Rivets???

[chapelstone]

I have never used rivets very much. I stitch everything. I am getting more request for rivets at the stress points and attaching straps to messenger bags and purses. There must be a video going around that tells people it is bad to stitch or poke holes in leather and leather goods should be riveted instead of stitched.  I don't mind using rivets if it sells product and doesn't diminish the quality of my work. 

My question is Which type of rivets are best for construction and which ones are more for decoration. 

My observation is that copper rivets with burs are the strongest. But they only come in copper.

Tubular rivets appear to be strong, do they have to be used with a washer? They are not offered for sale that way?

split rivets look strong also but not very attractive. 

Am I correct in thinking double cap rivets and other in that category more decorations and not strength? 

 

You guys have always been a wealth of wisdom, I am looking forward to the input. 

[bikermutt07]

I can't lend much advice, but I did see a video were a guy put a stitch and a river to a test. He couldn't break the stitch.

I'm following to see what the experts say.....

[Rockoboy]

Hi there Chapelstone,

The bloke in my local leather store says stitching is far better for strength. Once leather starts to dry out a little, it shrinks and the rivets can become loose, then they can wear and fall out. Plus, for a double cap rivet there is no way to know how well the rivet is seated inside the head without destroying the rivet to check ... which negates the idea of riveting in the first place!

Stitching on the other hand, moves with the leather and, because there is nothing covering it, you can clearly see if there is something that is not as it should be.

 

Kindest regards

Brian

 

"if you think you can or if you think you can't, you are right" Henry Ford

[Sonydaze]

I sew for strength and rivet for looks.  I don't trust any of the double capped rivets.

[fredk]

I use both methods. I now only use double-head rivets. Never yet had a problem with them and some have been put to great trial.

That chaps statement don't make sense; one head is made as part of the base and is soild with it and the other head is hammered on. It doesn't matter if its single or double headed we can't see how well the head is affixed.

As for strength; I attach the guige strap to battle-ready shields with double head ready rivets. I've done loads of shields and not one rivet has failed. The shields, weighing about 15lbs, hang by the guige, and get flung around by it.

[NVLeatherWorx]

I too use both methods; stitching is for the PURE strength while the rivets add some extra security at the stress points.  Rivets for decorative purposes have no place in my work.

[nrk]

On 4/11/2017 at 3:56 AM, chapelstone said:

I have never used rivets very much. I stitch everything. I am getting more request for rivets at the stress points and attaching straps to messenger bags and purses. There must be a video going around that tells people it is bad to stitch or poke holes in leather and leather goods should be riveted instead of stitched.  I don't mind using rivets if it sells product and doesn't diminish the quality of my work. 

My question is Which type of rivets are best for construction and which ones are more for decoration. 

My observation is that copper rivets with burs are the strongest. But they only come in copper.

Tubular rivets appear to be strong, do they have to be used with a washer? They are not offered for sale that way?

split rivets look strong also but not very attractive. 

Am I correct in thinking double cap rivets and other in that category more decorations and not strength? 

 

You guys have always been a wealth of wisdom, I am looking forward to the input. 

It's a not true actually. Hand sewing is more effective for the strength. 

True - copper rivets because of construction type, mighty ones - but limited in colors.

Double or single cap rivets can be and used for the layers of leather that aren't much used for tension.

It all depends of product type - is it going to run a hard life or not )
Watch strap/cuffs, some bags etc.

It's physical  - you can use double cap rivets on a simple belt, but putting let's say 6 pcs - you won't be able to 'break' such belt, but having there just 2-3, won't be called 'heavy duty'

one more example - I would use handsewing for the strength and cap rivets for decoration on dog collars..

Edited April 12, 2017 by nrk

[RockyAussie]

On 11/04/2017 at 9:56 AM, chapelstone said:

I have never used rivets very much. I stitch everything. I am getting more request for rivets at the stress points and attaching straps to messenger bags and purses. There must be a video going around that tells people it is bad to stitch or poke holes in leather and leather goods should be riveted instead of stitched.  I don't mind using rivets if it sells product and doesn't diminish the quality of my work. 

My question is Which type of rivets are best for construction and which ones are more for decoration. 

My observation is that copper rivets with burs are the strongest. But they only come in copper.

Tubular rivets appear to be strong, do they have to be used with a washer? They are not offered for sale that way?

split rivets look strong also but not very attractive. 

Am I correct in thinking double cap rivets and other in that category more decorations and not strength? 

 

You guys have always been a wealth of wisdom, I am looking forward to the input. 

The use of any type of rivet will depend on how the stresses are applied to it, the same as any sewing thread as well. A line of stitches going close together across a strap will possible weaken it if the stresses on the strap are applied in the lengthwise direction, for instance most watch straps don't get stitched across for that reason.Now a linesman's pouch that holds a lot of tools gets the stresses applied more sideways and a rivet used in that way at the top of the threads will be far more effective than most threads could do alone. The strap attaching on a messenger bag would be improved in strength with even double sided rivets as the forces are applied mostly against the side of the stem of the rivet but would be better if stitched as well to assist any upward pulling on the rivet heads as might happen if lifting by 1 strap only in the wrong direction. I do not believe any rivet is only for decoration unless it is used in the wrong way.  A couple of pics here may help. How long would this hold together without the rivets do you think. In this case tubular with washers at rear as well.