If you’re a leatherworker, you know that rivets are an essential part of every project. Whether it’s for aesthetics or function, rivets bring everything together – literally.

So, of course, you don’t want just any old rivet. You want the best so that your project looks great and can stand up to tension and wear.

Learn more about how to find the best leather rivets based on their quality, ease of use, and price range.

Top 3 Picks

• Editor’s pick: Jetmore Leather Rivets Kit
• Best bulk pack: Selizo Leather Tubular Setting Tool Kit
• Best price: Tandy Leather Double Cap Rivets

What is a Leather Rivet?

Leather rivets are metal fasteners that help to secure multiple layers of fabric together. Additionally, they add to the aesthetic of your leatherwork project with a variety of metals, materials, and colors.

Leather rivets are made from steel, brass, copper, or aluminum. They are available in a rapid, single cap, double cap, tubular, and copper to suit any leatherwork project.

The support from a rivet in an area under high tension, such as you’d see with a project like a dog collar, where dogs can pull on their leads causing tension, a rivet is second-to-none when it comes to keeping material secure and intact.

What Do You Use Leather Rivets For?

Leather rivets are a secure and supportive way to join together two or more pieces of leather. Holes are made in leather, and the post of the rivet is threaded through the pieces that you’re looking to join before securing the rivet with a washer, backing, or another method of setting. Rivets are functional but, in many cases, are used for their aesthetics.

How Do You Use a Leather Rivet?

How you rivet your leatherworking project will depend on what type of rivet you choose to use. Rapid, double cap, tubular, and copper rivets all use similar but slightly different methods of setting, so you have to ensure you’re using the proper method for the type of rivet you’ve chosen.

In order to rivet your leather, begin by punching the appropriately sized hole into the leather pieces you intend to rivet. These holes should be just slightly larger than the post of the rivets you choose to use, which in most cases will be around a ⅛ inch. Then proceed by following the instructions for setting the type of rivet you’ve chosen.

Rapid Rivet

1. Take the post and push it through the hole you made in the leather.
2. The post should stick out about ⅛ inch above the leather in order to properly set or “crimp.”
3. Take the cap and place it on top of the post.
4. Place the leather on an anvil or other setting area of your workspace with the cap side facing up.
5. With your rivet setter placed concave side down on the cap, tap the setter lightly with a hammer or mallet a few times.
6. Check that your rivet is secured.

Double Cap Rivet

Double cap rivets follow the same process as the rapid rivet. With the double cap rivet, you have a cap at the bottom and top of the post, so if you’d like your bottom cap to maintain its curve, you can use a rivet anvil setting plate. Otherwise, the bottom cap will flatten during the setting process.

1. Take the post and push it through the hole you made in the leather.
2. The post should stick out about ⅛ inch above the leather to properly set or “crimp.”
3. Take the cap and place it on top of the post.
4. Place the leather on an anvil or other setting area of your workspace with the cap side facing up.
5. With your rivet setter placed concave side down on the cap, tap the setter lightly with a hammer or mallet a few times.
6. Check that your rivet is secured.

Tubular Rivet

Tubular rivets have a thicker post than other rivets and are often used for more industrial projects. Ensure that you’ve punched your leather to fit the size of your tubular post before beginning.

1. Take the post and push it through the hole you made in the leather.
2. The post should stick out about ⅛ inch above the leather in order to properly set or “crimp.”
3. To set you can use a kick press or peening tool.
4. For the peening tool, set the rivet head flat against your anvil or setting surface.
5. Hold the peening tool in line with the hollow point of the rivet post.
6. Using a mallet, hammer down onto the rivet to set.

If you’re using a kick press to set your tubular rivet, follow the instructions of the kick press. Typically, this involves lining the rivet up under the press and pushing down on the handle – a quick and simple way to set these larger rivets.

Copper Rivet

Post length is much more flexible with copper rivets as the setting involves trimming the post. However, it should be at least 3/16″ above your leather. The washer of a copper rivet is called the burr.

