Question 1

What is the difference between a bolo slide and a concho?

Accepted Answer

A bolo slide is the decorative clasp on the front of a bolo tie; it has a back loop or clamp that grips a 2-5mm braided cord and slides up to the collar. A concho is a flat ornamental disc — round, oval, or shaped — used to dress belts, saddles, hatbands, and bags. Many conchos double as bolo faces when mounted on a slide blank, which is why both turn up in the same Western hardware kits.

Question 2

How do screw-back conchos attach without rivets?

Accepted Answer

Screw-back conchos use a Chicago screw (also called a sex bolt): a post goes through a punched hole in the leather and a screw head threads in from the front through the concho. This lets you swap or reposition the concho without tools beyond a screwdriver. Choose a screw length that matches your leather thickness — too long and it won't tighten, too short and it strips the threads.

Question 3

What metals are bolos and conchos made from?

Accepted Answer

The common options are solid brass and German (nickel) silver, which are durable and develop a warm patina; silver-plate over a base metal, which is bright but thin; and sterling silver for heirloom pieces. Brass and nickel silver suit everyday belts and tack, while sterling and stone-set slides are reserved for dress bolo ties. Antiqued and copper finishes are popular for a vintage Western look.

Question 4

What sizes do conchos come in?

Accepted Answer

Concho diameters typically run from 3/8" up to 3" and larger. Small 3/8"-3/4" conchos accent straps, keychains, and cuffs; 1"-1 1/2" sizes are the workhorses for belts and hatbands; 2"-3"+ conchos anchor saddle skirts and large bags. Bolo slide blanks are smaller and standardized around 5/8" wide to fit standard cord, with bezel pads sized for 25x18mm or 1" cabochons.

Question 5

How much do bolo and concho parts cost?

Accepted Answer

Plated screw-back conchos generally run $3-$8 each, with rope-edge and floral designs at the lower end. Solid brass or nickel-silver bolo slide blanks cost about $4-$10. Sterling silver and hand-stamped or turquoise-set slides range from $20 to $80 or more. Buying conchos in 10-packs lowers the per-piece price for repeating belt or tack patterns.

Question 6

How long do handmade bolo and concho pieces take to ship?

Accepted Answer

Stock hardware — plain screw-back conchos, blank bolo slides, Chicago-screw sets — usually ships in 3-7 business days. Hand-stamped conchos, soldered slide mounts, and pieces with a set turquoise or agate cabochon are made to order and typically take 1-3 weeks. If you need a matched run of conchos for a belt or saddle, message the maker early about stock and turnaround.

Bolos & Conchos for Western Leather Craft

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