double cap rivets

kaiÃ¶ · Post by **kaiÃ¶** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 3:23 pm

Is there a special tool to set double cap rivets? And is it possible to cut down the shaft so as to make them less 'tall'?

losthelm · Post by **losthelm** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 5:43 pm

It depends on what type of rivet the jiffy rivets or speed rivets usualy work well once they have been cut down.
Tandy sells a rivet setting tool with a small recessed end that works well.
The tool helps keep the rivet head neat. Many people just flatten the rivete but I find using the rivet tool makes for a better looking finished product.

Konstantin the Red · Post by **Konstantin the Red** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 9:08 pm

Those would be the hollow rivets, and the shank of one fits cozily inside the shank of the other?

You should carefully size these to the thickness of the leather you are riveting. Whatever you've got is too long for your thickness. You should be able to cut down the inner shank, the one that fits inside, with diagonal cutters.

Tatsuo Okami · Post by **Tatsuo Okami** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 9:13 pm

Many decades ago... when I worked at a Tandy Leather store.. My manager told me the tool for setting the rivets with a domed head was a "Stinker" tool. The Co. just threw the little stinker into the process to make more money.
He told me that the rivet was MUCH stronger when set completely flat.. IE Maximum compression. I've done that way ever since and have NEVER had any strength or popping issues with the tandy "Quick Rivet" style rivets that others have complained about. 3 years later I discovered "Double Cap" style and have never gone back.
ONE thing of note: the most important part of the set is to keep the Shank totally vertical during compression. The shank going straight down so the caps are directly over each other is the correct way and the longest lasting strongest set. Most probs with that kind of rivet come from the shank folding (leaning?) over some. So that the caps are out of alignment.

mongrel · Post by **mongrel** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 12:42 pm

Additionally when using these rivets dont SMASH them down as this will bend the shafts and ruin the rivets altogether. Several firm whacks should do the trick. I worked at a Tandy for only a few months but that was one of the first lessons I learned in leatherworking.

-Mongrel-

kaiÃ¶ · Post by **kaiÃ¶** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 4:19 pm

Surely I am doing something wrong. I bought the setting tool for this, the base + the long rod. I put one the part with the shaft on the base, lay the leather on top of it and put the other end on top. I put the rod on top and hammer it.

Nothing. I can take them apart with my fingers.

Johann Lederer · Post by **Johann Lederer** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 4:29 pm

Not sure what is up here.

Is your rivet long enough?

There are 3 sizes; long medium and short. Large or long is 3/8" cap, 1/2" post, 3/8" base, medium is 3/8" cap, 5/16" post, 3/8" base, and short is 1/4" cap, 1/4" post, 1/4" base.

If it is too short it will not peen inside the cap, if it is too long it will bend over and make a mess...

Just some random thoughts...

kaiÃ¶ · Post by **kaiÃ¶** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 4:31 pm

it's slightly too long for the leather. It's a little bent, but it's not peened at all

I tried cutting it down to size, same thing

losthelm · Post by **losthelm** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 4:55 pm

post a picture we can help.

kaiÃ¶ · Post by **kaiÃ¶** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 9:49 pm

I've figured out one problem, I was trying not to make too much noise and wasn't hitting hard enough. Of course, now I have a second problem -

http://www.flickr.com/photos/42554641@N06/3921157291/

Konstantin the Red · Post by **Konstantin the Red** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 9:55 pm

Don't know what I'm seeing. :sad:

kaiÃ¶ · Post by **kaiÃ¶** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 9:58 pm

the top side of a double rivet holding 3 pieces of leather together =/

AaronCarter · Post by **AaronCarter** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 10:02 pm

It loks like it may be folding over sideways on you?

Try several soft blows instead of one hard one, keeping everything really streight to keep the shaft from smashing out to one side.

kaiÃ¶ · Post by **kaiÃ¶** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 11:19 pm

got it to work, and on a cut rivet on top of that :-D

Thanks guys