Different Types of Rivets for Leather and Their Uses

Rivets join leather pieces securely and quickly. They are stronger than stitching and give a clean look. Different rivet types fit different projects and leather thicknesses. This guide helps you choose, size, and install the right rivet for your work.

What Are Leather Rivets?

Leather rivets are fasteners used to join two or more pieces of leather. Each rivet has two main parts: a head and a body (shaft). The head is usually rounded or flat and is already attached to the rivet body. The body passes through holes in leather and is then flattened, expanded, or fastened with a backing cap or washer to hold the leather securely.

Leather rivets come in various sizes, finishes, and styles. You can choose rivets that match your leather color or add decorative flair.

Why Use Rivets Instead of Other Leather Joints?

Rivets create stronger joints than stitching alone.
They resist loosening over time, especially under stress.
Rivets give a clean and professional finish.

They suit heavy-use items like belts, bags, and straps.

Common Types of Leather Rivets and Their Uses

1. Single Cap Rivets

Single cap rivets have a head on one side and a plain shaft. Use them when only one side will be visible. They are common for wallets, straps, and light-duty items.

2. Double Cap Rivets

Double cap rivets have heads on both sides, with the backing washer or cap attached separately during installation. They provide a balanced, polished look and stronger hold. Good for bags, belts, and harnesses where both sides are visible.

3. Split Rivets

Split rivets have a shaft that splits into two legs when hammered, which bend outward to hold the leather. They are weak in strength and mainly decorative or for very light use on soft leather.

4. Tubular Rivets

Tubular rivets have hollow shafts. The end is flared outward during installation to secure the joint. Types include full tubular, semi-tubular, and compression rivets (note: “compression rivets” sometimes refer to solid rivets in other contexts, so here it means a type of tubular rivet that compresses to hold). These rivets are strong and suit thicker leather.

5. Chicago Screws

Chicago screws are two-part fasteners with a threaded post and a screw cap. They screw together and can be removed easily. Ideal for belts, sheaths, and items requiring disassembly.

6. Chaton Rivets

Chaton rivets have decorative tops with rhinestones or gems. They add style to leather items like collars, handbags, and shoes. Be cautious, as some imported chaton rivets may contain lead, which poses a health risk especially if handled by children or worn against skin.

7. Dome Rivets

Dome rivets have rounded heads, used for decorative purposes and secure joints. They provide a smooth, finished look.

8. Button Rivets

Button rivets have flat, button-like heads. Suitable for clothing and shoes requiring a low-profile fastener.

Sizing and Measurements

Rivet Diameter

Common diameters: 4mm, 6mm, 8mm. Larger diameters provide more strength but require larger holes.

Shaft Length

Choose rivet shaft length based on leather thickness plus allowance for secure fastening:

Single cap rivets: Leather thickness + 2–3mm

Double cap rivets: Leather thickness + 3–4mm (allowing space for the backing cap)
Tubular rivets: Leather thickness + 4–5mm (to allow proper flaring of the hollow end)

Measuring Leather Thickness

Use a leather thickness gauge or calipers. Measure the total thickness where rivet will be set.

Hole Punching Guidelines

Use a punch slightly smaller than the rivet shaft diameter—about 0.1 to 0.2 mm less—to ensure a tight fit.
A hole that is too large may cause the rivet to loosen or pull out.
Punch clean, straight holes to avoid tearing.

Installation Tools and Process

Required Tools

Hole punch (size slightly smaller than rivet shaft)
Rivet setter or anvil
Hammer or mallet (preferably with a plastic or rawhide head to avoid damage)

Pliers or screwdriver (for Chicago screws)
Safety glasses (strongly recommended to protect eyes from metal fragments)

Installation Steps

Mark the rivet location on leather layers.

Punch a hole using the correct size punch.
Insert the rivet shaft through the hole; the head is already fixed to one end.
For double cap rivets, place the backing cap or washer on the exposed shaft end.

Place the rivet on the anvil or setter base.
Use the rivet setter and hammer to flatten or flare the shaft end, securing the rivet. For tubular rivets, flare the hollow end properly.
For Chicago screws, align post and screw, then tighten by hand or with pliers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using holes too large or too small.
Hammering on hard surfaces without proper anvil.
Not wearing safety glasses.

Using shaft length too short for the leather thickness.

Material Specifications and Strength

Metals Commonly Used

Brass: corrosion-resistant, good strength, attractive finish
Copper: softer and decorative but less strong

Nickel-plated: strong, corrosion-resistant with silver tone
Steel: very strong but prone to rust without coating

Note: Galvanizing refers specifically to zinc coating for corrosion protection. Nickel plating and other finishes also protect but are not galvanizing.

