Types of rivets and riveters: complete guide to choosing and using them correctly

Types of rivets and riveters

Knowing the types of rivets and the types of riveters is essential to achieve strong, durable joints with a professional finish in leatherwork, leather goods, footwear or DIY projects. Choosing the right rivet and the appropriate tool will make the difference between a long-lasting job and one that fails with use.

What is a rivet and what is it used for

A rivet is a permanent fastening element used to join two or more pieces of material by deformation. Unlike screws or nails, a rivet remains fixed and does not loosen over time, making it ideal for leather, thick textiles, thin metal and material combinations.

In leatherwork, rivets are used both structurally and decoratively: belts, bags, straps, harnesses or reinforcements subjected to tension.

Most commonly used types of rivets

There are different types of rivets depending on their shape, setting system and final use. The most common in craft work are:

• Double-cap rivets: widely used in leather for their clean finish on both sides.
• Tubular rivets: easy to set and suitable for medium thicknesses.
• Solid rivets: extremely strong, ideal for load-bearing applications.
• Decorative rivets: combine fastening and aesthetics.

Types of удар-set rivets and how to apply them

Hammer-set rivets are installed by impact, usually with a hammer and a specific setting tool. They are the most common in artisan leatherwork due to their simplicity and reliability.

The process involves punching the leather, inserting the rivet and deforming the shank with a controlled удар to ensure a solid fastening without damaging the material.

Types of riveting according to material and joint

Not all types of riveting are suitable for every material. It is important to adapt the system to the type of joint:

• Leather to leather: double-cap or tubular rivets.
• Leather to metal: solid or reinforced rivets.
• Thin materials: small rivets with controlled pressure.

Rivets and sizes: how to choose the right one

Choosing correctly among the different types of rivets and sizes is essential. The shank length must match the total thickness of the materials being joined.

A rivet that is too short will not fasten properly, while one that is too long will deform incorrectly and be weak or visually flawed.

Types of riveters: manual, hammer-set and automatic

There are different types of riveters depending on the workload and the type of rivet:

• Hammer-set riveters: traditional, precise and widely used in leatherwork.
• Manual riveters: convenient for repetitive tasks.
• Automatic riveters: designed for intensive production.

How to choose the right riveter for your project

To choose the right tool, you should consider the type of rivet, the material, frequency of use and the level of precision required. For artisan work, a good hammer-set riveter with the appropriate setting tools is usually more than enough.

Rivet vs. screw: differences and when to use each

Although both are used to join materials, rivets offer greater resistance to vibrations and do not loosen with use. The screw, on the other hand, allows disassembly. In leatherwork, rivets are usually the most reliable and aesthetic option.

Common mistakes when setting rivets and how to avoid them

• Using a rivet that is too long or too short.
• Striking without a firm backing.
• Not aligning the pieces correctly.
• Using unsuitable tools.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures a clean and professional finish.

Tips for achieving clean and strong riveting

Always work on a solid base, use suitable setting tools, control the striking force and test first on a scrap piece. Practice is key to mastering the different types of rivets and riveting techniques.

At Curtidos Cabezas you will find rivets, riveters and specific tools for leather, as well as expert advice to help you choose the most suitable option for your project.