Springfield Leather Company's Helpful Hints: Setting Snaps and Rivets

Kevin teaches you the basic on how to set snaps and rivets. He also provides helpful tips and tricks along the way! For a link to the items used in this video, click "Show More." Thanks for watching! :)
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Poly Mallet Selection: springfieldleat...
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Line 20 Anvil: Order #111-805600. Give us a call at 1-800-668-8518!
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[@IRDeezlSmoke]

Great job of teaching. Really like your methods of going into detail so to not leave any thing out. Thank you very much for all your efforts. They really are appreciated.

[@janbush9579]

At last a video that gets to the point and no faffling and waffling

[@math6679]

Man, this was EXACTLY what I needed! Thanks! I took out the inner liner for my cycling helmet to wash it, but the stud buttons had corroded away. Didnt wanna spend £15 on a crappy new liner but couldnt find anywhere to fit four easy press stud poppers. So i bought a kit for £6.99, then watched this. Now I'm sorted! Bingo. Cheers x

[@Soulman-lb3gg]

Stopped by the shop today and picked up my first snaps and rivets. Your staff was helpful as always!

[@SpringfieldLeather]

We're happy you had a positive experience! Thank you so much for visiting us! :)

[@kategeary1623]

I purchased over the phone rather than online and the staff was great. I especially appreciate the "leather scraps" that usually sell in the shop, hand chosen and mailed. The selection will be helpful with my jewelry making. Thanks!

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Hi Kate, Thank you so much for shopping with us! We're glad you had a positive experience and that you enjoy the leather scraps. Have fun creating! :)

[@BobbyIronsights]

This is a really good idea for a company to do. I didn't know about Springfield leather, only ever bought from Tandy. Now I know and I'm favorably inclined towards purchasing from SLC because of these tutorials.

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Thanks for the kind words Robert! If you ever need anything you can't find online, give us a call and we will do our best to help!

[@MrBluesluver]

Excellent video. Its been several years since I worked with leather and this was the refresher I needed. Clear and easy to understand. Thank you very much.

[@bigfoot3270]

Thanks Kevin......just learning the trade a bit, been working with some tanned buckskins. I hope I can make them happy. Cheers

[@JHV166]

Sringfield leather is hands down the BEST place for leather supplies and information. Super Satisfied Customer.. I shop NO WHERE ELSE!

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Thanks, Jim! We're glad you're happy with our service. We appreciate your business! Happy leather crafting :)

[@moniquehoffer3527]

Wow! I’m amazed by how busy that shop is. I’m new to the wonderful world of leather craft, and in Southern Ontario I have to drive over two hours to get to my nearest Tandy store. And leather workers of any kind around here a a really rare commodity. I will be doing a lot of on line shopping with these projects. Thank you for willingly sharing your knowledge. Finding a mentor and a tutor are some of the best ways to get really good at something.. Lord help me if I ever loss my wifi, I’d be lost with out KZbin.

[@CheisYang]

Monique Hoffer good luck with Your project :) im living in Danzig,Poland and im in the same position as You. Im willing to learn make stuff out of leather and selling it as a side business. Good luck :*

[@kellyhayes]

Every time I've ordered from these guys at Springfield it's been awesome. They have the best customer service around :) Pretty sure they will ship to Canada, just send them an email & ask! (I don't get anything for bragging on them, just a happy customer!)

[@andrefachetti]

One of the best videos about this point! thanks a lot!

[@kimhawthorne3182]

Really good layout. Appreciate the close up on the parts.

[@robina8747]

Amazing. I’ve been struggling with setting snaps for years and every other video was useless for figuring out what I was doing wrong (using a board, not applying enough pressure with the fingers). Thanks so much.

[@SpringfieldLeather]

You're so welcome!!

[@SueGotCreative.]

At last a video which addresses the issues I was having! So, it's very important to hold ALL the parts together, not just place the setter on the post and hammer. One video I saw advised that if the snap doesn't fit then hammer some more until it does - well I tried that until I was worried the neighbours would complain about the noise! I realise, after watching this video, that what I need to find is a flat setter to flatten out the metal, then it will close.

[@jordanwhite1420]

The close-up of the snap pieces was very helpful !!

[@mcutchi]

great video - brings it all together, and nicely shot too ! I was using a bouncy table, and it took 10-15 smacks with a steel hammer.

[@Pardy_Animalz]

I just set some very unhappy rivets. THEN I watched the video. Thanks for the info.

[@klasspodcast4396]

12:02 caught me off guard im still laughing lols.

[@maryblacksheep8687]

Thank you so much I've been going crazy trying this snap so much appreciated....

