Rivets Pulling Loose

[Zaphod Beeblebrox]

I've got a problem with my rivets. They keep pulling loose on me.

I'm using Springfield Leather's "Medium" Double Cap rivets http://springfieldleather.com/store/product/17192/Rivet%2CD-C%2CSB-Np%2CMed%2C50pk/

They claim they are "Identical to the Leather Factory's"...by which I assume they mean Tandy.

I've got the Tandy "Deluxe" Setting kit which Has the correct setter and anvil for these Double Cap rivets. I'm using a Urethane Mallet to whack the Setter.

The rivets are the correct length, I've tried the "Small" and "Large" rivets as well, they are just different post lengths. The "Small" is too short and the "Large" is too long. I'm sure I'm not using a rivet with a wrong length post....

Are these double cap rivets just not up to the task in terms of holding power? Should I be using Tubular rivets if Strength is what I'm after?

This is the piece in Question...

and the rivet...

The head is just pulling right off. I'd say its happening on about 20% of the rivets I set.

[dirtclod]

I belive your problem is the material is seperating and the rivet comes out. Try punching a circle out of leather then punch a hole in it and use your rivet. The leather piece will act as a washer.

[Zaphod Beeblebrox]

Yeah I'm already doing that. You just can't see it in the first pic and the second pic its already fallen off when the other side of the rivet fell off.

These rivets are actually seperating, not pulling through the fabric.

[dirtclod]

Hit them harder or get a heavier mallet. I've used a bunch of them over the years and never had that problem.

[Spinner]

I have noticed that one some of the double cap rivets. The problem is if they are too long, the shaft will simply bend and not mushroom correctly. if they are too short, well they simply don't hit the cap and won't mushroom either. First solution is as Dirtclod mentioned...get a bigger hammer and strike solidly against a solid surface like a granite or marble slab. Trying to set them on wood will not give sufficient support for them to impact the cap. If this is still a problem, take the large version, measure the length needed (thickness of the materials + the depth of the cap) and use a pair of wire cutters to trim the shaft to the right length.

In situations where strength and security are necessary, I would go with a rivet & burr combo instead of the double caps. They don't have quite the same finished look but you'll have one hell of a time removing it let alone ever having one pull loose.

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/search/searchresults/11280-00.aspx?feature=Product_11&kw=burr

you'll need a different type of setter for these as well:

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/search/searchresults/8110-01.aspx

[Zaphod Beeblebrox]

Along the same lines... is there a tool that will press the rivets together without the need for me to swing a hammer? Does such a tool work as well as a mallet and setter?

[Spinner]

Yep, a standard bench top press will work just fine. You can pick them up at any Tandy for the nice gear action ones or you can go a little bit less expensive and get one from Harbor Freight for about $40.

Tandy: http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/search/searchresults/3990-00.aspx?feature=Product_3&kw=press

Harbor Freight: http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-ton-arbor-press.html

Just found one from Sears that is a cam action like the Tandy one: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00974879000P?mv=rr&i_cntr=1288799001555

[Zaphod Beeblebrox]

Very interesting... I can't help but notice the Tandy one uses Setting Dies and the other two don't. Do they offer dies for the less expensive types or are they less expensive because they don't use dies?

[Spinner]

Very interesting... I can't help but notice the Tandy one uses Setting Dies and the other two don't. Do they offer dies for the less expensive types or are they less expensive because they don't use dies?

The Tandy one is made specifically for leatherworking (stamping, setting, etc). whereas the other two are made for general purpose anywhere you would need one (automotive, machine shop, leatherworking, etc) so they would need a little more input from the user to position/hold dies, setters, etc than then Tandy one would.

For the price difference, I'm ok with holding my setters being a non-production shop. If this was something I did all day long everyday, I'd spend the extra to get the one made to use with leather specific setters.

[busted]

I've got a problem with my rivets. They keep pulling loose on me.

I'm using Springfield Leather's "Medium" Double Cap rivets http://springfieldle...p%2CMed%2C50pk/

They claim they are "Identical to the Leather Factory's"...by which I assume they mean Tandy.

I've got the Tandy "Deluxe" Setting kit which Has the correct setter and anvil for these Double Cap rivets. I'm using a Urethane Mallet to whack the Setter.

The rivets are the correct length, I've tried the "Small" and "Large" rivets as well, they are just different post lengths. The "Small" is too short and the "Large" is too long. I'm sure I'm not using a rivet with a wrong length post....

Are these double cap rivets just not up to the task in terms of holding power? Should I be using Tubular rivets if Strength is what I'm after?

This is the piece in Question...

and the rivet...

The head is just pulling right off. I'd say its happening on about 20% of the rivets I set.

Is this material nylon? If it is you should burn a hole through it instead of cutting a hole.

Your rivets appear to be to long, what are you using for backing when you set the rivet?

I use a 16 ounce ball peen hammer and a small piece of 3/4" flat steel 3x6 my rivets don't

come loose with this setup.