Copper rivits

Pappy Hayes · October 24, 2012, 09:35:38 PM

What is the best way to cut off the rivits excess? The cutter I am using leaves it too long difficult to peen it down.

Cutter Carl · October 24, 2012, 09:45:13 PM

I use a good pair of diagional cutters. I imagine a good set of end nippers would work also.

They need to be a fairly large pair since the rivet shank is fairly thick.

You should cut so you leave about 1/8" to peen.

There are some good videos on the web that show how it is done.

Google "video of setting cooper rivets" and you should find them.

Marshal Will Wingam · October 25, 2012, 12:02:03 AM

I prefer the end nippers like Carl mentioned. I have a small pair that allows me to cut as close as I want. I cut partway through then rotate the cutters 90° and finish the job. It makes a more symmetrical cut that's easier to peen evenly.

Skeeter Lewis · October 25, 2012, 12:18:03 PM

Hey, Marshal, great minds think alike. I rotate too.

Boothill Bob · October 25, 2012, 05:53:42 PM

Same here.. if you rotate instead of cut right of it leaves a "peak" easyer to get it nice. Then I use the hammer and tapping
it rapidley in different angles before I use the tool... If you know what I mean

Cliff Fendley · October 25, 2012, 07:56:28 PM

I cut mine about as close as a pair of Channel Lock side cutters will cut it. That leaves it about the right length to peen.

Pappy Hayes · October 25, 2012, 09:07:30 PM

Thanks pards for all your comments. Marshal what size of nippers do you use?

Ten Wolves Fiveshooter · October 25, 2012, 09:25:42 PM

Quote from: Marshal Will Wingam on October 25, 2012, 12:02:03 AM
I prefer the end nippers like Carl mentioned. I have a small pair that allows me to cut as close as I want. I cut partway through then rotate the cutters 90° and finish the job. It makes a more symmetrical cut that's easier to peen evenly.

+ 1 more

tEN wOLVES

Cutter Carl · October 25, 2012, 09:41:52 PM

Forgot to mention the turning 90 degs to get an even cut. It does make for a nicer finshed rivet.

I may have to get some end nippers and try them. The design of end nippers with the cutting edges cutting parallel into the metal versus the v cutting angle of the diagional pliers should make for less effort to cut the rivet. The v cut tend to slide as much as cut.
My ache wrists and knuckles would like that.

Which ever plier you use buy good quality, Channel Lock, etc and stay away from the cheap imports. The imports will loss the cutting edge very quickly and give you poor cuts and need a lot more effort.

Marshal Will Wingam · October 25, 2012, 11:38:34 PM

Pappy, I use a small spring-loaded pair but that doesn't mean they're best. It's just what I have. Carl is right about using a good pair. The idea is to cut, not pinch the rivet off.

Trailrider · October 26, 2012, 12:05:38 AM

I made a setting tool from a convenient size piece of round steel rod. I use a drill bit that is about the same or a bit (no pun intended) larger than the diameter of the end of the rivet. I place the burr over the end of the rivet and snip it off with a side-cutter. Then I place the head of the rivet on a hard surface and peen the end over using the setting tool. I then peen the sharp point that may be left with a ball peen hammer.

Cliff Fendley · October 26, 2012, 08:04:03 AM

I made a set of tools, one as a setting tool like Trailrider, then after I cut the shank off another tool for rounding the head. I made that one out of a piece of 01 tool steel and used a small ball end mill in a lathe.

ChuckBurrows · October 26, 2012, 01:17:37 PM

1) Get a GOOD set of end nippers than grind/file the outside flat - this will cut the end flush rather than with a peak - I like the compound action end nippers

2) If you have the tooling to make your own setters great but if not I recommend buying a set from Douglas tools, which has three tools - one with the whole to drive the burr onto the shaft, one to set and round the end of the cut shaft, and a domer to dome the head end. Not cheap but IMO the BEST set available.

Skeeter Lewis · October 26, 2012, 01:37:05 PM

I have the Douglas set for no. 14s and they take the pain out of the process.

bedbugbilly · October 27, 2012, 05:53:16 PM

I use a large set of side cutting pliers - the style used for electrical work. I can place the side of them on top of the washer and it will cut it off at the correct length for me. I then hit the sharp end with my dremel and a sanding sleeve - peen - and then use the rivet set to form a nice round head on it. There's more than one way to "skin this cat". You just have to find out what works best for you.

Slowhand Bob · October 28, 2012, 08:11:17 AM

I think Chuck gives a good demo on copper rivet setting in his videos. I purchased a set of uhh setters from Tandy at one time, not sure if they still carry them, but there were some minor quality issues with them. Since I do not use copper rivets very often I can not vouch for whether the hardening is going to be durable either.

Pappy Hayes · October 28, 2012, 08:50:02 AM

Who is Chuck and where do I find his videos

Cliff Fendley · October 28, 2012, 09:02:27 AM

Quote from: Pappy Hayes on October 28, 2012, 08:50:02 AM
Who is Chuck and where do I find his videos

http://www.wrtcleather.com/

Antipaladin · November 13, 2012, 08:21:31 AM

Will that's a good tip about rotating the clippers and doing it in two
steps. Tried it last night on a money belt and it looks a heckuva lot
cleaner and neater.

Marshal Will Wingam · November 13, 2012, 11:14:55 AM

Thanks. It's easier to get a round peen that way. I tried filing them flat, but it was more work than it was worth for the end result. Too much chance to scratch the leather. Billy suggested a Dremel with a sanding drum after you cut it. That may be a good way to go. I'll try it next time I set one.