Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Bags and leather goods most often use double-cap rivets – with a cap on both sides, because both the face and the back of the material are visible. They secure handles, straps, rings and flaps; the post must match the thickness of the leather, and the hole is punched in advance. The finish is chosen to match the buckles, rings and zip.
Rivets for bags: why double-cap
On clothing, the inside of the rivet is hidden under a lining or pocket, so a small base is enough there. On bags, belts and straps, however, the back is often visible – for example on the inside of a handle or a strap. A double-cap rivet has a decorative cap on both sides, so the product looks finished and the leather surface is protected from sharp edges.
Where rivets are used on bags
- attaching handles to the body of the bag;
- shoulder straps and straps to rings and snap hooks;
- corners and bases that take the weight;
- flaps, pockets and dividers;
- decorative accents on the flap or sides;
- belts and straps when attaching buckles and keepers.
How to choose a rivet for leather
Material thickness
Leather is measured in millimetres, usually at its thickest point – where it is folded around a ring or where several layers meet. The post must pass through the entire stack and leave enough to be set into the top cap. With thin leathers and faux leather, a shorter post and an inner backing are used.
Cap diameter
Small bags and wallets use smaller caps, while large bags, backpacks and belts use larger ones. A larger cap spreads the pressure over a larger area and reduces the risk of the leather tearing around the rivet.
Material
Brass and copper are preferred for bags – they do not rust and are strong enough. Aluminium is suitable for decorative elements and light products, but not for handles that carry weight.
Setting rivets in leather – steps
- Mark the position with a template, especially for symmetrical handles.
- Punch a hole with a punch or revolving punch pliers. The hole should be slightly narrower than the post.
- Pass the post through from below and place the top cap.
- Place the piece in a die with recesses for both caps so the bottom cap is not flattened.
- Set with a press in one even movement.
- Check that the rivet does not rotate and that the leather around it is not cracked.
Finishes and style
| Finish | Product style |
|---|---|
| Gold, light brass | Classic and elegant women's handbags |
| Antique brass, antique copper | Vintage, natural-look leather, men's bags |
| Nickel, matt nickel | Modern and minimalist designs |
| Gunmetal, black | Dark collections, urban style |
The rivets should have the same finish as the rest of the hardware – buckles, rings, zips and metal logo plates. Differences in tone are noticed immediately with metal parts placed close to one another.
Rivets for belts and straps
On belts, rivets usually secure the folded end around the buckle and keeper. Here the double-cap rivet is standard, and screw fixings are also often used, allowing the buckle to be changed. The post must pass through the two layers of leather plus any backing. For watch straps, collars and accessories, smaller rivets with a smooth inner side that does not irritate the skin are chosen.
Rivets or stitching
On leather goods, a rivet is often combined with stitching. The stitching spreads the load along the line, while the rivet locks the point of greatest stress, such as the end of the handle. On bags with heavy contents, stitching alone can come apart over time, and a rivet alone can tear the leather. The combination gives the strongest result.
Common problems with rivets for bags
- The leather tears around the rivet – the cap is too small or there is no backing.
- The rivet rotates – the hole is too wide or the post is too short.
- The bottom cap is flattened – a die for single-cap rivets was used.
- Scratches on the finish – a dirty or worn die.
- A different tone from the rings – the parts are from different batches or suppliers.
Rivets for textile bags
Rivets are not just for leather. Canvas totes, Cordura backpacks and canvas bags also use rivets at the handles and corners. Textile, however, frays around the post more easily than leather, so the area is reinforced with an extra layer, tape or backing. In dense textile, the hole is made with a hot awl, which fuses the synthetic threads and prevents fraying. A larger cap is best, to spread the load over more threads.
Quality control in series production
In series production of bags, check products from each batch at random: pull the handle with a force close to the real load, bend the strap around the rivet and check for cracks in the leather. Compare the tone of the finish with the approved sample in daylight. Set aside and document rejects – this way you quickly find out whether the cause lies in the die, the material or the batch of rivets.
Rivets with logo for bags
On bags, rivets sit in a prominent place and are a convenient carrier for the brand. The cap can have a relief logo, lettering around the edge or a texture. In the rivets category you will find standard models, and we discuss production to your design upon inquiry.
Polkom – rivets for bags and leather goods
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer and wholesaler of accessories with over 30 years of experience. We supply rivets, buckles, rings and metal logo plates in coordinated finishes, make models with logo and prepare samples for testing on your leather. Send an inquiry with the material thickness, size and finish via our contact page.
