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.
Instructions
Select matching tine sections
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.
Materials for this step:
Deer Antler Section1 piece
Deer1 pieceTools needed:
Hacksaw
Bench ViseDrill the centre cord hole
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.
Tools needed:
Cordless Drill
Drill Bit SetRound the ends and smooth
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.
Materials for this step:
Sandpaper (120 Grit)1 sheetSandpaper (220 Grit)1 sheetSandpaper (400 Grit)1 sheetTools needed:
Wood RaspSeal with beeswax
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.
Materials for this step:
Beeswax15 gMaterials
6- 1 piecePlaceholder
- 1 sheetPlaceholder
- 1 sheetPlaceholder
- 1 sheetPlaceholder
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