How to Make Domed Brass Rivets

Domed brass rivets can decorate anything from accessories to costumes.

Domed brass rivets add flair and detail to a variety of outfits. Leather accessories or Western-wear shirts get a kick of panache, while costumes and historical-reenactment uniforms look authentic and convincing. Brass is a simple metal to work with. It is readily available at hardware stores and jewelry suppliers. In addition, its sheen is attractive and grabs attention without going overboard. Custom-made, domed brass rivets offer a personalized touch to any look.

Things You'll Need

• Drill
• Drill bit
• Steel block
• Brass wire
• Mineral oil
• Anvil
• Ball peen hammer
• Fabric or leather
• Rivet gun
• Shank
• End cap

Instructions

1. Create the rivet form. Drill a hole all the way through a steel block. The drill bit should be the same diameter as the wire gauge used to create the rivet.

2. Cut the blank. Cut a section of brass wire that is 4.5 millimeters longer than the diameter of the hole in the form. This cut piece is called a "blank."

3. Place the blank in the form. Grease the blank and the hole in the form with mineral oil. Place the blank into the form and place the form on top of an anvil. There is no need to anneal or heat the blank. Hold the form securely and strike the blank with a ball peen hammer to create the dome.

4. Remove the dome from the form. Flip the form over so that the hole is over the opening in the anvil. Place a nail into the hammered dome and gently tap the nail with the hammer. It will slide out because of the mineral oil.

5. Attach the rivet. Place the brass dome over fabric, leather or any other material desired. Use a rivet gun to snap the shank and end cap into the brass dome.

References

• Roman Army: Make Your Own Rivets
• Sizes: Brass Wire

Resources

• Kitco: Gauge-Inch Conversions