Double-cap rivets are commonly used in leatherworking to attach pieces without the need for heavy sewing equipment. They come in various sizes, with different post lengths to accommodate different material thicknesses. Proper selection of the post length is important to avoid bent posts or weak holds. The rivet post should generally be about 1/16" to 1/8" longer than the material thickness to ensure a secure fit.
Compared to tubular rivets, which have one metal cap and a post that is shaped into metal spokes on the back side for extra strength, double-cap rivets provide a neat finish on both sides but are generally not used for the heaviest-duty applications.
Setting a double-cap rivet can be done in several ways:
- Striking the cap directly with a metal hammer on a hard surface.
- Using a rivet setting tool, which includes a handheld strike post and a concave anvil, struck with a mallet.
- Using an industrial hand-press with the appropriate double-cap rivet dies.
