Discover the art of riveting for strong, solder-free joins, ideal for mixed metals and intricate designs. Master this versatile technique for durable, aesthetically pleasing cold connections.
This article is for the bench jeweller who’s looking to expand their repertoire beyond traditional soldering, particularly when working with mixed metals or when heat is a limiting factor. Whether you’re aiming for a clean, industrial aesthetic or a subtle, hidden join, understanding the nuances of riveting opens up new possibilities. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a solid grasp of when to choose rivets over solder, how to execute basic wire and tube riveting, the importance of hammer selection and rivet head shaping, and how to strategically employ different rivet finishes to enhance your work.
When riveting beats solder
Soldering is the cornerstone of much jewellery making, but it’s not always the best solution. For mixed-metal pieces, especially those with significant differences in melting points, solder can be a headache. Imagine trying to join copper to aluminium or even silver to brass without excessive heat affecting one of the components. Riveting offers a clean, mechanical connection that bypasses these issues entirely. It’s also invaluable when working with heat-sensitive materials like certain gemstones, enamels, or pre-finished components that would be damaged by a torch. Consider delicate filigree work where excessive heat could warp the fine metal, or when you need a particularly robust joint that can withstand significant stress. Rivets provide a strong, permanent bond without the risk of overheating or altering the temper of your metals. For pieces intended for regular wear, a well-executed rivet can offer superior longevity. We find ourselves reaching for rivets when creating articulated components, securing findings, or when a visible, industrial aesthetic is desired. The ability to create a visually appealing, structural join without the need for flux, solder, and a torch makes riveting an indispensable skill. For a comprehensive understanding of soldering, you might revisit our guide on how to solder sterling silver without pitting, but for these specific scenarios, riveting is king.
Wire rivets — the basic method
The simplest form of riveting involves using a piece of wire, typically of the same or a compatible metal as your components, to create a join. This is your go-to for joining thinner sheet metals, jump rings, or creating simple hinge mechanisms. The process begins by drilling a hole through both pieces of material you wish to join. The hole size should be just slightly larger than the diameter of your rivet wire. Once the wire is inserted, ensure it passes through both layers cleanly. You’ll then need to trim the wire, leaving enough protruding on both sides to form the rivet heads. The amount to leave will depend on the desired head size and shape. For a basic, rounded head, leave approximately 1.5 to 2 times the wire diameter on each side. Using a flat-faced hammer or a ball peen hammer, gently tap the protruding wire ends. Start with light blows to begin to spread the wire, then gradually increase the force. The key is to work the metal outwards and downwards, forming a secure head. A small punch or a doming punch can be used to refine the shape of the head, creating a neat, rounded finish. If you’re joining components that need to pivot, ensure the rivet isn't hammered too tightly, allowing for free movement. For a cleaner finish, you can use a small anvil or a riveting jig to support the work. Experimenting with different wire gauges and metals will help you understand the feel and response of the material. For those starting out, a selection of robust pliers and cutters will be essential for preparing your rivet wire.
Tube rivets — for thicker stock
When you're dealing with thicker sheet metal, multiple layers, or components that require a more substantial connection, tube rivets (also known as eyelets) are the superior choice. These pre-formed fasteners consist of a hollow barrel and a flange on one end. They are designed to pass through holes in your materials and then have their open end formed into a second head, creating a secure, two-sided connection. The process is similar to wire riveting but with a pre-made fastener. You'll drill a hole through your stock that matches the outer diameter of the tube rivet's barrel. The tube rivet is then inserted through the aligned holes. On the opposite side of the flange, the open end of the tube is then expanded and formed. This is typically achieved using a setting tool or a specialized punch and anvil combination. For a simple, robust join, a ball peen hammer can be used to gently tap the open end of the tube, causing it to spread and form a head. For a cleaner, more uniform finish, a dedicated tube rivet setter is recommended. These tools ensure the head is formed evenly and securely. Tube rivets are excellent for applications like attaching clasps, creating sturdy hinge points, or reinforcing areas that will experience significant stress. They offer a very strong mechanical bond and can be quite decorative depending on the type of tube rivet used. For a wide range of these fasteners, explore our collection of rivets and eyelets.
Hammer choice and rivet head shape
The choice of hammer significantly influences the success and aesthetic of your rivets. For general riveting, a ball peen hammer is a versatile option. The rounded end (the peen) is ideal for shaping and forming rivet heads, allowing you to gradually spread the metal without damaging the surrounding material. The flat face of the hammer can be used for initial flattening or for setting rivets where a flatter head is desired. A chasing hammer, with its lighter weight and smaller face, can offer more control for delicate work or when working with softer metals. For very fine rivets, a small brass hammer can be useful to minimise marring. The shape of the rivet head itself is also a design choice. A rounded, domed head is common and provides a smooth, tactile finish. A flat head can be achieved by using the flat face of a hammer or a specific flat-setting punch. For a more decorative appearance, you can use punches with textured faces or specific shaping tools to create patterned heads. Consider the overall style of your piece. An industrial aesthetic might suit a slightly rougher, more utilitarian rivet head, while fine jewellery might demand a perfectly formed, polished dome. The key is to use controlled blows and to work the metal gradually. Overly forceful hammering can lead to cracking or deformation. If you're unsure where to start with hammer selection, our guide on choosing your first jeweller's hammer offers excellent advice.
Hidden vs flush vs decorative rivets
The placement and finish of your rivets can dramatically alter the look and feel of your jewellery. Hidden rivets are ideal when you want the structural integrity of a rivet but prefer a clean, uninterrupted surface on the visible side of your piece. This is often achieved by setting the rivet from the back, with the head on the underside of the join. Alternatively, you can use a rivet that is then filed and polished flush with the surface, effectively disappearing into the metal. Flush rivets are those where the head sits level with the surrounding material, creating a smooth, unobtrusive join. This requires precise filing and polishing to ensure the rivet head is perfectly integrated. Decorative rivets, on the other hand, are a design feature in themselves. They can be made from contrasting metals, feature patterned heads created with stamps or specialized punches, or be left intentionally prominent to add an industrial or artisanal touch. For example, using a brass wire rivet to join two silver components can create a subtle visual contrast. The choice between these options depends entirely on your design intent. For a minimalist aesthetic, hidden or flush rivets are preferable. If you want to add texture or a focal point, decorative rivets come into their own. Remember that even decorative rivets need to be securely set. For those looking to add texture to their metal surfaces, exploring how to texture silver can complement the use of decorative rivets.
Next at the bench
Mastering cold connections like riveting expands your toolkit considerably, offering solutions for a range of challenging joins. For further exploration into creating strong, durable components, consider delving into our articles on how to anneal and forge silver or the practicalities of bench pliers versus parallel action pliers. You'll find a comprehensive selection of tools to support these techniques in our hammers and forming tools collection.