Setting Rivets

[Leather Bum]

How do you keep rivet heads from getting flat areas on them (same for snaps, now that I think of it). I have the "Deluxe" Snap-All-Rivet Setter from TLF (made in Taiwan, of course ), but here are some pictures of how the double-cap jiffy rivets from Ohio Travel Bag (purchased through Siegel of California) turn out. . .

It looks to me as though the stem is not forming properly in the rivet head -- even though the rivet is the correct length for the leather (I think). Also, I'm pretty sure the anvil and setting tool are leaving marks on the leather around the rivet. . .

So I'm wondering what tools/methods everyone else uses to properly set rivets -- in this case, double-capped jiffy rivets -- because mine are not turning out correctly. . .

L'Bum

[Drac]

looks like you need a setter that has a mellower cap dish. and slightly shorter rivets.

[Leather Bum]

looks like you need a setter that has a mellower cap dish. and slightly shorter rivets.

But isn't the rivet post supposed to stick up above the surface a little bit? How much?

L'Bum

[Drac]

a little less than half the amount yours do. are you setting the rivets on an anvil or using the dished bar that comes in that set?

[Leather Bum]

a little less than half the amount yours do. are you setting the rivets on an anvil or using the dished bar that comes in that set?

I'm setting them on the dished bar/"anvil" that's in the set. But as you can see from the pictures, the concave areas seem rather deep with sharp edges. . .

I figured if I set them on a flat surface, the heads would flatten out, but I don't think my current results are much better. . .

[Drac]

unless there's a need for one side not to be flat, don't worry about it. set 'em on an anvil. you'll get a better set on top that way. surprised no one else has chimed in on this yet. go ahead and get the "aso" (anvil shaped object as the metal working people call it *L*) from tandy and set your rivets on that.

[esantoro]

i get the best set with those rivets when the post extends no more than about 1/16" past the surface of the leather. I had read and been told 1/8", which is too much, in my experience.

ed

[bruce johnson]

I am with Ed, about 1/16". I set them on my anvil and smack them flat with a ball peen, or use the flat end of the setter mostly. If I need to dome them, than I turn the setter around and dome it after I have set it. I was shown this about 10 years ago, and have a little better appreciation for these rivets. They are a little more secure that way.

[Jordan]

Post definetly to long, that is the dimple in the center of the rivet in the 1st photo. Lots of vaiables come into play and one will turn out great and the next like crap unless some sort of arbor press is used for consistent position and pressure or alot of practice wackin em with a mallet and setter. I try to limit the use of rivets and snaps because of it.

[TracyMoss]

I just whack then on my steel plate. Anything hard will do. Every one is right though, if the post is too long they will shift on you.

[esantoro]

If the post was too long, I used to make a leather washer. Now I nip off the tip, If I don't have the right sized rivet.

I also have a little ritual in setting them. Two light taps of the cap onto the post. Then I turn the piece over and give two light taps of the post into the cap. Turn the piece over again and whack the cap flat with a smooth surface cobbler's hammer an a rivet hammer. I'll give the post side a whack too to flatten it. I'll post pics later. I like the flattened look and it does seem to give a stronger hold.

ed