Lisa Sorrell Shank Pullers Video

Notes

AKA bulldog pliers
used for shank of cowboy boot
big, one-piece vamp takes force to shape
lots of leverage
best bulldogs have teeth like lasting pliers
when shopping used, make sure they’re sharp and meet cleanly
another type shank puller has smooth jaws that clamp the upper, without teeth
work, but not as good as those with teeth
taught to work down one side then cross over, but now alternates between sides
can hook handle under rib cage to free both hands
drives tacks flush with lasting pliers
[shank lasting before final heel lasting]
different kind
- found in England
- tool company didn’t know what it was
- shoemakers didn’t know
- downward curved beak
- much longer anvil
- can’t pull hard or teeth slip off
- can’t put as much pressure on shoes as boots
- will pull off center
- don’t need shank pullers for shoes, can use lasting pliers
flatten the upper against the insole
lasting pliers hold the upper up and away from the insole until pressed down flat
approaching side seam, pull a little less to avoid pulling side seam out of position
problem: bubble/wrinkle at the bottom of the cone where upper doesn’t sit flush on last
- take nails out between ball and toe, re-pull
- use shank pullers
- pull diagonally from both sides