Set Of Nickel-Plated Saddlery Rivets

Set Of Nickel-Plated Saddlery Rivets For Leather Armour Crafting

Historical Context and Craftsmanship

Riveting as a technique for joining materials has been known to mankind since the Bronze Age. While massive solid rivets, which were hammered hot or cold, were used in the Middle Ages for heavy plate armour or brigandines, two-part tubular rivets, like the ones you see here, are more of a modern invention designed for fast and clean work with leather and textiles. However, in today's world of historical reenactment, HEMA, and LARP, they are absolutely indispensable. They are the ideal compromise between a historical appearance and the practical, solid assembly of leather components without the need for complex stitching.

Instructions For Proper Riveting

These rivets consist of two parts: a cap and a post. For a secure installation, proceed as follows:

• First, punch a clean hole in the materials to be joined (leather, thick fabric) using a rotary hole punch. The hole should have a diameter only slightly larger than the rivet post.
• Push the rivet post from the reverse side through all layers of material.
• Place the rivet cap onto the post from the front side. It should audibly click into place.
• Place the joint on a solid surface (preferably a metal anvil).
• Using a dedicated rivet setter and a hammer, firmly compress the rivet with a few moderate blows. If you do not have a rivet setter, an ordinary hammer can be used carefully, but you risk flattening the rounded cap.

Care Instructions and Safety Warnings

Although the surface of the rivets is protected by a layer of nickel, which prevents immediate corrosion, we recommend that you keep your finished products as dry as possible. If your gear gets wet, dry it thoroughly at room temperature upon returning home. Subsequently, treat the leather with a suitable balm, and you can gently wipe the metal parts with a cloth containing a drop of conservation oil.

For safety reasons, remember that these rivets are intended for general leathercraft, costumes, and light armour. Never use them to join load-bearing safety elements (e.g., climbing equipment, suspensions for heavy loads), where a material failure could result in serious injury or endangerment of life.

Technical Specifications Of The Rivet Set