brass rivets - need something I can customize to differing thicknesses of work

[jeeperaz]

Does anyone have a suggestion or two on what type of brass rivet I can use where I can customize the length depending on the thickness of the project I'm working on?

Currently, I have several lengths of rapid/jiffy rivets but they all seem to be a little too long or short for my needs... not to mention the questionable strength. Same with chicago screws... I know I can file them down a bit, but ultimately, they are not what I'm looking for.

I have my eye on the brass rivets/burrs from weavers but have heard they can be a pain to peen like copper???

Tubular rivets? I've never used them and would like opinions on them. I understand they can be used with washer and caps as well. I've seen them where, in order to set them, the backside is split and starred out. Is there another way to set them that leaves a cleaner backside? Is this where the caps come in?

Copper will simply not look right on some of the items I'd like to make, hence the need for a better option in brass.

Just looking for thoughts, ideas and opinions. 

Regards, from Az,
J

[Don Nix]

The simple answer is whar I do. just order the longest rivet you can get and then use your nippers to cut them down. us e this with copper rivets also.
For small jobs that need a smaller brass rivet I use a brass escunchion pin and nip it to size and peen it. . For Garrison belt and bugkle plates this will work fine and gives you the option of  length.

[jeeperaz]

Thanks Don. The escutcheon pins will take care of one of my problems.

Anyone have experience with brass rivet/burrs or brass tubular rivets... care to add any thoughts?