Hammering rivet shanks—how much is too much?

[DaleksInc]

When I use rivets and burrs in my projects, I tend to hammer the shanks down flush with the burr using a big ol' ball-and-peen hammer a relative acquired while working on the railroad. However, when I see rivets and burrs used in other people's projects, they usually seem to have barely domed the tip. Therefore, I am interested to hear y'all's thoughts on how much to hammer shanks.

[kgg]

3 minutes ago, DaleksInc said:

Therefore, I am interested to hear y'all's thoughts on how much to hammer shanks.

I use a 8 oz hammer and a Weaver Rivet Burr Setter and Nipper Pliers.

How I install a rivet and burr:

i) I install the rivet of the appropriate length and size.

ii) I install the burr with a Weaver Rivet Burr setter so it set so it compresses the leather slightly. I find the Weaver Rivet Burr setter much better then the cheap Chinese ones. As a note the Weaver is made with real metal that you hang it on magnetic strip, the Chinese one is some sort of metalish material that will not stick to a magnetic.

iii)  I cut the shank of the rivet with either a 8" Nipper Pliers for #12 rivets or a 10" Nipper Pliers for #9 rivets. The shank of the #9 is much thicker then the #12. The cutting head leaves the right amount of rivet shank above the burr.

iv) Lastly I use the Weaver Rivet Burr setter to round the head of the shank. I rotate the Weaver Rivet Burr around the rivet shank as I hammer it. As long as the rivet is peened over the hole edge of the burr it should provide proper strength.

Job done.

kgg

[chuck123wapati]

it depends on the look you want they have been peened as well as domed with a tool. 

[kgg]

I do have a question bout rivets and can't seem to find the answer. Has anyone seen any info on how strong are rivets????