C.S. Osborne #233 Lasting Pincers

The jaws of the Osborne #233 feature carefully milled gripping teeth designed to hold leather securely as you pull.

This is important during lasting.

Smooth pliers can slip off the upper just when you are applying maximum tension. The textured jaws of proper lasting pincers provide a positive grip, allowing you to stretch the leather smoothly and accurately around the last.

More grip means more control—and better control means cleaner lasting.

These are not lightweight hobby pliers.

The C.S. Osborne #233 is manufactured with a drop-forged steel construction designed for professional leatherworking use.

The traditional box-joint design helps keep the jaws aligned while providing the strength needed for repeated pulling and stretching.

The polished head and enameled handles complete a durable workshop tool designed for years of service.

A lasting tool should do more than pull.

The head of the Osborne #233 Lasting Pincers can also be used as a small hammer during the lasting process.

After pulling the upper into position, the shoemaker can quickly tap down folds, set the leather against the last, or work around lasting tacks without constantly switching tools.

Pull. Tack. Hammer. Repeat.

That simple workflow is why traditional lasting pincers have remained an essential shoemaking tool for generations.

The compact jaw of the #233 provides precise control, making these pincers especially useful when working around detailed areas of the shoe.

Grip the lasting allowance of the upper with the serrated jaws.

Pull the leather firmly downward and toward the center of the shoe last to create tension across the upper.

Once the leather is positioned correctly, secure it temporarily with a lasting tack or adhesive.

Continue around the shoe, alternating from side to side to maintain even tension.

Use the hammer face of the pincers to tap down the leather and set the material tightly against the bottom edge of the last.

Shoemaker Tip

Don’t try to finish one side of the shoe before working on the other.

During lasting, alternate your pulls from side to side. Balanced tension helps keep the upper centered on the last and reduces wrinkles and distortion.

You can make shoes with inexpensive pliers—but once you use a proper pair of lasting pincers, you quickly understand why this specialized tool exists.

Good lasting pincers give you three things:

Grip. Leverage. Control.

The C.S. Osborne #233 Lasting Pincers combine all three in a compact professional tool.

The serrated jaws hold the leather securely. The forged handles provide leverage. The narrow head lets you work accurately around difficult areas of the shoe.

Add the built-in hammer face and you have one of the most useful hand tools on the shoemaker’s bench.

If you are serious about handmade footwear, the C.S. Osborne #233 is a lasting tool you will reach for on every pair.