When it comes to leatherwork, there are a few pieces of hardware that I just couldn’t live without. Rivets and snaps might seem like small details, but they can make or break a project… literally. They add strength where you need it, hold things together under stress, and give your leather goods a finished, professional look.

In this video, LeatherCraft Rivets and Snaps I Use Everyday, I walk through the different types of fasteners I keep in stock in the shop and why they’ve earned a permanent spot on my bench.

My Everyday Rivets

• Double Cap Speed Rivets – These are my go to light duty rivets to fasten two pieces together easily while still looking nice on both sides of the project. With lots of finishes available for these, you can match these to the different types of hardware you might use.
• Copper Rivets and Burrs – When you need something that will never give out, copper rivets are the way to go. These are my choice for more heavy-duty gear like saddles, tack, bags, etc. They are also available in brass for that classy look that matches polished brass hardware.

The snaps that I Use

• Line 20 Snaps – These are a smaller version of the Line 24 snaps and work great for journals, small pouches, and other small projects where the closure needs to be a bit smaller but still secure.
• Line 24 Snaps – These are a step up from the line 20 snaps in size and strength. I use these on many projects including bags, larger journals, hoof pick holders on saddles, and more.
• Segma Snaps – These are a great belt snap. Small and secure, they work great and look great for belts and come in many different finishes.

A Few Quick Tips

• Always match your rivet or snap post length to the thickness of your leather project. Too short and it won’t hold, too long and it will sit loose or bend over.
• Invest in the right setters and anvils for the particular fastener you are using. Good tools make a difference in this case.
• Test hardware on a scrap piece first before setting on your project.

Final Thoughts

These fasteners are nothing fancy, but they are reliable. I’ve used them for years and they have worked well for me in my work. If you are new to leathercraft, I would suggest starting with double cap rivets for smaller projects and using copper rivets for bigger projects. Learning how to use fasteners properly and how to set them is crucial for your leather crafting journey. Try different ones and see how they work for your work.

Here is a full video that we posted on our YouTube channel that explains in depth all of these fasteners. Check it out and put some of these to work at your bench.