Double Cap Rivets FAQ: Setting, Sizing and Mistakes
By Zipper Valley | Published: 2026-11-05
Category: 技巧與保養
Clear answers to the most common double cap rivet questions: how to set them, choose the right size for bag straps, avoid crushing caps, and install them cleanly on faux leather.
Quick answer
Set double cap rivets with the correct post length for your material thickness, a properly sized hole, and a rivet setter that matches the cap diameter. Most failures come from the wrong post length, an oversized hole, or striking too hard and flattening the decorative cap.
Why double cap rivets behave differently from single-cap rivets
Double cap rivets have a smooth cap on both the front and back, so there is no exposed post or rough edge on the inside of a bag. That makes them a good choice for straps, tabs, and decorative details where the back of the rivet may be visible or may rub against contents. The trade-off is that you cannot see the post during setting, so the cap must be seated squarely before you strike it. If the cap is tilted, it will not sit flush and the rivet may loosen over time.
When rivet sizing goes wrong on bag straps
The most common sizing mistake is choosing a post that is too long for the layers being joined. A post that extends too far past the back cap will bend or crush when struck, and the rivet will not hold tight. Too short a post leaves the caps loose and the joint wobbly. For bag straps, measure the total thickness of the strap layers plus any reinforcement, then choose a post length that matches that measurement as closely as possible. If you are between sizes, size down rather than up; a slightly short post can sometimes be set with gentle pressure, but an overly long post almost always fails.
Faux leather and vinyl: what changes
Faux leather and vinyl compress under pressure and can stretch around a hole, so a rivet that fits snugly in a test piece may feel loose after setting. Punch a clean hole rather than stretching one, and avoid oversizing the hole to force a rivet through. On thicker faux leather, you may need to skive or thin the layers at the rivet point so the post length matches the compressed thickness. Always test on a scrap of the same material and layer count before setting rivets on a finished bag.
Common double cap rivet questions answered
- How do I set double cap rivets without crushing the cap?
- Use a rivet setter with a concave tip that matches the cap diameter, and strike with a few firm taps rather than one heavy blow. Check after each tap: the cap should sit flush and the rivet should feel tight. If the cap starts to flatten or the finish looks stressed, stop and reset with a fresh rivet. Practice on scrap material first to learn how many taps your setter and material need.
- What size rivet do I need for a bag strap?
- Measure the total thickness of the strap layers at the rivet point, including any interfacing or reinforcement. Choose a post length that matches that thickness. If the strap is thicker than your longest post, thin the layers or choose a different attachment point rather than forcing a short rivet. Write down the layer thickness and post length that worked so you can repeat it on future bags.
- Why did my rivet loosen after setting?
- The usual causes are an oversized hole, a post that was too long and bent during setting, or a cap that was not seated squarely before striking. Remove the rivet, fill the hole if needed, and reset with a fresh rivet and the correct post length. If a rivet spins freely after setting, replace it rather than adding more pressure.
- Can I use double cap rivets on faux leather?
- Yes, but test on a scrap of the same faux leather and layer count first. Punch a clean hole with a rotary punch or drive punch, avoid stretching the hole, and consider skiving thick layers so the post length matches the compressed thickness. The lacquered finish on Double Cap Rivets helps protect the cap, but keep the setter centered to avoid chipping the coating. Faux leather can compress after setting, so check tightness again after the bag has been used a few times.
- Do I need a backing washer with double cap rivets?
- Double cap rivets are designed to finish both sides with a cap, so a separate backing washer is not part of the standard assembly. If your rivet kit includes washers, follow the manufacturer's instructions for that specific rivet style. Adding a washer where it is not designed to go can change the post length needed and prevent the caps from seating correctly. Keep rivet styles separate and use the setter and components intended for each type.
Product facts
- Double Cap Rivets: Double Cap Rivets come in packs of 50 (rose gold, silver, gold, bronze, gunmetal) or 20 (rainbow), and each piece is individually dipped and lacquered for protection and shine. The lacquered finish resists tarnishing and wear, but it also means you should avoid striking the decorative cap directly with a metal hammer, which can chip the coating.
Double Cap Rivets
