How close to snip copper rivets for leather work

For copper rivets in leather work, leave approximately 1/8 inch (around 3mm) of the rivet post sticking up after cutting with end nippers or side cutters. This remaining length is essential for peening the post over the burr to create a secure, rounded head. Trimming too close will make it difficult or impossible to dome the rivet properly, leading to a poorly set rivet.

1. General Rule of Thumb

When setting copper rivets in leather, the ideal post length after inserting the rivet through your leather should be:

About 1.5× the diameter of the rivet shaft
(roughly 1.5 rivet diameters sticking out above the leather)

For example:

If your rivet post is 1/8" (3.2 mm) thick → leave ~3/16" to 1/4" (4.5–6 mm) protruding.
If your rivet post is 3/16" (4.8 mm) thick → leave ~1/4" to 5/16" (6–8 mm) protruding.

This ensures there’s enough material to roll over and form a secure head, but not so much that it folds, mushrooms unevenly, or weakens.

2. Snipping Technique

Here’s the process I recommend for a clean cut and strong set:

Tools You'll Need

Flush-cut nippers or end-cut pliers
A good rivet setter & anvil
A ball-peen hammer

Steps

Insert the rivet → Push the post through your leather layers and slide on the burr (washer).
Mark your cut → Place your setter over the rivet and visually estimate the extra length.
Snip the rivet → Use sharp flush-cut nippers to cut it down to 1.5× its diameter.
Deburr if needed → Lightly smooth sharp edges with a file or fine sandpaper for a cleaner mushroom head.
Set the rivet → Use the rivet setter to drive the burr tight, then peen the tip gently with a ball-peen hammer until it mushrooms evenly.