What is a Double Cap Rivet and Their Uses in Leathercraft
What is a Double Cap Rivet and Their Uses in Leathercraft
Whether you're a seasoned saddler or just starting out at the bench, the double cap rivet is one of those pieces of hardware you'll reach for time and again. Small, sturdy, and satisfying to set, it punches well above its weight when it comes to both function and finish.
What Exactly is a Double Cap Rivet?
A double cap rivet — sometimes called a tubular rivet or double-sided rivet — is a two-part metal fastener used to permanently join two or more layers of leather together. Unlike a single cap rivet, which has a decorative domed cap on one side and a plain post on the other, the double cap rivet features a polished, domed cap on both sides of the finished join.
The rivet consists of two components: the cap, which has a longer post that passes through a punched hole in the leather, and the base cap, which receives the post and is compressed — or "set" — to create a secure, permanent join. The result is a neat, professional-looking fastener that looks identical from the front and the back.
How Are Double Cap Rivets Set?
Setting a double cap rivet is a straightforward process once you have the right tools. You'll need:
- A hole punch or rotary punch (sized to match the rivet post)
- A rivet setter or setting tool
- A steel bench block or anvil
Begin by punching a clean hole through all the leather layers you wish to join. Push the post of the cap up through the hole from the underside, then place the base cap onto the exposed post from the top. Rest the domed cap face-down on your bench block — or use a concave setter cup to protect it — then use your rivet setter and a firm mallet strike to compress the post into the base cap. The post mushrooms outward, locking everything together permanently, with both caps remaining visible and undamaged.
Uses of Double Cap Rivets in Leathercraft
Because the finished fastener looks polished on both sides, double cap rivets are particularly well-suited to projects where the back or underside of the leather is visible or regularly handled. Common applications include:
Belts & Straps Securing keepers, reinforcing buckle attachments, and adding decorative studs along the length of a belt.
Bags & Totes Attaching handles, reinforcing strap loops, and fastening external pockets at stress points.
Wallets & Cardholders Joining multiple leather panels cleanly where stitching alone may not provide sufficient strength.
Dog Collars & Leads Fastening D-rings and buckles where hardware must withstand sustained pulling force.
Saddlery & Tack A traditional staple in bridles, head collars, and other equestrian leather goods requiring long-term durability.
Garments & Accessories Decorative use on jackets, cuffs, and wristbands where a twin-faced finish is essential to the overall design.
Choosing the Right Size and Finish
Size: Cap diameter should be proportional to the leather being used. A 6 mm rivet suits fine, thin leathers such as watch straps and small purses, whilst a 10–12 mm rivet is better suited to heavier belt leather or saddlery work. Post length must be sufficient to pass through all layers and still set cleanly into the base cap — too short and the join will be weak; too long and the post will buckle.
Finish: Brass rivets offer a warm, classic look that complements tan and vegetable-tanned leathers beautifully. Nickel and silver-toned rivets suit black and darker leathers, whilst antique brass and gunmetal finishes lend a more rugged, heritage aesthetic. Where possible, match your rivet finish to your other hardware — buckles, D-rings, and press studs — for a cohesive, professional result.
Double Cap vs. Single Cap Rivets — Which Should You Use?
The choice generally comes down to visibility. If the back of your project is hidden — for instance, the interior of a bag lining or the flesh side of a belt keeper — a single cap rivet will do the job perfectly well and is often slightly easier to set. However, wherever both faces of the join will be seen or touched, the double cap rivet is the superior choice. Its symmetrical appearance on both sides elevates the quality of the finished piece considerably.
For decorative applications — adding stud details to a leather cuff, for example, or creating a pattern along a bag strap — double cap rivets are almost always preferable, since the back of the leather remains just as presentable as the front.
Tips for a Perfect Set Every Time
- Punch a clean, correctly sized hole. A ragged or oversized hole allows the rivet to shift before setting, resulting in a lopsided finish.
- Work on a firm, flat surface. A bench block or hardened steel plate prevents the cap from deforming on impact.
- Use a setter sized to match your rivet. Too small and it will mark the cap; too large and it won't transfer force correctly.
- Strike firmly and squarely — two or three decisive mallet blows rather than a series of tentative taps.
- Practise on scrap leather first. Once a rivet is set, it cannot be removed without damaging the leather.
Where to Buy Quality Double Cap Rivets in the UK
The quality of your rivets matters. Poorly plated or cheaply made rivets can corrode, snap at the post, or fail to set cleanly — undermining both the structural integrity and the finish of your work.
British Leather Supplies stocks a comprehensive range of double cap rivets in multiple finishes and sizes, suitable for everything from fine leather goods to heavy saddlery work. Browse the full collection here:
View the Leather Rivets Collection at British Leather Supplies
Whether you're restocking your hardware drawer or sourcing rivets for your very first project, you'll find the quality and variety to match your craft. Happy making.
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Post authored by Becky Cocker, leather artisan and owner of British Leather Supplies. If you'd like to explore a curated selection of quality leather tools and sewing supplies, check out our collection at British Leather Supplies. We’re here to help you take your leatherworking skills to the next level.