Making Deer Antler Coat Toggles — Tine-Section Fasteners for Duffle Coats

A coat toggle is a short, tapered cylinder with a centre hole for a cord loop — the fastening mechanism of duffle coats, outdoor jackets, and many traditional garments. Deer antler toggles are hard-wearing, waterproof, and each one is unique in colour and shape. They are functionally superior to plastic toggles and last the lifetime of the garment.

This blueprint covers making a matched set of 3-4 toggles from deer antler tine sections: cutting to length, drilling the cord hole, smoothing the ends, and sealing with beeswax.

متوسط

1 hour

التعليمات

Select matching tine sections

Choose tines of similar diameter for a matched set. A standard duffle coat needs 3-4 toggles. Cut tine sections 5-7 cm long from the same tine so colour and diameter are consistent. The natural taper and slight curve of a deer tine gives an attractive shape that needs minimal work.

المواد لهذه الخطوة:

قطعة قرن أيّل1 قطعة

الأيّل1 قطعة

الأدوات المطلوبة:

منشار حديد

ملزمة منضدة

Drill the centre cord hole

Drill a 3-4 mm hole through the centre of each toggle, perpendicular to its length. This is where the cord loop passes through. Clamp gently in the vise and drill at low speed. The hole should be centred so the toggle hangs level when threaded onto the coat.

الأدوات المطلوبة:

مثقاب لاسلكي

طقم لقم ثقب

Round the ends and smooth

Round both cut ends slightly with a wood rasp so they slide easily through the toggle loop without snagging fabric. Sand through 120, 220, and 400 grit for a smooth feel. Ease all sharp edges — a toggle is handled every time the coat is fastened.

المواد لهذه الخطوة:

ورق صنفرة1 ورقة

الأدوات المطلوبة:

مبرد خشب خشن

Seal with beeswax

Rub melted beeswax into each toggle and buff with a soft cloth. The wax waterproofs the surface — important for outerwear fasteners exposed to rain. Body oils from regular handling will maintain the finish over time.

المواد لهذه الخطوة: