If the leather is stiff and thick, it can be tough. I put the domed side through the back piece, then ease the domed side through the front. Sometimes you can get a grip on the button with needle nose pliers, that helps.

 

Wrench is right. The leather is thick and stiff and it is hard to do.

 

I guess it's just a matter of strenuous effort and persistence. I'll try the pliers and some petroleum jelly on the button.

 

If the sling hasn't been used the hole may be too small. One time I had to cut the slit a little larger to make it fit. Not recommended except as a last resort...

 

I found that sometimes a pair of snap ring pliers can be used to streach the leather just enough to get the button thru the hole. The same snap ring pliers can be used to put the sight hood on 98k's. They cost me a dollar at the pawn shop junk tool box.

 

Condition the hole with a non darkening conditioner. From the front press the small side of the button at an angle through the outside then the inside hole. This must be done at an angle and stretch the hole. Don't cut the slit. It WILL go in.

 

Best to use water for this.

 

There is a three part tool used in pipe smoking called a Czech. tool. One of the three parts is a little pointed spoon (used to clean out the bowl of the pipe). I no longer smoke a pipe but I find my Czech. tools indispensable for working with slings and bayonet frogs.