How to Peen Tubular Rivets on a Bag
By Klum House: Bag making kits, bag sewing patterns, waxed | Published: 2026-10-27
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to install tubular rivets on your handmade bag using a rivet peening tool. Step-by-step instructions for a strong, professional finish.
Quick answer
To install tubular rivets on a bag, use a tubular rivet peening tool with a non-rubber mallet on a hard surface. Strike vertically to flare the rivet post into the leather for a secure hold.
Why peening gives a stronger hold than other methods
When you strike a tubular rivet with a peening tool, the tool's concave shape forces the rivet post to splay outward into tiny metal spokes. Those spokes dig into the leather fibers, creating a mechanical lock that resists pull-out far better than a simple hammered flat rivet. For bag straps, handles, and pockets that bear weight, peening is the most reliable method.
How to peen tubular rivets on a bag
- Prepare your workspace and materials: Place your bag piece on a hard, stable surface (a granite slab or anvil works well). Have your tubular rivets, the peening tool, and a non-rubber mallet ready. Rubber mallets absorb too much force and won't flare the rivet properly. A hard surface is non-negotiable—soft surfaces will cushion the blow and prevent the rivet from setting.
- Insert the tubular rivet through the bag material: Push the rivet post through the pre-punched hole from the outside of the bag so the decorative head sits on the visible side. The post should protrude through to the inside. If the hole is too tight, use a rotary punch to enlarge it slightly. The rivet post must pass through freely; forcing it can damage the leather or the rivet.
- Align the peening tool with the rivet post: Hold the peening tool vertically over the rivet post so the concave cup sits squarely on top of the post. Keep the tool perpendicular to the work surface—any angle will cause the rivet to flare unevenly. A crooked strike leads to a lopsided flare that won't grip the leather evenly.
- Strike the peening tool firmly with the mallet: Give the peening tool one or two solid, controlled strikes with the non-rubber mallet. The force should be enough to flatten the post into a mushroom shape. Do not over-strike; too many hits can work-harden the metal and cause it to crack. Two firm strikes are usually sufficient. Check the flare after each hit.
- Inspect the set and test the hold: Remove the peening tool and examine the rivet. The post should be flared flat against the leather with no sharp edges. Gently tug on the rivet head—it should not move. If it feels loose, repeat the strike with slightly more force. A loose rivet will fail under stress. Re-set it now rather than after the bag is assembled.
Product used in this guide
- Tubular Rivet Peening Tool: A tubular rivet peening tool is used to set all sizes of tubular rivets. To use it, vertically align the peening tool with a tubular rivet post and strike with a non-rubber mallet on a hard, stable surface. This tool ensures the rivet post flares evenly into the leather, giving you a strong, professional joint without damaging the rivet head or the surrounding material.
Tubular Rivet Peening Tool
