Tubular Rivets

[jeeperaz]

After searching and browsing a half dozen or more pages on tubular rivets, I'm just as confused as I was to begin with.

I gather they can be used by themselves or with caps and even washers. Can someone tell me how to use & set them in each configuration? Pictures of end results?

Also, I'd like opinions on how strong they are. How important is it to choose the right length for the thickness of leather... can they be shortened before riveting if needed?

My wife has shown some interest in making dog collars for family member's pets. I don't trust rapid or jiffy rivets. She needs colors other than copper or else I would show her how to use rivets/burrs. There is always chicago screws but I'd like to know more about tubular rivets first.

Any thoughts, comments or ideas are appreciated.

[Art]

There are also brass burr rivets in either round or flat head. Being as hard as brass, they are the dickens to set. Look good though, especially the round head, you can add a burr under the head to give a little different look.

Art

After searching and browsing a half dozen or more pages on tubular rivets, I'm just as confused as I was to begin with.

I gather they can be used by themselves or with caps and even washers. Can someone tell me how to use & set them in each configuration? Pictures of end results?

Also, I'd like opinions on how strong they are. How important is it to choose the right length for the thickness of leather... can they be shortened before riveting if needed?

My wife has shown some interest in making dog collars for family member's pets. I don't trust rapid or jiffy rivets. She needs colors other than copper or else I would show her how to use rivets/burrs. There is always chicago screws but I'd like to know more about tubular rivets first.

Any thoughts, comments or ideas are appreciated.

[jeeperaz]

There are also brass burr rivets in either round or flat head. Being as hard as brass, they are the dickens to set. Look good though, especially the round head, you can add a burr under the head to give a little different look.

Art

Art, Thanks.

I have seen those but I need rivets in the 'silver' color range.

[McJeep]

I'm "starting" to get pretty good with these. The two main things of note in my mind are that you are using the rivet suited to the thickness of leather so there is not too much exposed when you are setting it or it will bend real quick, and use the absolute smallest hole punch you can so there is less room for play or again things will bend.

It's been a practice thing for me just trying different sized rivets in different thicknesses of leather. The are strong enough "shear" wise for the collars but I wouldn't depend on them to hold sayyyy a strap with the D ring on it (tuff to explain but if you just put the strap through a d ring and riveted that to the collar, the dog would yank the D ring piece off pretty quickly) If the D ring was around the entire collar and the piece of strap was just riveted on the inside to keep the D ring from migrating around the collar, it would be plenty strong. Will also be strong enough for things like name plates or for holding the tail end of the strap where the buckle attaches. I riveted and ripped apart a lot of riveted together scraps before I started trusting my ability to properly set them - good thing they're fairly cheep ;0)

I'm looking at starting to do big dog stuff as well and plan to use bur rivets instead, but I'm a function before form kinda guy ;0) That and I think the "tuff" look will appeal to big dog owners ;0)

My .02

Rob

[Kevin]

Jiffy rivets are brass, tubular rivets are steel, if your dog goes near water, the steel will burn through the leather. I don't even have tube rivets in my shop. They are mostly used in production or lesser quality goods.

I will say they are tough as hell to get out of a nail apron sometimes, so they do have their place.

Of course this is all in my experience which may be slightly limited.

Good luck,

Kevin

[Construction Leather]

I used to use steel tube rivets on my heavy duty tool bags and on my dog collars and leads.I have found a supplier of solid brass tube rivets that have an antique brass outer finish.I threw out all of my other tube rivets.You can find these at www.brettunsvillage.com.

[Kevin]

Thanks for the info, I stand corrected,

Kevin