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I am working on a project where I am trying to connect pieces of leather with my copper rivets. I have both #9 and #12 rivets. I also have the tools for each size. The issue I’m running into is after I punch down my washer onto the rivet, it comes loose. I have tried switching the different size washers (thinking I had mixed them up) and that didn’t work. I’m really not sure what is going on or what I’m doing wrong. I have ruined so many rivets and I wanted to see if anyone here had any pointers on how to get them to stay tight after I set them with the setter. Is it what I’m using as an anvil? I’m so confused. Thank you in advance for any help and guidance.

Hello everyone, I am new to leather working and I have heard this a helpful and experienced community. I am looking for a supplier that stocks solid copper, open ended chicago screws for my leather projects. I also am looking for a source that maybe able to laser engrave or have custom/unique chicago screws. The plain copper screws can either have a flat top or a rounded (pan head) style. As for the custom ones, I'm just looking for a variety of looks such as, palm trees, stars, flowers, dragon heads, skulls, etc I have stumbled across coated/colored aluminum screws but after contacting the supplier they said the finish will wear / scratch off easy if you are not careful. These will be used mostly on OWB holsters and some IWB holsters so the wear and tear could be high depending on the individual. I am also using these on other clothing garments so wear is also an issue in this application. This is my reason for solid copper and laser etched. Please let me know if I left out any important information needed to located a supplier. Thanks for everyone's help and time, Teak

Just a little project for myself to use up some cheap-o 6/7 oz veg tan I've had lying around; #12 rivets & burrs, .8 mm tiger thread, solid brass ligne 24 snaps from Rome Fastener. This was my first project using copper rivets and burrs, and there was definitely a little learning curve on that. I'm pretty pleased with how it came out and next time I use copper the results should be better. It takes a bit to get the angle of the setter right so you don't mar the leather around the burr. It also takes a little practice to trim the post to a good length. Too long and you have way too much metal to peen over, too short and there's not enough of a mushroom to hold securely. I like quick projects like this to learn a new approach, no stress on how it turns out. But I think my hatchet looks kinda classy now!

Hello Everyone, I am very new both here and to leatherworking. I was tasked with making a leather tote bag for my sister for christmas. It was the only thing she requested so I felt obligated to take a crack at my first bag. I used: 5oz Dublin Horween Chromexcel 8oz Buffalo for the straps Copper rivets 1mm Cigar Tiger thread all stitches hand punched and saddle stitched There was quite the learning curve with the designing and assembly of this bag, I already know of a few things (mostly surrounding order of operatioins) that I will do different. Any advise is welcome since I hope to improve to the level of the things I see here! Edit: These are the only pictures I have from the build process, I have asked my sister for some pictures of it after a few weeks of use but nothing yet.

i'm a new leatherworker in Thailand, here, I cannot find any good quality hardware stores. Where could I find some good quality hardware (as brass or copper button studs, fasteners, snap plates, magnetic bag clasp plate etc.) online in Asia? I heard that HONGKONG is the best place, is it right?

I would like to attempt to make the following tote bag as a first project/gift. http://www.whippingpost.com/collections/totes/products/the-vintage-tote-bag I contacted the site and found out that they use a 5/6 oz veg tan leather, and copper rivets. Here is where the guidance comes in... In being new, i need to know the following: Where should i source the leather from? How do I finish to obtain these results/color? Where do i purchase the hardware/stitching material? Also, anything that you can think of that may help me in the process of creating this bag Thank you all, and what a terrific forum. Matt

Anyone seen these before? For the life of me I can't find a supplier.. I can find tons of regular copper rivets, but none of the jiffy, rapid, or double cap rivets.. Thanks Todd

So the last 2 months I have been crazy busy and working in a machine shop at a factory. What does a leather worker think about all day???? TOOLS!!! As a sub contractor sometimes it takes time to get to know the big bosses and finally I was trained and able to get into the Lathes they have there. I also learned how to TIG weld stainless while I have been there.... Well tomorrow the job is over for my contract and well.... I just had to stay a few hours the last couple days to make these! Sorry but these are all sold already... And tomorrow is my last day at the factory... BUT.... I am moving back to the USA in 8 weeks and will be setting up my new shop! So I you want one I. Can just add you to my leather list:)

Hi. I have a question for those of you who use copper rivets please. I am making a men briefcase for someone and this is my first briefcase at all. I would like to use copper rivets for the handle and shoulder strap attachments and since I have never used these rivets before I would like to know - are they going to change their color with use? Will they green? I am going to use Eco Antique Gel Saddle Tan color and I am going to use wax mixture for some waterproof (my customer asked me to). The mixture contains two waxes (beeswax and carnauba), linen seed oil and turpentine. I know the copper does not really match saddle tan but I do not have anything else except of those antique brass rapid rivets from Tandy and I am not sure they are strong enough to last for years (if you think they are - please let me know so my problem is solved). I am wondering if these copper rivets will change color after some time? I think it would be nice if they darkened a bit to go with the main bag color, but it would be bad if they gone green or something else weird. I do not want the man to come back for his money as I do not like upsetting my customers. If copper is not good, then could you advise me some strong and reliable rivets to hold the strap and the handle like forever please? I would appreciate any help on this matter. The buckles and strap holders and dees are solid brass. Thank you in advance for your help! Regards, Era