How to choose the right rivets for leathercraft

How do I choose the right rivets for leathercraft?

Rivets will give you a permanent fixing, and, set well, will be very strong.

They come in different types; the best-selling ones are either single or double cap.

How do I know which to choose?

The single cap are most commonly used on belts and on items where the back of the leather is not seen, the double cap are used for straps, and items where a pleasing look is required front and back.

Single Cap – have a flat base with a recess

Double Cap – rounded top and bottom

Standard rivets are made from plated steel. For a premium look and for items that will be used outside a lot we recommend using the solid brass version.

How do I fix the rivets?

To get a strong secure fixing you will need to use a SETTING tool. This is typically a cylindrical tool that is hit with a hammer.

To fix single cap rivets – place the flat part of the rivet onto a stone or marble block, then clip the top cap in place. Position the setter concave end over the rivet head and give several firm hits to secure in place.

To fix double cap rivets – place the bottom cap into the mini dot anvil (a good tip is to tack the anvil down onto your stone block to stop it slipping) and then use the setter as above. In this way both caps stay with a rounded profile.

How do I know what size rivets I need?

The rivets are primarily listed in size by post length. You will need around 2mm of the rivet post poking up from the leather to get a good fix. Too much length above and the rivet will slide sideways, too little and the cap will not attach properly.

Look at your leather layers side on and measure the thickness without squeezing the leather. Add approx. 2-3mm and then check the size chart for the rivets required.

The size charts are shown on each product item or you can download our chart here

Guide to Rivet Sizing

What if there is not a rivet size close enough to match my leather thickness?

In this case it will be advantageous to use the traditional style of rivet and burr.

What others types of rivet are there?

Traditional Rivets

These tend to be made from soft metals such as copper and brass and work by driving down a circular washer (burr) onto the post to meet and fix the leather layers. The additional metal is then snipped off and the remaining stump is hammered down to smooth and flatten out.

The setter tool has a hole for the post for the first hits to drive the burr down. The concave part is to place over the stump to round and flatten the post after snipping.

Tubular or Split Rivets

These type of rivets are often used in manufacturing processes where the primary function is the fixing. They work by hitting the post with a star shaped setter that splits the metal and rolls it back. With these rivets you need around 3mm clear of the leather to get a good neat fixing.