Not Toys, Not Trinkets—But Essential to a Lost Craft

Ever stumble across some strange old tools and wonder, “What were these even for?” Take one look at the pair in the photo—wooden handles, curved metal, no obvious modern function—and you’d be forgiven for thinking they belonged in a toolbox museum. But here’s the kicker: these curious objects once played a critical role in a trade that used to be as common as breadmaking.

They’re not just relics. They’re echoes of a craft that once defined communities—the timeless art of shoemaking.

The Tool on the Left: The Shoemaker’s Peg Hammer

Let’s start with the flatter of the two, the one that almost resembles a paddle with holes in it. That’s no kitchen gadget. It’s a shoe peg hammer, also called a clinching tool. Shoemakers in the 19th and early 20th centuries used this to secure the sole of a shoe to the upper part—a task that demanded both strength and precision.

So what’s with the round face and holes? Those indentations weren’t for design. They allowed the hammer to grip tiny wooden pegs or slender metal nails and press them into the leather without slipping. Imagine holding together layers of stiff material and nailing them down so they’d stay put through rain, mud, and years of walking. That’s what this little guy did—one squeeze at a time.

Video: Making Derby Shoes in Vintage Embossed Leather

The Tool on the Right: The Shoemaker’s Puller

Now look at the one with the curved, hook-like end. That’s a shoemaker’s puller. It looks a bit like a pirate’s prosthetic, but it had a real and rugged job—pulling, bending, or removing nails from finished or damaged soles. If a customer brought in a worn-out pair or if the alignment was off during construction, this tool stepped in to fix it without tearing the entire shoe apart.

It’s part pliers, part pry bar. And it’s built with a curve that gave the shoemaker better leverage—just enough force without damaging the shoe.

Shoemaking in the Old Days: A True Hands-On Art

Back when shoemaking wasn’t a factory process but a handcrafted trade, tools like these were your bread and butter. A local cobbler didn’t just repair footwear—they made it from scratch. No mass production. No automated stitching machines. Just human hands, heavy leather, wooden lasts (molds of feet), and a small army of tools like the ones you see here.

A single pair of shoes could take hours—or days—to make. Every peg driven in with that hammer was placed with care. Every nail removed with that puller was part of the constant dance of craftsmanship and correction.

Video: Cobblers Anvil Tool Restoration

Why These Tools Were So Important

Back then, shoes weren’t throwaway items. You didn’t just run to the mall for a new pair every season. People repaired what they had, sometimes over and over, and passed them down. Shoemakers needed tools that were reliable, reusable, and easy to handle in tight corners.

These tools gave them exactly that. The peg hammer delivered control and consistency. The puller gave them power and finesse. And together, they made it possible to build and maintain footwear that lasted.

A Craft That’s Almost Disappeared

Today, most of us don’t think twice about where our shoes come from. We shop online or walk into a store and pick from dozens of styles, often made by machines in overseas factories. Shoemaking has become fast, cheap, and far less personal.

But every time you see tools like these, you’re looking at a reminder of when things were different. When craftsmanship mattered more than speed. When shoes were built to fit your feet—not just your budget.

And let’s be honest—there’s something deeply satisfying about knowing a real person once sat at a bench, working leather by hand, using tools just like these to create something durable and beautiful.

Why We Still Remember These Tools

Even though they’re no longer in everyday use, these tools haven’t disappeared completely. Vintage collectors, leatherworkers, and artisan cobblers still search for them at estate sales and antique shops. Some even restore them—sharpening the edges, sanding the handles, and putting them back into service.

Why? Because tools like these still work. They’re still precise. Still effective. And they carry with them a kind of history that no new machine ever could.

Conclusion

So, what were those strange little objects in your grandfather’s garage or your neighbor’s shed? They weren’t toys. They weren’t ornaments. They were essential tools for a trade built on patience, skill, and pride. That shoe peg hammer and shoemaker’s puller might seem outdated today—but they’re actually symbols of something timeless: doing things the right way, even when it takes more effort.

In a world of fast fashion and quick fixes, maybe we need more reminders like this. More tools that whisper, “Take your time. Do it well.” Because sometimes, the simplest things leave the deepest footprints.