Strength Ratings

Rivet Type	Strength	Notes
Single Cap	Medium	Suitable for light to medium loads
Double Cap	High	Strong pull resistance on both sides
Split	Low	Mostly decorative; weak hold
Tubular	Very High	Best for thick leather and heavy loads
Chicago Screw	High	Strong and removable; good for straps
Chaton	Low (decorative)	Use mainly for decoration
Dome	Medium	Decorative with secure hold
Button	Medium	Low profile; moderate strength

Temperature and Durability Notes

Rivets generally tolerate normal outdoor temperatures.
Extreme cold may cause some metals to become brittle.
Extreme heat affects leather more than rivets; avoid exposing leather to very high temperatures.

Brass and nickel finishes resist corrosion well; uncoated steel may rust.

Selecting Rivets by Project

Leather Thickness and Weight

Leather weight is often measured in ounces (oz), where 1 oz ≈ 1/64 inch ≈ 0.4 mm thickness.

Light leather (2-3 oz / 0.8-1.2 mm): Use 4-6 mm rivets.

Medium leather (4-6 oz / 1.6-2.4 mm): Use 6-8 mm rivets.
Heavy leather (8-10 oz / 3.2-4 mm+): Use 8 mm+ rivets, preferably tubular or double cap for strength.

Matching Finish

Match rivet finish to leather tone and project style:

Brass for warm, vintage looks.
Nickel or silver for cool or modern designs.
Black or matte finishes for rugged or stealth style.

Cost Overview

Single cap and split rivets: least expensive.
Tubular and double cap rivets: mid to high price, higher strength.
Chaton rivets: typically the most expensive due to decorative stones.

Troubleshooting Rivets

Rivet Pull-Out

Check if hole is too large or shaft too short.
Use double cap or tubular rivets for heavy loads.
Ensure proper installation with correct flaring or flattening.

Removing Rivets

Drill out rivet carefully using a drill bit slightly larger than shaft diameter.
Pry gently with pliers if accessible.
Avoid cutting or tearing leather.

Installation Issues

Wobbling rivets: repunch hole or use larger rivet.
Leather wrinkles or damage: use a softer hammer surface and proper hole size.

Project-Specific Recommendations

Rivet Spacing

Belts: about 1 inch (25 mm) apart for strength and flexibility.

Bags and handles: 0.5 to 0.75 inch (12-19 mm) spacing for stress points.
Decorative rivets: even spacing to create clean patterns.

Load-Bearing Areas

Use strong rivets like double cap or tubular on straps, handles, and joints.

Aesthetic Placement

Place rivets symmetrically and along leather grain for neat appearance.

Maintenance and Longevity

Cleaning

Wipe metal parts with a soft cloth regularly.
Use metal polish on brass or copper rivets occasionally.

Avoid harsh chemicals on rivets or leather.

Lifespan

Quality rivets last many years under normal use.
Galvanized or nickel-plated rivets resist rust better outdoors.

Repair vs Replace

Replace rivets that loosen or corrode.
Repair leather holes if torn before reinstalling rivets.

Safety and Quality

Always wear safety glasses when installing rivets.
Buy rivets from trusted suppliers to avoid brittle or toxic materials.
Be cautious with decorative rivets that may contain lead.

Use the correct tools and technique to avoid injury and damage.

Advanced Tips

Combine rivets with stitching for extra strength on heavy projects.
Use chaton or dome rivets to create decorative patterns.

Use rivet setters and dies designed for specific rivet types for a clean finish.

Comparison Table of Rivet Types

Rivet Type	Strength	Installation Difficulty	Best Use	Price Range
Single Cap	Medium	Easy	Light leather projects	Low
Double Cap	High	Moderate	Bags, belts, harnesses	Medium to High
Split	Low	Easy	Decorative, soft leather	Low
Tubular	Very High	Moderate to Hard	Heavy leather, load-bearing	Medium to High
Chicago Screw	High	Easy	Removable joints	Medium
Chaton	Low (decorative)	Easy	Fashion, accents	High
Dome	Medium	Moderate	Decorative, secure joints	Medium
Button	Medium	Moderate	Clothing, low-profile joins	Medium

Conclusion

Choosing the right rivet ensures strong, durable, and attractive leather projects. Consider leather thickness, intended use, and style when selecting rivets. Follow proper installation and safety steps for best results.

If this guide helped you, please share it with others working with leather. Happy crafting!