I'm in my seventh decade and each decade starting at about the fourth, I've had to use my small, medium and large pliers more and more. For your leather work, I've used a scratch awl to start the hole. Of course, I have found using thimbles, also helps. I, also, have an assortment of leather scraps, wood assortment and assorted needles. I have all that stored in a 50 cal. ammo box, the high strength polymer or plastic kind. Light weight but STRONG. Even labeled it, LEATHER REPAIR. Got tired of searching for what i needed, so now it is in one place, one box. I've also soaked my skin pricks, irritations in a solution of table salt and warm water. Enough salt to make the solution cloudy. You guessed it, at the start a little fire but very soothing after awhile. Heal quick and no infections. One other piece of advice, IF YOU CAN'T STAND THE PAIN, GET OUT OF MUZZLELOADING, IT'S NOT YOUR CUP OF TEA. THE THRILL OF VICTORY (GOT THAT 12 POINTER) THE AGONY OF DEFEAT (MISSED IT A COUNTRY MILE). I compare MUZZLELOADING to life, you'll always have your ups and downs. The one saying that always made sense to me, GET 'ER DONE!!
Only when nothing else will work. I stick myself every time I use a Glover’s needle. 