1. Set the post flat against your anvil or setting surface and push the burr down over top as far as it will go.
2. Using a copper rivet setter, place the setter over the post and top of the burr.
3. Hammer down on the setter until the burr is flush with the leather.
4. Trim the post if necessary, using diagonal cutting nippers.
5. Set the domed part of the copper rivet setter over your rivet and burr and hammer down to create a smooth surface and remove any sharp edges from trimming.
6. If you prefer a flat and slightly stronger rivet, hammer the domed top flat using a hammer.

How Do You Remove an Old Leather Rivet?

In most cases, the use of a drill press is the easiest way to remove an old leather rivet. To remove a rivet using a drill press:

1. Place the piece on the press with the cap facing down.
2. Choose a drill bit that is a tiny bit larger than the hole on the post side. For double caps, you will need to drill through the cap.
3. Center the drill bit with the rivet.
4. At a slow speed, lower the drill onto the rivet – do not press down hard.
5. When your rivet spins, stop the press.
6. Wait for the rivet to cool before handling, and be wary of any sharp bits of metal.
7. Attempt to remove the rivet. In some cases, the rivet will easily come apart. If not, you may need to push the rivet out with a nail or place a screwdriver under the cap and gently try to pry the rivet apart.
8. If you cannot get the rivet apart, reset the cap with a hammer and attempt the drill press again.

Different Sizes of Leather Rivets

Looking for the best leather rivet for a specific project? Here’s a rundown of the most common leather rivet post sizes and what they’re best used for:

Post/Rivet Size	Use
0.24 in (6mm)	For leather up to about 7 oz. Especially suited for 1-5 oz leather.   Projects: Lighter-weight leather projects such as tote bags, clothing, watch bands, thin belts, or bracelets.
0.276 in (7mm)	Up to about 10 oz.   Projects: Bag handles, tool holders, wallets, and knife sheaths.
0.315 in (8mm)	Up to 12 oz.   Projects: Belt making, thicker straps.
0.35 in (9mm)	Up to 15 oz.   Projects: Saddle and Tack.
0.39 in (10mm)	Up to 18 oz.   Projects: Standard 8/9 oz. belts and gun holsters.
0.43 in (11mm)	Up to 20 oz.
0.47 in (12mm)	Up to 22.5 oz. for rapid and double cap rivets.   For copper rivets determine based on post size.
0.51 in (13mm)	Up to 25 oz.   Projects: Thick/heavy-duty bags, cases, etc.
0.55 in (14mm)	Up to 27.5 oz.   Projects: Saddles, thick gun holsters, and knife sheaths.
0.59 in (15mm)	Up to 30 oz.
0.63 in (16mm)	Up to 32.5 oz.
0.67 in (17mm)	Up to 35 oz.
0.71 in (18mm)	Up to 37.5 oz.
0.75 in (19mm)	Up to 40 oz.   Projects: Can be used for almost anything. Popular for saddle making and tack.

Rapid and double cap rivets range from 0.24in to 0.47in while copper rivets range from 0.47in to 0.75in.

Best Leather Rivets

Now that you understand a little bit more about what you should look for in a leather rivet, here are our top picks for the best leather rivets.

Jetmore Leather Rivets Kit

Editors Pick

The Jetmore Leather Rivets Kit features four different colors and three different-sized nickel-free metal rivets.

• Quantity: 420 Sets
• Price: $10 – 20
• Warranty: 30 Days free returns
• Material: Brass

This variety pack is great for small projects and those that like the aesthetics of rivets on their work but don’t require rivets to handle high-tension or excessive wear. The convenient storage container helps you keep everything organized and together.

Pros

• Nickel-free copper won’t rust
• Comes in 4 colors and 3 sizes
• Setting tools included
• Good for a variety of small projects

Cons

• Tools may not be the best quality
• Mostly small sizes included

Selizo Leather Tubular Setting Tool Kit

Best Bulk Pack

You can’t beat the Selizo Leather Tubular Setting Tool Kit if you’re looking for a bulk pack of rivets for your leatherwork projects.

• Quantity: 480 Sets
• Price: $10 – 20
• Warranty: 30 Days free returns
• Material: Copper

Four colors and three sizes of rivets, along with three setting tools and a handy storage container, make this a great bulk buy for crafters.

