Choosing the right rivets and fasteners is one of the most important decisions in leathercraft — they affect durability, appearance, and how easy a repair or decoration will be. This guide presents four top leathercraft rivet kits selected from extensive research, hands-on testing, and expert feedback to suit repairs, custom projects, and small production runs.
How we tested and chose
We evaluated candidates using a three-part process: practical hands-on testing (installation, fit, and hold on common leathers), material and finish inspection (corrosion resistance, plating quality, and dimensional accuracy), and user-sentiment analysis (aggregating reviews and common failure modes). Factors that most influenced rankings include ease of installation, fit for common leather thicknesses, quality of included tools and storage, and value per piece.
Double Cap Bronze Rivets
200 sets of 6mm double-cap tubular rivets in a bronze finish. Affordable, sturdy metal construction suited for light-to-medium leather repairs and decorative accents. Simple hammer-set installation — a practical pick for hobbyists and quick fixes.
Double Cap Bronze Rivets — Best Budget Pick
Why we like it: These 200 double-cap rivets deliver basic functionality at a low price. The bronze plating looks clean on natural leathers and the tubular design is straightforward to set with a punch and hammer.
Standout features: 200 sets (6mm cap), solid metal construction, brass-plated finish, easy hammer installation. The compact size fits common leather projects like small belts, straps, and decorative patches.
Performance notes: In testing these rivets held well on thin- to medium-weight leather (up to ~2–3 mm). Installation requires a clean hole and a firm, even hammer strike; the tubular shank can deform if over-driven. Finish resists minor tarnish but will age naturally on high-wear items.
Who it’s for: Hobbyists and DIYers needing economical repair/ornament rivets for lightweight leather goods.
Potential drawbacks: Limited to 6mm cap size and tubular length — not suitable for very thick leather or heavy load-bearing applications.
Ironking Chicago Screws
A 100-set assortment of M5 Chicago screws in six lengths with gunmetal finish and two install tools. Reusable, corrosion-resistant, and ideal for removable joins, bookbinding, belts, and professional leatherwork requiring serviceable fasteners.
Ironking Chicago Screws — Premium Choice
Why we like it: These Chicago screws shine in applications where disassembly or adjustable joins are required. The kit’s range of lengths (M5 x 4–10mm), gunmetal plating, and included tools make it a professional-grade option for leatherworkers and small manufacturers.
Standout features: 100 sets across six lengths, carbon steel with nickel plating and oxide finish, low-profile slotted heads, two install tools, and a labeled storage box. Reusable and easy to remove/replace.
Technical details: M5 thread size; multiple shaft lengths let you use them in thin veg-tan to thicker multilayer assemblies. The plating+oxide film reduces galling and helps prevent loosening under cyclical stress.
Performance notes: Tight tolerances on the threads made installation smooth; the low-profile heads are neat on finished pieces. Screws hold up well to repeated assembly/disassembly without thread deformation.
Who it’s for: Professionals, advanced hobbyists, or anyone needing durable, reusable fasteners for belts, straps, albums, or modular leather goods.
Potential drawbacks: Slightly higher price than single-purpose rivet kits, and they require pre-drilled holes matched to the screw size for best results.
Assorted Rivets Value Kit
480 sets of double-cap tubular rivets in four colors and three sizes plus three setting tools. Strong copper construction with plated finishes offers broad utility for repairs and decorative projects — excellent pieces-per-dollar ratio.
Assorted Rivets Value Kit — Best Value for Money
Why we like it: This kit balances quantity, variety, and included tools. With multiple sizes and colors (gold, silver, antique brass, dark brass) it’s versatile for both repairs and decorative projects — and the price per set is hard to beat.
Standout features: 480 sets across 3 sizes and 4 colors, 3-piece setting tool kit, copper-based rivets with plating, neat storage. Good selection for both beginners and makers who need a color/size assortment.
Technical details: Double-cap tubular rivets work best up to the thickness suggested by each set; copper base with plated surfaces provides decent corrosion resistance and a vintage look for many leather styles.
Performance notes: Setting tools included are adequate for casual use and helped achieve consistent peening. Rivets remained stable under normal wear. For very heavy load-bearing repairs consider longer posts or different fasteners.
Who it’s for: Crafters, small-batch makers, and anyone who wants a wide selection of sizes and finishes without buying multiple single-size packs.
Potential drawbacks: Setting tools are basic — heavy or repeated professional use will benefit from dedicated setting dies or a more robust anvil.
3-Color Rivet Kit
180 sets of 6mm leather rivets in three colors with a punch and pliers, packaged in a practical storage box. Copper construction, rust-resistant plating, and included tools make this an all-in-one kit for decorative and repair work.
3-Color Rivet Kit — Editors Choice
Why we like it: This kit combines polished finishes, a generous piece count, and meaningful tools (punch and pliers) in one package. The color assortment and clear storage make it straightforward to plan projects and keep parts organized.
Standout features: 180 sets (60 per color), 6mm cap, copper tubular rivets with shiny plating, included punch and punching pliers, and a transparent storage box. The rivet posts are slim—good for thin to medium leather.
Technical details: Cap diameter ~6 mm; post height ~5 mm. The kit recommends matching fabric thickness to the rivet post length; suitable for thin leathers, straps, and garment trims.
Performance notes: Tools improved hole placement and reduced setup time vs. hammer-only kits. Rivets kept shape under normal wear and the plating held its shine in our accelerated moisture checks.
Who it’s for: Makers who want an attractive, ready-to-use kit with tools and color options — ideal for hobbyists and small-scale customizers.
Potential drawbacks: Post length limits use on very thick leather; for heavy-duty applications you’ll need longer tubular rivets or solid studs.
Quick comparison — key differences
- Double Cap Bronze Rivets (Best Budget Pick) — 200 sets, 6mm caps, economical choice for light repairs and decoration. Good starter pack for hobbyists.
- Ironking Chicago Screws (Premium Choice) — 100 sets across six lengths, reusable M5 screws with tools and storage, best for serviceable joins and professional work.
- Assorted Rivets Value Kit (Best Value for Money) — 480 sets, 4 finishes and 3 sizes, comes with setting tools; unmatched quantity and finish variety at this price.
- 3-Color Rivet Kit (Editors Choice) — 180 sets with punch and pliers, organized storage, and attractive finishes; best all-in-one kit for hobbyists who want tools included.
Best overall: Ironking Chicago Screws for professional flexibility and durability. Best for budget: the Double Cap Bronze Rivets. Best for variety and pure value: the Assorted Rivets Value Kit. Best ready-to-use kit with tools: the 3-Color Rivet Kit.
Final recommendation
All four picks earned their place after hands-on testing and user-feedback analysis. If you need durable, reusable fasteners for projects that may need disassembly or adjustment, go with the Ironking Chicago Screws. If you want the most pieces and finish variety for decorative work, choose the Assorted Rivets Value Kit. For a tight budget, the Double Cap Bronze Rivets deliver basic reliability. And if you prefer a compact kit with tools and neat storage for frequent hobby use, the 3-Color Rivet Kit is the most complete, beginner-friendly option.
These recommendations are grounded in material inspection, installation testing, and practical user scenarios. For best results, always match rivet post length and cap diameter to your leather thickness, use proper hole punches, and consider an anvil or setting block for consistent peening. Happy crafting!