[@mccalltjtm]

Loved these videos...very helpful...I’m happy!

[@visumexcipio]

Enjoyable to watch and learn. Thank ya.

[@curtissheppard1996]

I needed to see the rivet setting,,I'm making a knife sheath for a gal pal of mine. Thank you.

[@freddyv9888]

Kevin thank you for showing us this video.I appreciate it

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Thanks for watching! Glad you found the video helpful. :)

[@chicinthewoods]

Like to see Jeff teaching ;) Need to know how to set a rivet ;)

[@flashgordon6238]

If you posts are too long, you can sand or grind them down until there is 1/8 inch protrusion. I'm thinking of refitting my small arbor press instead of using a mallet.

[@Crafty-n-Krazy]

got a question when I set a snap the base sets just fine but I'm having problems with the cap end when I set it its not lined up the the socket seems to go on an angle ... the socket will be off set to the cap instead of lined up. Honey says I need to make a bigger hole but I dont think that is the problem ... what can I do to correct this I'm usint the same setting tool as you have in this video

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Hi Elaine! What is happening is either your hole is too big and allowing the post to bend or your material is too thin for the height of the snap post. If you don't have enough thickness between the two parts the post will bend instead of mushrooming out at the top. There are two ways to help correct this, you can add a washer to increase the thickness you're working with or you can grind down the post so that it shorter.

[@roxannericchio3556]

Thanks for the great video. This is my first attempt at making a leather purse with straps that need rivets.

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Thanks for watching! Happy leather crafting :)

[@maryjocarter668]

Kevin. Segma snap parts look so different to me than Line 20s. I am having a difficult time with them and can't get them out it I make a mistake. Any advice?

[@dave131]

Oh Snap ! This was quite helpful. And happy.

[@BenTownend]

Great info Kev but how do you attach a snap to thick leather where it's not possible to use an anvil and mallet. I need to attach snaps to a costume piece and its in an awkward position. Thanks!

[@Mack-Danner]

Geez that's a busy shop!

[@Hollywood-xb7xm]

Thanks for the vid, really helps out

[@TrailMuffin]

Can you make a video on how to add rivets/spots with 2 prongs on the back? Also, when adding prong-back rivets/spots to stitched layers of leather, is it ok for the prongs not to reach all the way through the back of the leather or should the prongs be long enough to go through completely and be folded down on the back side? (If that makes sense, sorry, I'm new to leather working and trying to find a video/advice on this.) Thanks!

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Hello! One thing that might help you in your search is that the 2-pronged rivets you're referring to are called harness spots. Denny says that they do need to go all the way through the back and be bent to hold - just like brads. Denny has agreed to record a short video showing you how to do this today, so you may see it here this afternoon. I'll be sure to send you a link to it when it's done. Thanks!

[@TrailMuffin]

Kevin Hopkins thank you so much! I look forward to that video!

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Our pleasure! You can find the video here. Due to its lack of polish, we've left it unlisted - but anyone with this link can view the video. Let us know if you have any additional questions. Happy setting! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYLSqpSViL2cnK8&f=

[@Vibesbae]

Ur awesome Kevin....happy happy happy

[@hoofpick58]

I would like to have you address how to set snaps in thicker leather and longer studs aren’t available.

[@pseudonamed]

How can I know which size tool to use with which size snaps? I bought a kit of the tools but there were no instructions so I'm not sure if I'm choosing the correct size? I see there are numbers on the tools, is there somewhere with a chart of matching tool to snap sizes somewhere?

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Hello! What kind of snaps are you using? The matching setter to a snap will fit the smallest, inside part of the snap. Hope we can help you out! Thanks for asking! :)

[@tanyaferry8887]

kevin I need to replace a purse popper, whats the easiest what to remove each of the broken sides if both male parts are not accessible?

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Hi Tanya! I'm not exactly sure what clasp your referring to when you say purse popper... If you could send me a picture of your project I will be able to be of much more help. You can send it to [e-mail] I look forward to hearing from you!

[@PiscesSenpai]

Thank you, Kevin. You really helped me

[@ruthrau719]

I'm making cuff bracelets out of old belts and am having trouble with the snaps not staying snapped. I'm using an Osborne #230 steel snap setter, I get everything lined up and seemingly working properly, it all snaps together, but then it's ridiculously easy to open the snap (normal friction against clothing is enough to make the snap open). Is this something I'm doing wrong or are there harder to open snaps on the market that I need to use?

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Ruth Rau It looks like that snap setter is meant for either Line 20 or Line 24 snaps. Did you purchase snaps with the setter? The socket and stud should have a nice tight fit. Have you tried snapping them before setting them to see if they do the same thing? Honestly, how you set them shouldn't affect how tight they are.

