Leather Punch Size

[misha01]

I'll looking to buy some punches. What sizes should I buy for installing rivets, snaps and eyelets/grommets? I realize that there are different sizes of snaps (for example), but I figure that there has to be a standard for the common snaps.

Also, do you have any advice on brand? How is Osborne?

And since I have your attention, how is the Osborne skiver?

https://www.osborneleathertools.com/product_details.php?pid=400

[Tree Reaper]

My experience with Osborne is their tools are mediocre, well priced, dull out of the box and they have no customer service.

I'll purchase them only as a last resort but that's just my own opinion.

For finding the proper sizes I'll measure the posts with a caliper and get the corresponding hole punch.

I have a complete set now, have holes punched in a scrap piece of leather and just match the rivet I'm using to the punch that was used to make the hole.

[Itch]

Weaver punches..worth the money...#2 4 5 6 for most rivets and snaps

[TomG]

RE the Skiver - Tandy has the same thing for $8. It uses a old-style single edge razor blade to do the cutting. I've used the Tandy one but not the Osborne. I assume from the picture the Osborne looks to use the same.

[Nuttish]

Osborne punches are the standard in multiple industries. They're made out of nice steel, well machined, and take a nice edge.

That style of skiver is in my opinion mostly useless. You'll spend more time replacing blades than doing good work, which will be hard to manage anyhow. Picking skiving tools is highly personal and depends on/informs your workflow and style quite a bit. I'd recommend spending the money and getting a tool that's made out of good quality blade steel, whether you choose an American or French paring knife or use a round knife.