How to Set Double Cap Rivets with an Anvil
By Tandy Leather — Tandy Leather, Inc. | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to set double cap rivets using a dedicated anvil and setter tool. This guide covers preparation, alignment, and striking technique for clean, secure results every time.
Quick answer
Use a dedicated double cap rivet setter and anvil to hold the rivet post, cap the head, and strike with a mallet for a secure, professional-looking joint. The anvil supports the rivet from below while the setter guides the cap evenly.
Why a Dedicated Setter Matters
Double cap rivets have a wider head than standard rivets, so using a standard rivet setter can misalign the cap or damage the leather. The Craftool® Wide Double Cap Rivet Setter is designed specifically for these rivets, ensuring the cap sits flush and the post expands evenly inside the anvil.
The matching anvil provides a flat, stable base that absorbs the strike force without marring the rivet head. Without it, you risk bending the post or leaving gaps between the cap and the leather surface.
Choosing the Right Mallet
A rawhide mallet is recommended because it delivers enough force to set the rivet without denting the setter or anvil. Avoid metal hammers—they can deform the tool edge and produce uneven results. The setter length of 4.33 inches gives you a comfortable grip for controlled strikes.
Step-by-step installation
- Prepare the materials: Place your leather pieces together and mark the rivet location. Insert the double cap rivet post through the hole from the top side so the post protrudes below the leather. Make sure the post is long enough to pass through all layers and still leave room for the cap—trim if needed.
- Position the anvil: Set the anvil on a hard, flat work surface. Place the leather assembly over the anvil so the rivet post rests centered in the anvil's concave cup. If the post is off-center, the cap will set crooked. Double-check alignment before striking.
- Attach the cap: Slide the cap onto the protruding post from below the leather. The cap should sit snugly against the leather surface. A loose cap may indicate the post is too short or the hole is too large—switch to a larger cap diameter if needed.
- Set the rivet: Place the wide double cap rivet setter over the cap so it cups the cap head. Strike the top of the setter firmly with a rawhide mallet. One or two solid hits are usually enough. Avoid tapping repeatedly—each strike can shift the alignment. A single firm blow is more reliable than several light ones.
- Inspect and finish: Remove the setter and check that the cap is flush with the leather and the post has expanded fully inside the anvil. If the cap rocks or there is a gap, reposition and strike again. If you see cracks around the cap edge, the leather may be too thin or the hole too tight—use a washer or choose a smaller rivet for thin materials.
Product facts
- Wide Double Cap Rivet Setter with Anvil: The Craftool® Wide Double Cap Rivet Setter is designed specifically for Wide Double Cap Rivets to ensure proper alignment and even pressure for clean, secure results. Setter length: 4.33 in. (11 cm); setter diameter: 0.55 in. (1.4 cm); anvil diameter: 0.75 in. The matched setter and anvil dimensions prevent the rivet cap from tilting during installation, so you get a consistent, gap-free finish every time.
Wide Double Cap Rivet Setter with Anvil