[@barbarajwright3899]

This was so helpful - thank you! A question: why a mallet and not a hammer? I only have a hammer :-(

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Pounding metal on metal will likely ruin your tool, and possibly knock the finish off your snap or rivet. A poly mallet is the most effective and sustainable tool for setting snaps and rivets. Thanks for your question!

[@kamol203]

one question , if I gonna attach a 1 3/8 inch rivet back concho to the belt --when I laid the concho medallion with pretty face down against the anvil and hit the cap with mallet. won't that damage the pretty face of the concho. how you will do this and avoid the damage?

[@jordanwhite1420]

Is it possible to get a rivet with, say, a 10mm head, but a shorter shaft? I'm working with 2-4 oz leather, but don't want to use the tiny head size of the 6mm rivets.

[@bodeine454]

Do you know of a way to tighten a weak snap that keeps unsnapping?

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Not really...other than removing and replacing.

[@bodeine454]

@@SpringfieldLeather What about re-dying a small dime size spot on a vintage tan leather Lesco cafe style biker jacket? Could you take a look at a picture of it and tell me what I can do with it please?

[@disco324]

Great video, thank you. How to you get apart a badly set rivet please?

[@JM-fv1mh]

Or drill carefully

[@FeistyFelineYT]

Great video. I just started using leather and snaps, but I'm unsure what am I doing incorrect? My leather is 12mm flat about 1-1.9mm thick and the snaps I am using are the line 20 fastener 12mm cap and 4.5mm snap. I am using a chasing hammer and all the correct tools, I think? Please, any help is greatly appreciated.

[@MountainFisher]

What seems to be your problem Ellie? Is the line 20 snap not quite long enough? If it is you can skive or cut some of the leather off so the post will stick out above the base of the inside of the snap. Watch this video very closely and there are other "setting snaps and rivets" videos on KZbin. W#atch them closely as well, this video he doesn't address the problem of is your snap is too short? Look up skiving leather as well.

[@celticwitan]

I Only have a hard rubber mallet. Will it work? I also am trying to figure out what size snaps and rivets for making straps and things, but hard to measure. I want to make straps, much like the wrist band you showed, that connects a duty belt to my looped belt which is on a harness/ suspenders, I am using the new nylon stuff whick isnt as thick as leather... I also am trying to make a hatchette sheathe so I can wear it on my belt.again, I am using nylon that looks thinner than leather. I was thinking 1/4 ince but I want the rivet to fit. Can I get a good stamp and punch kit and material in one kit? My duty belt is wide so I want to put wider straps on all my gear and have snaps. The small items I can get on my looped belt or on a rivet with a hook maybe? By the way the background did not bother me, I tuned it out. I was busy watching your instructions. I cannot believe someone posted a complaint. Your video was very helpful. I just want the right tools and right sized hardware and materials and to do it right. And retarded? Us old folk use words like that and stupid and other words. When I grew up people were not all politically correct.. and that over sensitivity is ruining this country. I was also wondering if a srew in rivet is any good vs a hammer on rivet.I am trying to get a rivet, punch and snap setter from Amazon. Ido not know why they but things in centimeters instead of inches.

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Yes, a hard rubber mallet will work. Just make sure to place your leather on a dense surface, like granite or steel. As for rivets, the "rule of thumb" is that rivets should stick through leather 1/16 inch. It would be best to have an assortment of extra small, small, and medium rivets on hand, and some large rivets. Screw-in rivets (Chicago screws) work well! We wouldn't say that a Chicago screw necessarily works better than a hammer-in rivet--you can easily change a Chicago screw, but you may run the risk of it unscrewing.

[@gardnerwebb3749]

The Bob Ross of leather😂 happy snaps to all

[@marciacharles-mo2396]

Nice video. Just starting to make tote bags and need to set some rivets.

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Good luck on your bags! We would love to see the finished product!

[@CouzCat]

Great tips. Thank you.

[@Dutchtouch6]

Great video. Addressed all the problems Im having.

[@Crafty-n-Krazy]

thanks I'll try a smaller hole and add a washer and see how that will work for me

[@staceypeak199]

Fantastic video, very helpful. How can I find a piece of rubber like that? What search term should I use?

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Hi, Stacey! Thanks for watching! This is a piece of poundo board. It comes in multiple sizes, but here's the smallest one we carry: springfieldleather.com/Cutting-Board-Poundo-3x4 .