Pros

• Made from durable copper
• Comes in 4 colors and 3 sizes
• Setting tools included
• Good for a variety of small projects
• Great bulk buy with 480 sets

Cons

• Some of the rivets may have hollow shafts, making them less durable long-term

Ripeng Copper Rivet Fasteners

Best Copper Rivets

Copper rivets are some of the strongest rivets for leatherwork, and the Ripeng Copper Rivet Fasteners set of 100 are a great choice for those doing a variety of leatherwork projects.

• Quantity: 100 Sets
• Price: $20 – 40
• Warranty: 30 Days free returns
• Material: Copper

Great for wallets, belts, bags, bracelets, and more, these copper rivets are durable and can handle most high-tension use.

Pros

• Durable copper is a strong rivet for a variety of projects
• Beautiful copper color for aesthetic use
• Good standard size rivet at 3/4in
• Corrosion-resistant

Cons

• Must have proper setting tools

Springfield Leather Company’s Antique Brass Medium Double-Cap Rivets

Springfield Leather Company’s Antique Brass Medium Double Cap Rivets are super easy to use and give your project a great vintage feel.

• Quantity: 100 Sets
• Price: $5 – 15
• Warranty: 30 Days free returns
• Material: Alloy Steel

A good rivet for both function and style.

Pros

• Great antique brass look is good for aesthetic use
• Medium size is great for a variety of projects
• Plated steel rivets are durable for small projects

Cons

• Only one size
• Not sturdy enough for high-tension projects

Tandy Leather Double Cap Rivets

Best Price

The Tandy Leather Double Cap Rivets are a great, affordable, and durable option for leatherwork.

• Quantity: 100 Sets
• Price: $5 – 15
• Warranty: 30 Days free returns
• Material: Nickel

Strong enough to handle some high-tension projects such as dog collars, these rivets look sleek and hold strong.

Pros

• Strong, long-lasting
• Made from nickel
• The 8mm size is great for most small projects such as dog collars, belts, and wallets

Cons

• Need a tandy press to avoid indentation on a finished project

Koristar Assorted Bronze Screw-Back Metal Rivets

Best for Style and Design

The Koristar Assorted Bronze Screw-Back Metal Rivets are great easy-to-use rivets for design and style.

• Quantity: 120 Sets
• Price: $15 – 25
• Warranty: 30 Days Free Returns
• Material: Zinc Alloy

Great to add to belts, jackets, wallets, bracelets, and more, these stud and spike rivets can help you make the perfect studded belt or punk rock jacket.

Pros

• Great for adding a touch of style to your leather projects with spikes and studs
• Variety of sizes of spikes and studs
• Great vintage metal look

Cons

• Not for function – not strong enough to secure leather

YORANYO Chicago Buttons Metal Rivets

The YORANYO Chicago Buttons Metal Rivets make things easy with their screw-back design. Perfect for simple DIY projects and adding a touch of style to existing leather and fabric pieces.

• Quantity: 150 Sets
• Price: $10 – 20
• Warranty: 30 Days free returns
• Material: Zinc Alloy

A quick and easy way to repair bags and belts without needing setting tools. With 5 colors and 2 style options, you can find the right fit for any need.

Pros

• 5 colors and 2 styles to choose from
• Screw-back makes for easy use
• Great for adding personality to a project

Cons

• Screw Back design is not great for securing leather for high-tension or high-wear projects

Springfield Leather Company’s Black Medium Double Cap Rivets

Springfield Leather Company’s Black Medium Double Cap Rivets are a great all-purpose rivet.

• Quantity: 100 Sets
• Price: $5 – 15
• Warranty: 30 Day free returns
• Material: Alloy Steel

The black goes well with any color leather from black to tan and the medium size allows you to use them for a variety of projects.

Pros

• Black goes well with any project
• Medium size is perfect for a variety of uses
• Durable and great for securing leather on small projects like dog collars and belts

Cons

• The coating may wear off easily

FAQ

In Conclusion

Rivets serve multiple purposes when it comes to your leatherwork projects. It plays the important role of securing and supporting your leather projects as well as acting as a beautiful finishing and style choice.

If you’re looking for the most durable rivets at the best price, the Tandy Leather Double Cap Rivets can’t be beaten. If you liked this article, be sure to let us know in the comments below. And for more articles like this, check out our guide to finding the best leather awl.