Rivets | Single Cap, Double Cap, Long Post and Decorative Rivets

Rivets for Bags, Leather Goods, Belts and Textile Accessories

Rivets are permanent fastening components used to secure two or more layers of leather, artificial leather, canvas, fabric, webbing or reinforcement material. They are widely used for bag handles, belt ends, wallets, card holders, shoe details, straps, pouches, textile accessories and decorative fashion products.

The terms rivet, leather rivet, bag rivet and metal fastener may be used for similar product groups. The correct rivet should be selected according to the product structure, total layer thickness, cap visibility, expected load, post length and setting die compatibility.

Single Cap, Double Cap, Pin and Long-Post Rivets

What Is the Difference Between Single Cap and Double Cap Rivets?

Single cap rivets have one visible decorative cap. They are suitable for applications where the reverse side of the connection is hidden, covered by lining or not visually important. They are commonly used on bag handles, belts, pocket corners, strap connections and leather accessories.

Double cap rivets provide a finished cap appearance on both the front and reverse sides. They are a practical option for wallets, card holders, belts, bags and leather goods where both surfaces remain visible. The result is cleaner and more balanced than a standard single-cap fastening point.

Rivet Size Guide: Cap Diameter and Post Length

Every rivet has two key size values: cap diameter and post length. The cap diameter determines the visible metal area on the finished product. The post length must suit the combined thickness of all joined layers.

When calculating total material thickness, include not only the main leather or fabric but also lining, interfacing, webbing, reinforcement leather, foam, cardboard support and any additional layers. A post that is too short may not grip the material securely. A post that is too long may create a loose, uneven or poorly seated fastening result.

Rivet System and Size Reference

Important: The table is a selection guide. Rivet construction can vary between single-cap, double-cap, pin and long-post products. Always use the individual product page as the final reference for cap diameter, back-cap size, post length, material composition and compatible setting die.

How to Choose the Right Post Length

Post length should be selected according to the total thickness of the joined materials, not according to one leather or fabric layer alone. Thin leather wallets and compact accessories usually need shorter posts. Bag handles, belts, reinforced leather and layered canvas may require longer posts.

• Short-post rivets: Suitable for thin leather, card holders, wallets, small accessories and compact textile details.
• Standard-post rivets: Suitable for general bag, belt, leather accessory and textile fastening applications.
• Long-post rivets: Suitable for thick leather, layered canvas, belt construction, padded bag handles and reinforced connection points.

Examples of longer post structures can be found in products such as the 9 mm / 0.35 in double-cap long-post rivet with a 15 mm / 0.59 in post. For standard 12 mm / 0.47 in applications, the 54 single-cap rivet with a 7.5 mm / 0.30 in post is an example of a more compact fastening format.

Rivet Materials: Steel, Brass, Stainless Steel, Aluminum Pin, Zamak and Plastic

Why Material Information Matters in Pin Rivets

In pin rivets, the cap and the pin may not be made from the same material. A product can combine a brass cap with an aluminum pin, or use a different cap material and pin structure depending on the rivet system. For this reason, check the individual product description rather than selecting a pin rivet based only on the cap finish or general product name.

For example, the 33.5 rivet range includes 9.5 mm / 0.37 in cap options for bag, leather, belt and wallet applications. Select the exact model according to cap type, post structure, finish and material composition.

Rivet Setting Dies and Installation Tools

Correct installation requires a setting die matched to the exact rivet system. Cap diameter alone is not enough to select a die. Single-cap, double-cap, pin-rivet and long-post constructions may have different seating forms, back-cap structures and setting requirements.

Browse setting dies, fastening molds and application tools before installation. The Rivet Setting Tool KLP0098 is available as a rivet installation tool, but the selected die and press connection must match the specific rivet system.

Compatible rivet dies can be used with hand-hit tools, hand presses, impact presses, electric machines and pneumatic machines when the die connection, press compatibility, rivet system and material thickness are suitable for the application.

Choosing Rivets for Bags, Leather, Belts and Textile Products

For wallets, card holders and small leather accessories, smaller cap diameters such as 5 mm / 0.20 in, 6 mm / 0.24 in or 7 mm / 0.28 in can provide a more balanced appearance. For bags, belts and visible leather connections, larger cap diameters such as 9.5 mm / 0.37 in, 12 mm / 0.47 in or 15 mm / 0.59 in may offer a stronger visual effect.

For bag handles, belt ends and reinforced leather areas, evaluate expected pull load together with material thickness and post length. For products where both sides are visible, double-cap rivets usually provide a more finished appearance. For thick leather or layered construction, choose a suitable long-post rivet rather than forcing a short post through a thick material stack.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a rivet and a leather rivet?

Leather rivet is an application-based name for a rivet used on leather goods. The correct rivet is selected according to cap size, post length, material thickness, cap style and compatible setting die.

What do rivet system numbers such as 0, 33, 54 and 61 mean?

These system names help identify the rivet size group and cap diameter range. For example, 0 rivets are generally around 6 mm / 0.24 in, 33 rivets around 7 mm / 0.28 in, 54 rivets around 12 mm / 0.47 in and 61 rivets around 15 mm / 0.59 in front-cap size.

How do I choose the correct rivet post length?

Choose the post length according to the combined thickness of every layer being joined. Include leather, lining, webbing, canvas, reinforcement layers and interfacing. A post that is too short may not close securely; a post that is too long may create a loose or uneven fastening.

Should I choose a single-cap or double-cap rivet?

Choose a single-cap rivet when one side of the product needs a decorative cap and the reverse side is hidden or less visible. Choose a double-cap rivet when both sides of the product remain visible and need a clean finished appearance.

When should I use a long-post rivet?

Use a long-post rivet for thick leather, layered canvas, reinforced bag handles, belts, padded straps and multi-layered material structures where a standard post is too short.

Can a pin rivet have a brass cap and an aluminum pin?

Yes. Pin rivets may use different materials for the cap and pin. Check both component materials, the pin length and the compatible setting tool on the individual product page.

Which rivet material is suitable for leather bags?

Steel rivets are commonly used for standard bag production. Brass can be selected for a more premium metal finish. Stainless steel can be evaluated when moisture, outdoor exposure or higher corrosion resistance are important.

Which rivet is suitable for thick leather belts?

Long-post rivets are generally more suitable for thick leather belts and layered materials. Select the exact post length after measuring the total thickness of the belt layers and confirming setting-die compatibility.

Do I need a rivet setting die?

Yes. A compatible setting die helps the rivet close evenly, protects the cap shape and supports a more secure fastening result.

Can rivets be used on fabric and textile products?

Yes. Rivets can be used on canvas, webbing, layered textile accessories, bag details and selected garment components when the material structure, reinforcement requirement, post length and setting method are suitable.

Are rivets opening and closing fasteners?

No. Rivets are permanent fastening components. For applications that need repeated opening and closing, choose a snap fastener, magnetic snap, buckle, hook-and-bar closure or another suitable closure system.