WTB - Old Worn Upholstery Tacks

[RustyFords]

Looking for a bunch of old upholstery tacks that are showing wear and age...for the worn leather upholstery I'm about to install in my 24 Touring.

[perry kete]

You may want to try soaking new shinny tacks in vinegar over night or in a mild acid solution to make them looked aged and then neutralize the acid with a soda solution. You could scuff them with a wire brush.

[RustyFords]

Thanks Dennis

[Oldav8tor]

Geez, wish I had known. I just threw out a bunch. Are you talking about flat head tacks or the more decorative ones?

[Original Smith]

Are you looking for upholstery buttons? A tack is much different.

[RustyFords]

Geez, wish I had known. I just threw out a bunch. Are you talking about flat head tacks or the more decorative ones?

Either one would work for me.

[RustyFords]

Are you looking for upholstery buttons? A tack is much different.

Either one would work for me.

[Allan]

Don, The cut, blued tacks used to nail upholstery down to a wooden base have a flat head and the shank is square and tapers to a sharp, cut point. What we call upholstery tacks are used to nail trim strips down over the cut tacks used to fix the material. These have a domed head of approx 3/8' diameter. I have new old stock cut, blued tacks, but had to wire buff much of the black paint of some upholstery tacks to get some distressed ones to use on Henrietta.

Hope this clears up the confusion.
Allan from down under.

[TRDxB2]

Geez, wish I had known. I just threw out a bunch. Are you talking about flat head tacks or the more decorative ones?

Either one would work for me.

Cut tacks, flat head tacks or more decorative ones, upholstery tacks, buttons ... a picture of what your looking for would eliminate more questions and get you what you need

[RustyFords]

Geez, wish I had known. I just threw out a bunch. Are you talking about flat head tacks or the more decorative ones?

Either one would work for me.

Cut tacks, flat head tacks or more decorative ones, upholstery tacks, buttons ... a picture of what your looking for would eliminate more questions and get you what you need

.
.


No photo needed if I've said I'll gladly take any old upholstery related buttons/tacks/etc/etc. I'm just looking for worn upholstery fasteners.

[Erik Johnson]

Terminology - upholstery tacks vs upholstery nails:

Many folks and vendors use the terms "upholstery tack" and "upholstery nail" interchangeably. However, an upholstery tack and an upholstery nail are actually two different things.

Upholstery tacks are used to fasten the material to the underlying wooden frame. Available in various sizes, they are small and crude, flat head cut nails and are typically "blued." They are "sterilized" because, years ago, upholsterers would hold them in their mouths. Upholstery tacks are typically not conspicuous when viewing the finished product, regardless if it is an armchair, sofa or antique car upholstery, because they are either covered or on the underside of the piece. Most professional upholsterers today use staple guns, not tacks.

"Tack spitting" for those who are interested:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDCPRTmslsA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFIN7k9I_Gg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCviBqqWAv0

Upholstery nails (aka furniture nails) are visible, decorative nails. For example, on pre-1923 Model T roadsters and tourings, upholstery nails are used to fasten the binding/trim on the armrests and seat backs.

I have pointed out upholstery nails in the photo below. (The upholstery tacks which actually hold the upholstery in place, are under the binding.)

[Norman W]

I restored a 1911 Ford and still have the old ones if you are interested you can have them for the postage.
My email is normanww@gmail.com send my your address and you get lots of tacks.
Norm

[RustyFords]

I restored a 1911 Ford and still have the old ones if you are interested you can have them for the postage.
My email is normanww@gmail.com send my your address and you get lots of tacks.
Norm

I'd love to have them Norm...thank you.

Sending an email now.