As a former infantry solider back in the 1990’s we used to carry one of those things everywhere!! Amazing tools. Probably still got mine in the garage somewhere if I look hard enough. Cheers Dave 🇺🇸 🇳🇿
it is a good tool even to this day, because it does not hurt as much for the hands when doing that a lot, and like you said, even more so when doing it through heavy materials like canvas, leather. My use would be for heavy tarps, belts, shoes and things for the horse.
I'd make the hole in the handle big enough to use the needle itself to get the thread out. Might as well keep the thread on and use the needle to go around and underneath the button. And when you put the needle in the tip, it's already threaded! I will call it the "Expedient" stitch after modding it, now that I want one...
That thing seems like sewing but with extra steps lol. I s'pose its purpose is for thick materials that would be hell on one's fingers trying to push a needle through lol
Another great vid from Coalcracker. I have both the Speedy -Stitch and a version from Tandy Leather. I highly recommend the Tandy model. Here's why: Firstly, I have no connection with any company in my review. I am a skilled amatuer leather worker, and have been for many years. I have used both models extensively on small jobs like holsters, sheaths, and sail work. I've used them for reinforcing small stress areas on satchels, bags and gear covers where my machine won't reach. That's all. 1) Speedy Stitch has the bobbin inside the handle and it is turned to 90 degrees from the out feed angle - like a Zebco fishing reel. While I like the better Zebcos, this isn't optimal for a smooth thread feed, with frequent overlapping friction and stops and starts. 2) For tension, Speedy Stitch relies on a tack that you wind the thread around once. It is not effective for all thread types, and applies too much braking with waxed threads, which tend to stick. It is better with nylon sail thread. 3) In order to see how much thread is on the bobbin, you have to open the handle and extract it, because it is at that 90 degrees so you can't readily get a look just by peering into the cavity. In short, it is somewhat awkward to use because of the fits and starts that occur. The Pro is that it does the job as long as you don't mind some fussing. I do. Tandy version: no real Cons. 1) The bobbin is on the outside, in-line like a trolling reel or a baitcasting reel. Out feed tension is accomplished by your index finger with a little pressure - again, like a baitcaster. There is no tack with a tight loop around it that binds. 2) Bobbin is open to the eye and is much easier to reload a new one with a simple axle screw. 3) Never a tangled bobbin because of the natural out feed angle. Works as well as the Speedy Stitcher, but more intuitive in its operation, resulting in a faster job.
Can confirm that the sewing awl that is available from Tandy Leather and a few other venders is absolutely great! I’ve got 3 of them my oldest one and most used being roughly 28 years of use.
I’ve used one for probably 40 years from repairing backpacks & sails to mkaing leather work. One thing I think you missed…if you look at the chuck, you’ll notce a space that lines up with the tension pin. What you do is run the thread through the chuck and into the groove on the needle. This helps keep the thread in the needle groove so you get a single loop as you pull the needle out slightly for the catch-stitch, which will always be on the opposite side of the tension-pin. THX, great vid as usual.
Thanks a lot for this instructional video. I've had one of these creatures, complete with two needles and a bobbin full of thread, for so long I have no idea how I acquired it. Thanks to you, I now know how to use it.
A good way to thread the hole in the handle is to take a piece of thread, fold it in half and then push the loop from the outside back into the handle. Then simply pass your working thread through the loop and pull them both back out.
Actually, the originals (I don't know about the Harbor Freight versions) the hole is angled and large enough you can use the straight needle to thread the hole by pushing the needle through the hole and passing the thread through it and then pull the needle out and the thread comes through the hole with it.
You forgot to mention, the triangle tipped needles are designed to allow you to twist the awl clockwise and counter clockwise when pushing through dense weave fabrics and thick leather to spread the materials for easier penetration.
If I’m remembering correctly Tandy Leather used to include one of those tools in their deluxe beginner leatherwork kit/bucket. Has a weird spindle location, but still a handy thing at the work bench.
