Updated August 13, 2026: This Maya Metal rivet size chart helps leathercraft makers choose rivet post length, cap diameter, and rivet style for bags, straps, handles, tabs, bag feet, trunk hardware, and leather goods sold or repaired with hardware from LeatherMetal.com.
How do you choose leather rivet size?
Choose leather rivet size by measuring the total thickness of all leather layers, lining, reinforcement, washer, and hardware plate that the rivet must pass through. The rivet post must be long enough to pass through the full stack and set securely. A post that is too short will not lock. A post that is too long can bend, crush the leather, or leave a loose joint.
Leather rivet post length chart
| Total material thickness | Typical rivet post choice | Common leathercraft use |
|---|---|---|
| Thin single-layer leather or light lining stack | Short post rivet | Decorative tabs, light pockets, small leather accessories, and thin straps |
| Two light leather layers | Short to medium post rivet | Small bag tabs, card holder details, light strap keepers, and decorative studs |
| Two medium leather layers | Medium post rivet | Bag straps, handle tabs, purse reinforcement points, D-ring tabs, and strap anchors |
| Thick leather stack or folded strap end | Medium to long post rivet | Folded handles, shoulder strap ends, reinforced tabs, and heavier bag connection points |
| Leather plus hardware plate or washer | Longer post rivet, tested before final setting | Bag feet, handle mounts, bridge plates, trunk fittings, and reinforced hardware points |
How much extra post length should a leather rivet have?
A leather rivet needs enough extra post length to flare or lock during setting, but not so much that the post folds sideways. The right allowance depends on rivet structure, metal thickness, leather firmness, and setting tool. Always test one rivet on the same leather stack before setting the final bag or trunk hardware.
Rivet cap diameter chart
| Cap size style | Best for | Visual and functional note |
|---|---|---|
| Small cap | Thin leather, small tabs, wallets, card holders, and light accessories | Looks clean on small goods but covers less surface area. |
| Medium cap | Bag straps, handle tabs, D-ring tabs, purse flaps, and general leather bag hardware | Balanced size for many handbag and leathercraft projects. |
| Large cap | Heavy straps, decorative studs, bag feet positions, trunk tabs, and reinforced panels | Covers more surface area and creates a stronger visual hardware detail. |
| Mushroom stud or decorative cap | Decorative bag panels, flap details, trunk accents, and fashion hardware | Chosen for appearance as much as fastening function. |
Which rivet type should you use for leather bags?
Use double-cap rivets when both sides of the leather will be visible. Use single-cap rivets when the back side is hidden by lining, a washer, or an internal panel. Use decorative studs when the cap appearance is part of the design. Use bag feet when the bottom of the bag needs metal protection and lift from the surface.
| Rivet or stud type | Best use | Buying check |
|---|---|---|
| Double-cap rivet | Visible straps, handle tabs, purse flaps, and clean two-sided leather goods | Check post length, cap diameter, finish, and setting tool compatibility. |
| Single-cap rivet | Hidden backs, lined panels, internal reinforcements, and cost-sensitive projects | Check whether the back side will be visible or touch the user's hand. |
| Mushroom stud | Decorative bag panels, strap details, and fashion hardware accents | Check cap size, stem length, spacing, and finish consistency. |
| Bag foot | Bag bottom protection and structured purse bases | Check stem length, washer fit, head diameter, and bottom panel thickness. |
Common mistakes when choosing leather rivets
The most common leather rivet mistakes are measuring only one leather layer, ignoring lining or reinforcement, choosing cap diameter only by appearance, using a post that is too long for thin leather, and mixing rivet finish with unmatched locks, buckles, D-rings, chain straps, or bag feet. Measure the finished material stack before ordering rivets.
FAQ
How do I measure leather thickness for rivets?
Measure the complete stack that the rivet will pass through: leather, folded leather, lining, reinforcement, washer, and any hardware plate. Do not measure only the visible outer leather layer.
What happens if the rivet post is too short?
If the rivet post is too short, the rivet will not lock securely after setting. The cap may pop off or the leather layers may separate under pull.
What happens if the rivet post is too long?
If the rivet post is too long, the post can bend sideways, crush the leather, create a loose set, or leave an uneven cap.
Are rivets and bag feet measured the same way?
Rivets and bag feet both require measuring the material thickness, but bag feet also need head diameter, stem length, washer fit, and bottom panel clearance.
Which Maya Metal collection should I shop after reading this chart?
After checking rivet size, shop the Leather Rivets, Studs & Metal Fasteners collection on LeatherMetal.com for rivets, mushroom studs, decorative studs, bag feet, and metal fasteners for leather goods.
Related tutorial: How to Install Double Cap Rivets on Leather Bags.