Hardware & Assembly
Rivets
Two-part metal fasteners that join leather layers permanently without stitching.
Rivets · schematic
| Post diameter | 4 mm |
|---|---|
| Post length | 8 mm |
| Material | Brass |
| Finish | Antique brass |
| Pack size | 50 |
| Setting tool | Rivet setter |
| Material | Solid brass |
|---|---|
| Post diameter | 4 mm |
| Post lengths | 6 to 12 mm |
| Finish | Antique brass |
| Load rating | Light to medium |
| Setting tool | Hand setter and mallet |
Overview
A rivet is a two-part metal fastener, a post and a cap, that joins leather layers permanently. You punch a hole, pass the post through, place the cap over it, and set the two together with a setter and a mallet. The joint is strong and needs no thread.
Rivets suit places where a stitch would be awkward or where a mechanical look is wanted: strap ends, belt loops, handle attachments and reinforced corners. They are fast to fit once the hole is punched, and they take load well in shear.
Choose the post length to suit the total thickness of the layers, so the post fills the hole without crushing the leather. Brass and nickel-plated finishes are the most common.
Safety
Hazard. The setter can glance off the rivet head and strike your hand; hold the setter steady and tap lightly at first.
How to use it well
- Match the post length to the total thickness of the layers.
- Punch the hole just large enough for the post to pass through.
- Set the rivet on a hard surface so the cap seats flat.
- Tap lightly at first and check alignment before the final firm strike.
Compatible leathers and materials
Rivets is suited to the following leather types. Anything outside this list is worth testing on an offcut first.
At a glance
| Category | Hardware & Assembly |
|---|---|
| Stage | Stitch |
| Suitable leather | Veg-Tan, Chrome-Tan, Oil-Tan |
| Beginner priority | Rank 12 of 28 |
Educational use only. Hide & Stitch is an independent, non-commercial reference. Nothing here is for sale and nothing here is a substitute for competent in-person instruction. Edged tools, dyes, solvents and adhesives can cause serious injury — read and follow the manufacturer instructions and safety data sheets, and work with ventilation and appropriate protection. Specifications are typical values for this class of tool and vary between makers.
Related
Works well with
Snap Fasteners
Press-stud closures that let a flap open and close again and again.
Hole Punch Set
Hollow steel tubes that cut clean round holes for rivets, snaps and buckles.
Screw Posts
A threaded post and cap that can be unscrewed, ideal for removable closures.