hello all,
its about time i lace together the sides of my saddle so i turned to the wonderful interwebz for instruction. i read an account of someone who has used a drill to make the holes rather than a leather punch. Is this a good idea? or will it result in torn leather and much frustration? i'd rather not buy a leather punch since i have no other use for it.
thanks for any help or suggestions
-mike

You funny people and lacing your brooks.... good grief. Wouldn't it be uncomfortable on your feet?

I would write to Brooks and ask them.They know more than anyone.They can tell you if it would work.Hope this helps

Do a google search for "lacing brooks saddle."

Here is one link: https://www.wallbike.com/content/butchering.html

You can buy a leather punch for less than $10. It will leave nice, sharp, clean holes. The drill won't.

I had a friend drill mine, it looks clean as a whistle.

So I get the feeling you guys aren't a fan of the tension adjuster.

Sheldon scare you away from it?

Maybe you were using an old worn out drill bit. Mine turned out fine.

The tension knob and lacing perform two different functions. More tension will not stop the sides from flaring, though lacing will firm up the top a bit but its real purpose is stopping the flaring

After buying a set of punches as well as a plier style punch, and failing with both tools to fully punch through my Team Pro, I took a drill to it. My holes came out clean because they'd already been started with the punches. I've no idea what will happen if you use only a drill.

Don't rely on the Brooks logo for positioning your holes. The logos are stamped on by hand and are asymetrical.

thanks for the info everyone, i'm gonna go ahead and try drilling based on the positive remarks from Yan, roger, and maidenvoyage

I suggest you make sure you use a nice sharp bit. Nothing turns out well with a crappy old bit unless sharp.

Maybe a Forstner bit would cut a nice clean hole? Available from a woodworking supplier..the one pictured below is a very large one- they come in many sizes.

Use a pointed razor blade to clean the edges of the holes if you use a drill bit.

You want a harder Brooks?

Try a brad point drill bit.

drill works great. also, make sure you drill the holes where you need them. you don't need to follow someone else's instructions. i drilled 2 in each side of mine and that's all i needed.

+1, do what you need, you can always add more holes.
I put a few before and after the seatpost clamp area. I also supported the leather with a scrap wood backing, but I don't know if that helped make the hole cleaner. It just made drilling easier.