Clavar a mano

Department: Finishing · Reports to: Supervisor Manufactura · Full-time (40–55 hrs/week) · Location: 40 Walter Jones Blvd, El Paso, TX 79906 · Effective: 11/04/2026

About the role

The Hand Estaquillador secures the welt area of handmade cowboy boots by driving wooden pegs (estaquillas) or nails through the outsole into the insole. Using an awl, hammer, and pegging tools, each peg is placed with a uniform pattern, spacing, and depth to give the welt strength, support, and durability. This traditional step is performed carefully on every pair — without damaging the outsole or upper — so that each boot meets Lucchese’s quality and craftsmanship standards.

Scope: The Hand Estaquillador is responsible for hand-pegging the welt on every pair, from receiving the boot after sole cementing through delivering a pegged and inspected pair to the next operation.

Responsibilities

• Drive wooden pegs or nails by hand through the outsole into the insole using awl, pegging hammer, and pegging tools.
• Read work orders to confirm style, size, width, peg pattern, and number of rows for each order.
• Inspect boots before pegging for loose soles, misplaced shanks, or other defects; set aside and report any issues.
• Mark and punch holes with uniform spacing, alignment, and angle, following the specified pattern.
• Set pegs to the correct depth so they hold firmly without splitting the outsole or penetrating the insole.
• Maintain a symmetrical peg pattern on both boots of the pair.
• Trim or flush peg tips to the outsole and insole as required.
• Inspect pegged boots for loose, broken, missing, or misaligned pegs; correct or set aside pairs that do not meet standard.
• Keep pairs together and properly labeled; send them to the next operation.
• Record production, rework, and defects on work orders or in the shop system.
• Keep tools sharp, clean, and in good condition; report worn or damaged tools immediately.
• Follow all safety procedures, including safe use of awls, hammers, hand tools, and required PPE.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area free of peg debris and waste.
• Support other bottoming operations as assigned by the supervisor.
• Assist in other areas as needed at management’s request.

Skills

• Previous experience with industrial sewing machines preferred.
• Experience working with leather, footwear, boots, or similar materials a plus.
• Excellent attention to detail and good manual dexterity.
• Good hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, patterns, and production specifications.
• Basic mechanical knowledge and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, production-oriented manufacturing environment.
• Strong commitment to quality, productivity, and workplace safety.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ease relating to people.
• Strong time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to team goals.
• Passion for excellence, consistently exceeding quality expectations.
• Solid analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks daily and weekly.
• Effective problem analysis and root-cause identification.
• Machinery handling and operation.

Safety Requirements

• Comply with all company safety policies and applicable federal, state, and local occupational safety and health regulations.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and hazard awareness across the production team.
• Ensure team members consistently use required PPE and follow safe work practices.
• Conduct routine safety observations, workplace inspections, and housekeeping activities to identify and correct potential hazards.
• Immediately report, investigate, and document workplace injuries, near misses, unsafe conditions, and safety incidents; implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure employees receive required safety training and reinforce compliance with established safety procedures and safe operating practices.
• Support emergency preparedness activities, including evacuation procedures, emergency response protocols, and safety drills.
• Stop or suspend work when an unsafe condition poses an immediate risk to employees, equipment, product quality, or the environment; promptly notify management.
• Maintain a clean, organized, hazard-free work area in accordance with 5S and housekeeping standards.

Quality Standards

• Ensure all products meet Lucchese quality standards and customer expectations.
• Reinforce compliance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Prevent unauthorized process changes; communicate improvement opportunities through the proper approval process.
• Collaborate with Quality and Manufacturing leaders to investigate root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve processes, workflow, and quality.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit continuously for shifts of at least eight hours.
• Frequent repetitive hand and finger motions.
• Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing stairs, and reaching above shoulder level.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to handle, grasp, and operate tools, equipment, keyboards, and other production-related devices.
• Visual inspection of products, equipment, production processes, and workplace conditions, both near and far.
• Ability to hear and respond to verbal instructions, alarms, and other workplace communications.
• Occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull materials or equipment up to 50 lbs (≈23 kg); with or without assistance or mechanical lifting devices, move heavier objects when necessary.
• Work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, moving equipment, varying temperatures, noise, dust, and other typical industrial conditions, using required PPE.
• Maintain regular, reliable attendance and work scheduled hours to meet business and operational needs.
• Perform repetitive trimming tasks for extended periods.
• Work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• 2–3 years of experience in leather goods manufacturing or boot manufacturing environment preferred.
• Training in 5S workplace organization and Visual Management preferred.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; overtime and Saturday shifts may be required based on production needs.