Handles for Trunks and Chests by Fixing Furniture

Replacing broken handles for steamer trunks and chests might seem intimidating. Learning how to replace leather handles isn't difficult with the right tools, techniques, and knowledge. Watch Scott Bennett, professional furniture restorer, as he shows how to replace two different styles of leather handles. These two styles of leather handles are the most common type used. Scott starts by showing how to carefully remove the handle end caps without damaging them or the structure of the steamer trunk. The trunk nails need to be unbent before they can be pulled out. Once the nails are removed from the end cap, he then taps out the nails holding on the broken leather handle. Next, Scott stains the new leather handles to match the distressed look of the steamer trunks. New leather stands out too much on distressed trunks or chests. The leather is dyed with alcohol soluble dye and sealed with neatsfoot oil to protect the leather and prevent it from deteriorating. The new handle is attached with trunk nails using a technique that's unique to seamer trunks. A metal plate is held on the inside of the trunk and the nail is driven into the metal place, bending the nail on the inside of the trunk to hold it in place. The end caps are attached the same way. The second style of trunk handle allows the handle to sit flat against the trunk and can be pulled out to lift the trunk. It's held in place with a piece of hardware called a handle loop. The handle slot fits onto a post in the handle loop to allow it to slide in and out. This is removed and attached the same way as the first handle, using trunk nails. We hope you enjoyed this video. The best complement you can give us is to share this video with others. Thank you! RELATED VIDEOS: Tarnishing Nails for Trunk Restoration    • Vintage Steamer Trunk Restoration Project ...   Repairing Broken Steamer Trunk    • Restoration Magic: Patching a Hole in an A...   LINKS: Leather Trunk Handle (prefinished) https://amzn.to/3WUxra7 Cat's Paw Nail Puller https://amzn.to/4nrAqBB Punch Set https://amzn.to/4ojQg2G Cork Padding https://amzn.to/4oJTyMg Alcohol Soluble Stain https://amzn.to/47vpInH Denatured Alcohol https://amzn.to/4qySI6X Neatsfoot Leather Oil https://amzn.to/4hwKLea Respirator - NIOSH Approved Organic Vapour Cartridge https://amzn.to/4hJlhus Note: purchases made with these links help contribute to our video production work COURSES - https://www.fixingfurniture.com/furni... FIXING FURNITURE COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP - Get access to videos before they're published on YouTube, watch all the videos without ads, get downloadable reference sheets, and participate in Fixing Furniture Live every two weeks. Learn more about membership at https://www.fixingfurniture.com OUR NEWSLETTER - Sign up at https://www.fixingfurniture.com TOOLS & SUPPLIES - See the tools we use in our workshop and the tools we recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/homeimpro... 🇨🇦 Canadian link - https://www.amazon.ca/shop/homeimprov... Fixing Furniture is hosted by Scott Bennett, Co-owner of Wooden It Be Nice Inc. - Furniture Repair in Perth, Ontario, Canada. https://WoodenItBeNice.ca #leatherhandle #steamertrunk #chestFURNITURE REPAIR