Rivets! (ugh)

[tracey]

Hello! I've got serious rivet questions on the brain.... For years I've been using "regular" rivets and the silver colored ones were nickel over brass. No problem there but recently I started using double cap rivets which I've been very happy with because they look nicer and seem stronger (they are nickel plate). The trouble is that instead of staying shiny, they seem to turn foggy (tarnish?). WHY do they do that?! I like the double cap but need the shininess so it matches other hardware. Any input?? Thanks! Tracey

[fredk]

Many questions; are they nickel on steel? are they tarnishing before use or after use? what way are they stored unused or when used?

[Handstitched]

If they are stored or if the item you made is stored in a damp or moist location, that could cause them to tarnish .  Case in point: I made a about a dozen studded and riveted wrist bands for one client, NP, , all nice and shiny, ready to sell  . I had them in a plastic bag, just sitting on the floor in my Mothers sewing room. I went to pick them up the next day.....and AAGGHH!!!  The whole lot tarnished over night   the cold air in Mums sewing room  must have been just damp enough. 

HS

[tsunkasapa]

Nickel should not tarnish. It can get a bit of patina, but not tarnish.

[Handstitched]

Whatever it was, the shine was gone. Took me a good hour or more clean them up to sell. 

[tracey]

12 hours ago, Handstitched said:

If they are stored or if the item you made is stored in a damp or moist location, that could cause them to tarnish .  Case in point: I made a about a dozen studded and riveted wrist bands for one client, NP, , all nice and shiny, ready to sell  . I had them in a plastic bag, just sitting on the floor in my Mothers sewing room. I went to pick them up the next day.....and AAGGHH!!!  The whole lot tarnished over night   the cold air in Mums sewing room  must have been just damp enough. 

HS

Ugh!!!! ☹️ !!!!

[tracey]

9 hours ago, tsunkasapa said:

Nickel should not tarnish. It can get a bit of patina, but not tarnish.

 

9 hours ago, tsunkasapa said:

Nickel should not tarnish. It can get a bit of patina, but not tarnish.

I'm wondering why the "nickel over brass" didnt tarnish but the "nickel plate" did. Hmmm... 

Also wondering if the double cap are indeed stronger...

Btw, thanks for answering-
 

16 hours ago, fredk said:

Many questions; are they nickel on steel? are they tarnishing before use or after use? what way are they stored unused or when used?

 

7 hours ago, Handstitched said:

Whatever it was, the shine was gone. Took me a good hour or more clean them up to sell. 

☹️‼️

[tracey]

17 hours ago, fredk said:

Many questions; are they nickel on steel? are they tarnishing before use or after use? what way are they stored unused or when used?

Not sure why my reply isnt showing here (sorry, new here...learning my way with the site)

They are only described as "nickel plate" so Im not sure if steel is the base. There was no storage time. Just made items (like collars and bags with riveted straps, etc), and items were in full use.  It was roughly 1-2 weeks that I saw the customers with items again (and saw the tarnished rivets!)... 

Are double cap rivets stronger? 
Thanks for ur input!

 

 

[fredk]

2 hours ago, tracey said:

They are only described as "nickel plate" so Im not sure if steel is the base. There was no storage time. Just made items (like collars and bags with riveted straps, etc), and items were in full use.  It was roughly 1-2 weeks that I saw the customers with items again (and saw the tarnished rivets!)... 

Simple check; take a magnet to them. I have never had nickle plate on brass tarnish but I've had nickle plate on steel showing corrosion, the corrosion of the steel coming through. I only use plated brass or unplated brass now

2 hours ago, tracey said:

Are double cap rivets stronger? 

I think they may very slightly stronger. The head over the base keeps that base from pulling through too easily, or easier than without the head cover. But the double header is far nicer in appearance and useful. I only use double headers now, just very occasionally single headers in a very small size

[tracey]

2 hours ago, fredk said:

Simple check; take a magnet to them. I have never had nickle plate on brass tarnish but I've had nickle plate on steel showing corrosion, the corrosion of the steel coming through. I only use plated brass or unplated brass now

I think they may very slightly stronger. The head over the base keeps that base from pulling through too easily, or easier than without the head cover. But the double header is far nicer in appearance and useful. I only use double headers now, just very occasionally single headers in a very small size

Sure enough, steel! Thanks for the magnet suggestion. I guess I have my answer: go with nickel on brass (or solid brass) only now...(NOT with steel as the base). Now I have to find the double caps in nickel-brass...

I appreciate your help!