Rivet Question

[PNgo12]

I'm trying to make a belt. The belt is approx 8/9 oz and so I need a rivet that is strong enough to hold down two straps of leather. I've used Tandy's double cap snap rivets and those don't hold. I tried their rapid rivets and it doesn't hold either :/ For some reason even though the screw rivets nobody would see the inside I just don't like it. Are there any other rivets that would hold down the leather? Or any other brand of rapid rivets that will actually work? Thank you!

[Cyberthrasher]

There's a lot of people who have input on rivets. I believe most say the copper are the best. I haven't used them myself just because i don't ever have a project that needs them. My belts get snaps on them so the buckle can be switched out with ease.

[PNgo12]

I always thought the color, for example copper, nickel plated, brass, etc referred to just the color and that they're all made of the same material. I may be wrong though, I'm new to leather

[Beaverslayer]

PNgo12,

Here's a link to what the copper rivet looks like, they are real good for holding thicker leathers together.

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.ca/en-cad/home/department/hardware/rivets/11280-006.aspx

You could also use chicago screws.

[PNgo12]

Oh! I must've misunderstood when Cyberthrasher said copper rivets.

Is it possible that I'm setting the rapid rivet wrong? I'm using the flat side of my anvil and a mallet and it just doesn't hold well.

[Beaverslayer]

Are you using a rivet setting tool? or just whacking it with a hammer?

[bluesman1951]

Must be the technique these copper rivets are good enough for rodeo gear correctly installed they arent coming apart . After you have set the rivet punch a hole in some belt leather scrap ,place on the post and use your setting tool to bottom it out . Use your nippers to cut the post off close to the scrap . Take a fine file and file the post down to the leather taking care to file flat . The scrap should be large enough to prevent the file from making a hickey on your project . Now remove the scrap and take the domeing tool and give it a couple of good hits to dome the post . Makes a finished look to the post ,looks just right . Might wish to pick up a good hunk of steel for a pounding /setting base . It makes a difference a real big difference .

[ReneeCanady]

Thanks for your response Beaverslayer! I was very curious about his question as well. I made the choice a few months back to use the chicago screws if I needed to hold thick leather together. I had the same issue with Tandy rivets. I found out the hard way as well that they just kinda pop off lol. I will have to check into these copper rivets.....thanks!

[PNgo12]

Thanks for the responses. I don't really want to use the copper rivets. I like the look of capped rivets. Are Tandy rivets just crap pretty much haha.

[ramrod]

they have nowhere the holding capability that the copper rivet and burr does.