How to Attach Sleigh Bells to a Harness

That horse may know the way to carry the sleigh through the white and drifted snow, but these days most folks don't know the first thing about attaching sleigh bells. Collectors of antique bells and harness horse enthusiasts have kept such traditional knowledge alive, though. When attaching sleigh bells to a horse harness or even to a decorative holiday door hanger, the key is to very securely attach each bell--technically a metal rattle or crotal, characterized by the unattached "jinglet" inside--so that it moves freely.

Things You'll Need

  • Harness or leather strap
  • Rotating-head leather punch
  • Sleigh bells
  • Sleigh bell pins
  • Pliers
  • Dental floss and sewing needle, if needed
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Instructions

    • 1

      Punch a suitably sized slot in the leather strap, which for most people will be the most challenging part of the process. The slot must be about the same size as the attachment shank or tab at the base of the bell. If you'll be attaching many bells, mark where you want to attach the bells to your harness or strap, and find a shoe repair or leather shop to punch the slots for you. Otherwise, use a leather punch to make a series of adjacent holes that will create each shank slot.

    • 2

      Push the shank or tab (also known as a sprue) at the base of the bell through the slot.

    • 3

      Slip a sleigh bell pin through the center hole (sprue hole) in the bell shank, pulling the pin's hooked end toward the shank and around one edge of the shank.

    • 4

      Pull the straight or free end of the sleigh bell pin tight, then twist it in similar fashion around the other shank edge with a pair of pliers. The sleigh bell is now firmly attached.