Not a bad demonstration, however, a better way to lock it at the end is to double back a stitch or two. When you cut your thread cut it beyond the point of the needle so you can avoid having to re-thread it if continuing with the same thread. At the beginning, close the end cap once the thread is through the hole in the bobbin chamber, pull out enough thread, thread the needle, insert the needle into the chuck, aligning the needle's groove with the slot in the handle, and THEN slide the collar over the needle and tighten the chuck. That sequence makes it easier to keep the thread coming from the bobbin under tighter control.
As a carpenter, I, too, have used this for 40 years for the same thing ... stitching up gear that won't go on a machine I never had as a kid, anyway. I have several now and even found miniature Chinese knock-offs in brass. They don't hold a bobbin but fit completely in a single slot of my issued sewing kit. Saved my butt and other camping companions' butts lots of times as well. Handier than two needles when sewing a few layers of webbing to a leather reìnforcing backer. No new gear here for me, but I'm still pulling that dang "S" needle out more than I ever thought at home. Thanks, Coalcraker, for THAT gear tip!!
@@teddahrable don't know about your nail bags , the outside of mine are crusty as 12 day old bread from all the glue wiped on them , nail set pouches are 1" shorter , corners are kinda rounded , and 1 has a semi permanent glue pancake inside. Wouldn't trade them for anything , they've been with me for 30+years , to many memories of jobs and carpenters now past on to that lumber yard in the sky where they'll be happily pulling splinters ! 😀
I have one of these, used it for leathercrafting and definitely want it in my survival bag. It doesn't seem all that helpful but losing a needles sucks, and this just takes that away. Also has all of the components together, so it's like it's own sewing kit
To keep from rethreading the needle each time when you are ready to tie off ,push the awl through make your loop and instead of putting your thread in the loop insert a marlin spike (a nail or toggle) and when you withdraw the awl you can pull a loop as long as you need to tie off and cut the loop in the center. When you withdraw the thread the thread is still through the eye and you can start the next line of stitches.
Actually have two of those myself. Got one hand me down from my Father and bought one myself for repairing tool bags and Carhartt clothing when I worked on the Alaskan Pipeline back in the early 80’s. Worked on everything I needed to repair for years. Great item to have for Bushcraft repairs.
The video was very informative but on the speedy stitch after you rap the cord around the outside silver button you place the string into the gap in the handle. Once the string is through the gap, you then run it up the gap of the needle and tighten the needle down. Ensure the needle hole and gap is in line with the silver button. Thread the needle through the eye and then screw the cap over the needle. After that is all done then you can start sewing. The string going through the gaps in the handle and needle keep the string snug up to the needle itself while sewing. But it still has slack to open up on the other side to run the string through to finish the stitch. You can go faster and get tighter stitching this way. Its in the instructions as well.
It's a bit difficult to describe how to do it, but you can use two of these stitching awls with two threads and put a reef knot inside each stitch hole. This means that any broken stitch will isolate it's damage, maybe the next stitch will loosen, but probably not. I've used it a lot in leatherwork and in making things that absolutely must not fail just because the thread gets worn.
I made a small-size sewing awl similar to this that fits in my EDC Altoids. I've used it mainly when my family is out and about and a shoe comes apart. The shoe repair only takes a couple minutes and we're all walking again as if nothing happened. Great tool for an EDC. Nice video. Thanks for posting.
On that model theres a groove under the tension nail, take threaded collet off, run line once around nail, into groove, thru threads and collet, and line lays along groove in frontside of needle
I've had numerous speedy stitches for over 45 years. LOVE THIS TOOL. I use 50 through 100 pound braided fishing line. Super strong and very thin makes it super easy to stitch with.
Handy tutorial! I picked one up a while back for a "just in case" scenario, but just haven't had to use it yet, so seeing a video to remind me how to use it is helpful.
