Rivets Inside A Pouch

[Sam 9]

Hi guys this is my first post. I hope I could get some help with this.

My brother has a leather tool pouch that's about worn out, he asked me if I could make him a replacement, so I told him I would give it a shot. It's a simple pouch here's a picture of it, well this one is new. (see attachments for original). The sides and bottom are riveted not sewn, my question is how do I set the rivets on something like this. The first side I imagine would be easy because I have access but the second side I wouldn't have normal access to because it would be enclosed. Thanks for any help.

Edited April 23, 2013 by Sam 9

[RiverCity]

You need something you can put inside it that will act as your anvil. A piece of steel flat bar etc. You could also rework it to have all the rivets on the outside. Depends on what direction you want to take it.

Chuck

[Sam 9]

Thanks Chuck, I'll try that. There are pouches with the rivets on the outside but I think that makes the pouch flatter. The one I want to make is rounded, I believe they might of molded it, to keep it's shape. Thanks again.

Sam

[Dwight]

I make similar pouches to hold ammunition magazines, . . . riveted in the exact same way.

First, . . . make a wooden insert that is 1/4 inch shy of the width of the pouch.

Get a piece of flat stock steel 1/4 inch thick, . . . as wide as the pouch, . . . and the length is the same as the depth of the pouch.

Put the wood in, . . . lay the steel on the wood, . . . set the pouch up on edge, . . . and hammer away.

I always position the rivet so it is pointing out of the pouch, . . . and I usually give it one extra whack after setting it, . . . that flattens the inside, keeping items from catching on the rivets.

Also, don't use a maul, . . . use a small ball peen, . . . it sets them better. You'll mushroom up the top of the setter, . . . but they come free in the big bags of rivets anyway from Tandy, . . .

May God bless,

Dwight

[Sam 9]

Great method, I'll try it, thanks a lot Dwight.

I checked out your webpage, you have some very nice work.

Sam