[@t-shirtshaper2565]

What tool is used in setting rhinestone rivets? Great video by the way

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Hello! You can use a rivet setter and poundo board, like these: springfieldleather.com/Setter-Rivet springfieldleather.com/Cutting-Board-Poundo-3x4 We also have a synthetic rivet setter kit that is not yet on our website, but available by phone order at 1-800-668-8518 with item #144-346200 ($10 retail/$8 wholesale). Either approach will work! Thanks for watching! :)

[@t-shirtshaper2565]

Thank you!

[@lauraciocia6507]

very helpful. Thanks!

[@gibbyh65]

i have a leather wallet that i need to replace the snaps, what size snaps do i use, is it 9/16? because the leather is thin on the wallet, also what size punch for the snaps? i can find tutorials on everything but a wallet and i cant find the size...

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Hi, gibbyh65! Thanks for your question. We'll probably need a picture of the wallet and a little information in order to answer your question. If you visit our "Ask Kevin" page on our website, you can submit your question and attach a picture, if you can. Here's the link to the page: springfieldleather.com/ask-kevin Hope we can help you with your project! Thanks for watching!

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Yes it will, you should not use an anvil when setting decorative rivets, like crystal rivets or conchos. Instead use a piece of rubber or poundo board. :)

[@patriciaingraldi4719]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you

[@Dimigrey]

I have 4mm think 10-11 oz leather what size post and cap do I need... Thanks

[@goodboyringo9716]

Can the post on a rivet be even with the top of the leather, if not how much post should be sticking up from the leather?

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Hey, there! Ideally, the post should stick up out of the leather about 1/16". However, if the post is at least flush with the top of the leather, most of the time, it will work. Thanks for your question! :)

[@yoheff988]

Will a 10mm rivet setter work well with smaller diameter rivets, or do you need a different rivet setter for all rivets diameters?

[@SpringfieldLeather]

It is ideal to match your the tool size to the rivet size. Otherwise you are just going to cause yourself grief. As far as your direct question...it could work, but probably not well.

[@SpringfieldLeather]

It will work. The problem is that often times the setter will leave a circular indent in the leather around the rivet

[@ajm1971]

Lmaoo I love this guy 😭” thts retarted “

[@zeeshanmehmood223]

Thanks you really make me happy

[@sosandy1168]

Very Helpful Thank You!

[@ellamarie2258]

+cestMoi Sandy Hello, WHAT kind of leather goods do you make?

[@sosandy1168]

Hi Ella Marie, I only make a belts now and then... Like corset belts.

[@ellamarie2258]

sounds nice...i had to leave working with leather after all. it was too hard on my hands. I'm looking to sell my leather now and the few tools ...ill have to try Kijiji. Thanks

[@Tadzio5050]

What sort of mallet are you using meaning weight, size etc.?

[@hudentdw2]

great lesson thank you that made me HAPPY😃!

[@daisylopez1990]

Thanks very useful

[@LJay-pv8lm]

What do you guys grind your posts with

[@jwjaxn]

Great vids! Thanks so much!!

[@hamtaropuff]

how do you remove the snaps?

[@SpringfieldLeather]

+hamtaropuff If you really need to get a snap off you can use side cutters to get under the socket or stud and cut the post.

[@GottliebGoltz]

Maybe from one of those beading tool's sites?

[@LastBastian]

So, is there a way to shorten a rivet if it's too long?

[@SpringfieldLeather]

No, not well! Using a shorter rivet will be best.

[@LastBastian]

Kevin Hopkins Thanks, I bought the smallest, shortest rivets I could find, but they still seem a bit too long for what I need. Oh well...

[@mikeloder8411]

kevin thank you for your information

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@TheSmallRabbit]

Thank you a great demonstration.

[@John7891]

Thanks Mate - I learnt a lot

[@nathanslutsky]

what is the best thickness for a woman's bracelet?

[@SpringfieldLeather]

4-5oz or 5-6oz...It really depends on how they are wanting it to feel. These are our go to weights though.

[@lebekubos2906]

nice shop.

[@beckarkottke]

A+ kevin!

[@nickbrown3571]

couldnt you just cut the long stems instead of purchasing each preset (small,medium large)? why have some that u need rather than all?

[@firecrow7973]

you could

[@ind_9631]

thanks for the tutorial! :)

[@MrCosmos110]

Best video on this subject but Kevin needs three fingers of Jim Beam first to get him over his stage fright. ......................

[@jajanesaddictions]

Are you on Facebook? Thanks Kevin!

[@SpringfieldLeather]

Yes! Check us out here: facebook.com/SpringfieldLeatherCompany

[@jajanesaddictions]

Thank you. I *like* you and am following now.

[@jajanesaddictions]

Loving this video! Hi a new "like" from Keene, NH ! found you while looking at Jewelry dot com video on setting a rivet in a jean jacket. *subscribed*

[@obs0422]

Thank you sir, very didactic.