I've been binge watching your videos catching up. I've just recently gotten into bushcraft and I've learned a lot from you. I wish you still had q and a going it was funny and some what a learning experience. I have a question in 1 video about 3 years ago you did a lean to with 2 bipods my question is can you hammock camp using tripods to hold the hammock if so can you do a video on how it could be done. My thoughts would be to run the tie offs through the poles to the furthest pole.
I always thought about getting a speedy stich over the years not sure why I never have. But after this video now I know and knowing is half the battle.( an old saying from GI Joe for ones that didn't know 😆) Definitely will come in handy at times,just wish you sold them at Coalcracker Bushcraft my favorite place to shop! Another awesome video as always brother 👍 💪
I’ve got one! They’re actually pretty handy. Great for the woods, but I keep one in the truck for any situation. I’ve fixed my kids stuff, I’ve also stitched up my own equipment. It’s that tool in the box you don’t think about, but are thankful when you pull it out every five years or so.😅 Ever consider showing the group basic net making, just to keep with knots an stitchin’
If this is Dan. Name the greatest Mt Man Film ever made stateside. I will only accept one right answer. Yer not coal cracker, or answer wrong, it’s on. Thoughts?
Thanks, great video. I have several different speedy stickers. They work great. But a bit bulky. I prefer a jab needle, basically the same thing . No bobbin so is much slimmer and easy to pack. Great information 👍
Many old expedition repair/sewing kits used a mini/micro drill chuck with a cotter pin cross ways through the hole in the stem as a micro version of the Speedy Stitcher. Not as easy or comfortable to use, but very compact!
@CoalCracker Bushcraft Thanks for the video again Dan. I actually carry one of these in my packs all the time. Great for quick repairs on tougher materials. Like you said, it's more like a needle/awl type use more or less. Isn't the thread supposed to run down the groove in the needle though under the piece that keeps the needle tight?
I use mine for webbing sewing. My dog's harness repair. My dog's collar repair. My webbing for my truck however I need it. Improv sewing for leather. great for button re attaching.
I have two. One with several eyed needle sizes for conventional use. The second with an Awl-point and several hooked needles. A typical Speedy-Stitch will handle any tool-tip with a 5mm base diameter. The same kit has a pair of fiber-optic scissors that easily cuts UHMWPE fiber and a pair of larger hemostats, a soft-iron wire threading tool for 12-strand rope spicing, cheap thimbles for a couple of fingers on both hands and an assortment of fine lines -- monofilament, twisted tread up to braided 2mm, my fishing bits and bobs, reserve tinder, diamond hones, a pin-drill, a small fixed blade, lighter, mischmetal, tin w/ miniIFAK, what some people call "fixin' wax", some snare wire & way too many stainless safety pins and some cloth scraps. All in over 4 & 1/2 pounds. No -- I don't pack light. I'm too old to run but all my gear and clothing are repairable and leaning to mostly waxed canvas.
People have asked me about mine. Any good Smithy will have it for Saddle Repair and all heavy gauge leather crafting, canvas seams and various Tent Repair.
Ok Dan… I was absolutely thrilled to see u reviewing this. I was literally just at my local REI and takin a look at it. I’ll admittedly say, I was rather lost as far as proper usage. I just may go pick one up. Yet I’m still up in the air with my old sailors leather palm, needles & sisal twine. Great video! 😁👍👍🇺🇸
It's crazy man. Last time I looked your the only place selling those canvas stretcher bed type things... surprising to me I'd think there'd be a demand for those. .. I'm saving my pennies... hopefully be able to grab one in the future if you still got em.
Like your content nad have been watching for a while .... but i have to ask about the psychology of punching or slapping the camera (i.e. slapping your audience in the face) at every opportunity. Makes me/ most likely others want to slap you back in no uncertain terms. Why do you create this uncessary flash point? It certainly does not help your ratings with any guy I know of... you must think it gives you control over your audience? Who needs who? Please stop doing it so we can all enjoy your content wholeheartedly ...
