Sprague TO-4 Leather Handle Replacement

[Winky Dink]

Didn't know where to post this, but hopefully it'll be of interest to someone sometime.

I picked up a Sprague TO-4 (Capacitor-Resistor Analyzer) about 7 years ago. I did the electronic restoration and it worked perfectly for capacitor checking--actually reliable down to 2 pF.

BUT because the original leather handle was broken I set it aside and let it gather dust for 7 years.



Then, I came across a 30-year-old leather belt which I couldn't wear. (It must have shrunk 3 or 4 inches since I bought it.)



I flattened the deeply embossed side with sandpaper:
https://flic.kr/p/2n8XSRU

Scanned the original handle to make a template and cut two identical forms from the belt:
https://flic.kr/p/2n91A4b

Pressed the layers together with hide glue overnight:
https://flic.kr/p/2n91zYg

Made holes for stitching with an electric drill, painted the leather with black fabric dye, and sprayed the top surface with satin black paint. (No photos)

I found this leatherworking stuff in my sewing box:
https://flic.kr/p/2n8XSzb

Researched leather stitching online and settled on the simplest one--the "saddle stitch." (No photo)

This is the really good part. The metal retainers for the handle are riveted, and they have to be attached AFTER the leather handle is complete. So I had to remove the riveted retainers and reattach them with the new handle in place. In the past I would have used nuts and bolts to simulate rivets, but I had long-ago purchased (but never used) a riveting kit for replaing riveted tube sockets:



Hence, an authentic-looking reproduction:


More details in Flickr album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzG2bK

[Electronic M]

Clearly we're from opposite ends of the spectrum...I beat the heck out of my test equipment with zero regards for cosmetics or handles. I run it till it breaks then patch it up quick n dirty or replace. Radios and TVs are meant to look good, tools are meant to be used hard.

[Winky Dink]

You're right. To normal people the marvelous Sprague TO-4 is just a tool. But I'm not normal. I've produced a dual-function instrument. Now it's both a tool and an object d'art--both useful and pleasing to the senses.

But seriously, this is intended to display a technique which may be useful in restoring other items. For example, this cheap 1940 suitcase radio has a similar leather handle.



This is not an earth-shattering contribution, but it's my way of saying "Thanks" for the help I've received from you and all the other members.

[Kevin Kuehn]

Your handy work handle looks great. If I found that unit at a swap meet I'd swear it was a nearly mint original.