HomeBlogBlogLeather Rivets: Common Names, Types, and Uses

Leather Rivets: Common Names, Types, and Uses

What are leather rivets called?

Leather rivets are most commonly called rivets, but you’ll also hear specific names based on their construction and how they’re set. In leatherwork and shoe or bag hardware, the most typical types are double-cap rivets, single-cap rivets, tubular rivets, and rapid rivets (a common term for quick-setting, two-piece rivets). When the “rivet” is mainly decorative, it may be sold as a stud or decorative rivet, even if it installs similarly.

Common names you’ll see when shopping

Double-cap rivets have finished caps on both sides for a clean look inside and out, making them popular on straps, belts, and leather goods where both faces show. Single-cap rivets have one finished cap and a flatter backing on the other side, useful when the back won’t be seen or will be covered by lining.

Tubular rivets have a hollow post that flares when set. They’re often used in footwear and heavier leatherwork because they can hold well across thicker stacks of material. You might also encounter solid (copper) rivets and burrs, a classic heavy-duty fastening method used for high-stress applications; these are typically referred to as “copper rivets” rather than generic rivets.

When a “rivet” is called something else

In fashion listings, the word stud can describe dome studs, cone studs, or nailhead-style hardware that functions more as embellishment than as a structural fastener. In some shoe designs, metal accents can appear rivet-like even if they’re actually a different fastener (such as a grommet/eyelet, snap component, or a stitched-on ornament). If the listing specifies a cap, post length, or “set with a rivet setter,” it’s almost certainly a true rivet.

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FAQ

What’s the difference between a rivet and a stud in leatherwork?

A rivet is primarily a fastener meant to hold layers together, while a stud is usually decorative and may not provide the same strength. Some “studs” install like rivets, so checking whether it’s described as structural hardware helps.