[@khamishahmokhtar3855]

Tq..very useful

[@richhoule3462]

Thank you! I was setting my rivets on wood and they looked like crap! Need to find a scrap piece of marble. "That is retarded" LMAO!!!

[@newera3757]

Happy

[@funnyriverred2501]

or if the post is too long make a leather washer

[@LastBastian]

Why do I get the feeling this fellow is a fan of Bob Ross?

[@staceypeak199]

I thought so too, as well as Mr. Rogers.

[@LastBastian]

I believe he said a plastic kitchen cutting board will work. Something like this I think: www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Gizmo-TPU-Cutting-Board/dp/B01E7VS9AU/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1511384801&sr=8-17&keywords=kitchen+cutting+board Also, a granite block comes in handy for this stuff. One like this is also used to keep sanding things perfectly flat etc... www.amazon.com/Granite-Surface-Plate-12-Grade/dp/B0035Y7OPC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511384988&sr=8-1&keywords=flat+granite+block

[@scottdashnaw2345]

Early on this..but the rivet length is important..too short =failure..+ bad words..lol

[@mitchpike9983]

I didn’t hear any bad words? He didn’t use retarded as a pejorative term. He used it correctly to say that the snaps would be installed backwards otherwise.

[@justinfacer6332]

​@Mitch Pike I could be wrong but i read that as the OP Scott had a failure and therefore said bad words. Not a comment on the correct usage of the word retarded. Too long of rivets and it will retard your progress.

[@chairmankim9628]

You don't have the right snap setter. It took me a while to find one.

[@GottliebGoltz]

That Kevin seems like My kind of Guy = "Just bow Your Neck and Fly rite into It".

[@gregthompson8062]

He looks like he used a mallet a handful of times. I'm sure some will say different but either way my opinion.

[@stevegriffiths5364]

Ageed

[@tomvana4270]

2 snaps up.

[@Iraqua]

thank u my fr

[@gunslinger9560]

One time I nailed a 2×4 together

[@SwitchbackXThunter]

Happy happy happy..... he’s no Bob Ross

[@joancartmel4976]

Ha

[@germanicus51]

HA HA

[@coastwatch203]

The rivet/snap 'post' IS NOT the KING! - You mentioned 'choosing your leather thickness' based on the rivet or snap your using' Because of 'Post length'. With all due respect sir, that is not true. Rivet & snap posts are all the same size (within either a small, medium or large etc, etc family) It only takes 2 SECONDS to grind a rivet or snap post down a bit, so its length is perfect. Its a shame you didn't mention that. Great video otherwise.!

[@b.b.3476]

It’s a soft, thin hollow tube…how the hell are you going to “grind” that? Good grief.

[@RoxanaCourrier]

Kevin is out of luck on this one. Obvious there was a complete lack of any pre-planing. This could have been a very good tutorial on setting snaps and rivets but it was destroyed in the following manner: 1. It was filmed ( taped) in the most distracting environment possible. 2. Way too much talking in the audio foreground ( too much to be called back ground) and was completing with narrator. 3. Other people walking into and out of view during session _ Ridiculous! 4. Loud Telephones ringing during session. Poor planning. 5. I was worn out trying to separate the distracting back ground talking from Kevin's audio and was ready to quit before one one half program over. Should have been filmed in the following way: 1. Tape when shop closed and quiet and no other people around. 2. Telephones silenced (off hook) 3, No one allowed to walk into, out of , or through scene. The lighting was good, audio not bad but should have use a lavaliere or wireless microphone to reduce background noise of possible air conditioner or furnace blowers, etc. Visual back ground OK as it adds to the subject matter. But terrible environment. Better luck next time Kevin. I apologize if too critical.

[@joshdrobny93]

Donald McVey they are a business, and are helping you and others out for free, if they do it while the shop is closed like you say, they aren't doing it for free, it's actually costing them a substantial amount of money. Just enjoy the videos and be thankful for the free advice

[@firecrow7973]

i didnt realize the leather shop was a production company with tascam recorders and red cameras

[@speedyhoward7577]

Donald McVey You poor man. If you are driving somewhere, must all vehicles pull over until you pass, birds stop flying, rain stop coming down, wind stop blowing, police wait until you pull over before they give you a speeding ticket, sun and moon up or down? Oh, my! You need a chill pill! Love the videos! Very helpful! Have a good day!

[@L3Mailman37]

What size hole punch do you use for line 24 snaps and what size hole for line 20?

[@JM-fv1mh]

5/32 round punch is what I use for a #24