Eyelets, Buckles, And Rivets, Oh My!

[onlyoblivion]

Since I am asking newbie questions, I decided to post here instead of hardware. Admin, please move if needed.

So I got my catalogs in from OTB and was checking out the Springfield website, and maybe my brain is scrambled from the options, but I could use some help in sorting this all out.

1. Do the finishes differ by company? I noticed that OTB has only a few items I need in Antique Nickle. If I order rivets from them, but buckles from Springfield, is it likely to get finishes that don't match? My money is on yes for any finish other than nickle, and of course stainless steel.

2. I'm looking to make belts, collars, and other fun stuff. I've seen buckles listed as "dog collar buckles" with an extra bar across the buckle. Are these to prevent over-tightening? Would these be useful in other applications that are weight bearing, such as cargo straps?

3. It was only a few weeks ago that rivets were thine enemy, however eyelets have now usurped them. I can find eyelets in random hobby lobby available sizes, and no setting tools for them, aside from in the big catalogs. I feel like this means I am missing something. Before I destroy my hole punches to set these things, is there a better practice aside from ordering setting tools for each and every size?

4. Lastly, I may be over thinking this, but if I want to use eyelets on my belt holes, is there a general buckle prong to eyelet diameter/post height? The eyelets I picked up appear too small to sit in the leather well with a belt prong through them. I don't really know, because I have no set eyelets (see #3 )

Thanks to all of you for your endless patience with the learning process of others~!

[TexasLady]

Hi onlyoblivion,

I understood the questions, and they were riveting. But I don't have the experience to answer. I'll be hanging around to see what others tell you, and now, giving your Thread a bump.

[onlyoblivion]

Moving to Hardware section. Admin please remove, thanks!