You threaded the stitcher wrong. After you go around the pin, the thread is fed through the wooden slot and into the hole in the metal cap. It then goes along the slot in the needle and threaded into the needle eye. The screw on cap goes over the thread, not the thread over the cap like you did. I have used the stitcher to make canvas haversacks and rifle seabirds. My current project is a $50 gray 100% wool hunters shirt. My next project is a green wrap around coat, 100% wool of course. There is enough material left from both projects to make separate matching hoods along with contrasting trim for both of them. Also I will use a gusset for both items to improve freedom of movement. So this item you said you don't plan to use is actually very useful dispite it's simple appearance. Oh yes, I've seen my wife's relatives stitch sails together with these things too for fishing boats.
Had one for years, used for repairs to backpacks canvas tents leather projects found some heavy sewing machine needles about 1/3 the diameter of the original factory needles that work with dental floss
It is a lockstitch awl, I have one that is marked "C A Myers, Chicago." I use it for leatherwork, it is a different design and I think a bit more convenient to use than the one you have there.
One minor point here. The speedy stich does a lock stich. The two needle method however is typically used to make what is called a saddle stich, which is not the same thing. The lock stich is actually a knot tied in each stich, whereas a saddle stich merely has the threads crossing each other, not forming a knot. Obviously the lock stich is more secure which may be a factor to consider. The application will determine which one you want to use. Just YFI.😁!
Very cool!!! I have my grandfather's stich awl that looks just like that one!! No instructions sheet with mine though :) I have a newer one I bought myself too, then I got this old one and it is SO much better quality!! Excellent tool!
I have two tandy ones. I have repaired and made many things. They are awesome for making leather stuff like knife sheaths and repairing knife sheath stitching.
The only time I've seen anyone use one is when they had heavy leather to do and their stitching pony was broke. Wasn't a perfect job but was good enough to patch stuff.
I packed mules. If you have the misfortune of a wreck these are invaluable for leather and canvas. One more item to upset ultralight hikers on the trail as you cook peach cobbler in the Dutch oven.
Could the needle be used to push the thread through the hole before you put it in the jaws of the chuck? It just doesn't look like anyone who designed something like this would not have provided a simple way to thread it. Just sayin'.
I like the speedy stitch for canvas repairs but for me I would rather saddle stitch leather. I inevitably break the speedy stitch about half way through a sheath or other project. So I just use leather sutures.
I have the real one . I've had it for about 5 or so years. I dont use it much but I'm sure glad I have it when i need it. And yea, some practice is needed before actually using it for a job. Threading is really not that hard st all.
This too saves your fingers a lot of pain sewing heavy material (leather too) with just needles. Once it's pulled through to the back of your material threading the free end of the thread onto a blunt needle makes feeding it through the loop easier.
I use one all the time to repair my leather moccasin slippers after my dogs find them and have a chew. They are now mostly held together that way. You mentioned thread, but the best thread is a thick beeswax coated one- pretty stiff but it sure does hold!
The thread is supposed to go through the chuck, as well. There is a hole there for that. It seemed to work well without, though. So, whichever way works for you.
First off on the start putting it through the hole at the top... Go from outside in and there's a pair of tweezers to grab the thread Second I have a question On the stitching does it make any difference whether you go through the top of the loop or the bottom of the loop ???
The big issue with these is they do a loop stitch, if it gets worn or breaks in one place, the whole lot comes undone unlike a saddle stitch done with two needles which won’t, having said that, this is much quicker and will get you out of a spot!
I have a few of these I used for leather, tent repair and heavy material. I have problems working with needles as I have gotten older. Great tool when needed.
Just last weekend, I picked this up at an estae sale wondering....what in the world is this thing. I had no clue until I saw your image of you holding it in your vid. Thank you soooo much!!
I use one of these every other week for making leather goods. The advantage of the two needle system is that if one thread breaks, you still have one thread holding on, but with the speedy awl, if the thread breaks then the whole thing can come undone.
