What type of hardware should you use when restoring an old trunk?

To restore an old trunk, it is necessary to install new leather handles and end caps, using clench nails and possibly a nailing heel or sad iron to bend the nails inside the trunk. Clench nails are a type of old-fashioned nail that is soft and bends easily.

The restoration may also require a scraper to remove old paper from the inside of the trunk, sandpaper to smooth out rough wood, a wire brush and steel wool to clean pieces of metal and hardware, and possibly a razor knife to remove any cloth or canvas from the outside of the trunk. If painting the metal pieces, it helps to use a primer first, then finish or stain the wood.