choosing slit size to aligning repeats.

Quick answer

Punch lacing holes with the Craftool Thonging Chisel Set by matching the slit width to your lace, marking a consistent spacing line, and striking the chisel straight down on a Poundo Board or Poly Cutting Board. Work in small sections and keep the chisel perpendicular to the leather for clean, even slits.

Choose the slit size that fits your lace

The Craftool Thonging Chisel Set includes 1/16", 3/32", and 1/8" slit sizes. A slit that is too narrow will grip the lace and make it hard to pull through; too wide and the lace may look loose or shift. Test on scrap leather first. The set does not include a lace-size chart, so match the slit to the lace width you are using and adjust based on how easily the lace passes through.

Plan spacing before you strike

Leather lace spacing affects the look and function of your project. For a standard whipstitch or running lace, holes are often spaced about 1/4" to 3/8" apart, but the right spacing depends on the lace width and the look you want. Mark a guide line with a wing divider or stitch groover, then test the chisel's prong spacing on scrap to see how many repeats fit your project. The three-prong tube speeds up long runs, while the single-prong tube gives you control around curves and corners.

Protect your work surface and chisel

Always strike the chisel on a Poundo Board or Poly Cutting Board. These surfaces absorb the impact and protect the chisel edge, and they also prevent the chisel from dulling on a hard bench. A cutting mat alone may not be enough for repeated strikes.

Step-by-step: punching lacing holes with the Craftool Thonging Chisel Set

Select the slit size: Match the chisel slit to your lace width: 1/16" for very thin lace, 3/32" for common 3/32" lace, and 1/8" for wider lace. Test on scrap leather to confirm the lace pulls through without excessive force. If the lace bunches or will not pass, try the next size up before punching your project.
Mark a spacing guide: Draw a faint line where the holes will go using a wing divider set to your desired spacing, or use a stitch groover as a guide. Keep the line parallel to the edge. Check that the guide line is visible but will not leave a permanent mark on the finished side.
Choose the prong tube: Install the single-prong tube for curves, corners, and precise placement. Use the three-prong tube for long straight runs to speed up spacing. For tight curves, the single prong prevents the chisel from drifting off the line.
Set up a striking surface: Place a Poundo Board or Poly Cutting Board under the leather. Hold the chisel vertically with the slit aligned to your guide line. Never strike directly on a hard bench or glass; the chisel edge can chip.
Strike and check: Strike the chisel firmly with a mallet. Check that the slit goes fully through the leather. If not, strike again with the chisel still in the leather. A clean slit shows a crisp edge; a ragged edge means the chisel is dull or the leather moved.
Advance and repeat: For the three-prong tube, place one prong in the last slit to align the next strike. For the single-prong tube, move along the guide line by your measured spacing. Overlap one prong on repeats to keep spacing consistent.

Product facts

Craftool® Thonging Chisel Set: Tempered steel construction with one- and three-prong interchangeable tubes in 1/16", 3/32", and 1/8" sizes. The interchangeable tubes let you switch between single-hole control and multi-hole speed without buying separate tools.
Craftool® Thonging Chisel Set