Multimediamayhem

Custom props for less

installing snaps and rivets

In order to install rivets and snaps you will need a few tools

  • Hammer
  • 1/4" punch or rivet setter (available thru Tandy leather or you can get them at Walmart)
  • 1/8" drill bit and drill or a leather punch tool
  • Solid working surface, anvil or plastic cutting board will do

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/

Usually sell between $8 and $20 online

Installing cap rivets

To install cap rivets first decide which size rivet you will be using. This will depend on the thickness of the parts you are rivetting together. there are two parts, the post and the cap.

What length rivet should I use on my project?

Rapid rivets work best when the stud protrudes from the pieces being riveted by less than 1/8". If the stud sticks out more than 1/8" it tends to bend when you set it and usually does not hold securely.

 Don't use too long of a rivet or it will not set right and may damage your work. Once you have the correct size rivet, drill or punch the hole thru your parts, put the post side of the rivet thru the pieces, place the cap onto the post then tap together until set or flattened (do this on a solid work surface) Parts joined should be tight when finished. You can also use a domed setting tool to leave the rivet head slightly raised.

Installing domed snaps

To install domed snaps is done much the same way as the rivets however there are 4 parts to the snap. The cap, which can be smooth or some have designs on them, the snap (upper and lower) and the post.

The most commonly used is the line snap. Shown here

Punch the hole in your piece, insert the cap and the snap (female) on the back. Use a setting tool to peen the post from inside the snap. This is the first part. The second part is the other snap (male) and the post, punch the hole in your other piece and insert the post thru it, put the snap on and peen it over with the setting tool (a pin punch can also be used) ,snaps should be tight once peened, if they are not peen them a bit more. Now snap your parts together! Easy huh?