Tool Tip - Steampunk or Industrial Rivets
by Judy Larson
This tool is be used to make rivets from wire. I've taken it a step further and decorated the rivets to jazz them up!
Instructions
Decide on the size of wire to be used. The rivets here are made from 16 gauge round Argentium wire. 1ΒΌ" made this piece, which was then cut in half. Make sure that the balled heads are aligned with the wire or the rivet head will be a bit off when completed. It can still be used, but care needs to be taken in positioning it.
Judy Larson's Tool Tip - Steampunk or Industrial Rivets  - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Riveting, Riveting Techniques, Wire Rivets, tool tip rivet maker
Place the shank of the rivet into the smallest hole it will fit in a hexagonal anvil. Use the flat side of the Mini TruStrike Planishing Hammer to flatten the ball. After one or two light strikes, remove the rivet from the block and adjust the head as needed to center it on the wire. Place the rivet back in the block and finish hammering the top flat. It may be necessary to use a flat nose pliers to grasp and twist the rivet out of the block.
Judy Larson's Tool Tip - Steampunk or Industrial Rivets  - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Riveting, Riveting Techniques, Wire Rivets, tool tip rivet maker
Because the rivet head is now so work hardened, it may split in the next step. It is therefore important to anneal each piece.
A very thin line punch was used here to punch a line in the center of the rivet head. If one is not available, check the dollar store for a package of screwdrivers used to repair glasses. One of them will work.
Judy Larson's Tool Tip - Steampunk or Industrial Rivets  - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Riveting, Riveting Techniques, Wire Rivets, tool tip rivet maker
Optional: Hammer a cross line, making an "X" in the rivet head. It may be necessary to anneal the rivet again to punch a small dot where the lines cross. An old watchmakers tool was used for this, but a period stamp or a n awl with a slightly rounded point would work just as well.
Judy Larson's Tool Tip - Steampunk or Industrial Rivets  - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Riveting, Riveting Techniques, Wire Rivets, tool tip rivet maker

Materials

16 Gauge Round Half Hard Argentium .940 Silver Wire
H19-16H
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $6.76
  • Gold Club Price: $5.07
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Tools

Steel Riveting Block
ANV-120.00
  • ANV-120.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $49.95
  • Gold Club Price: $37.46
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7 Piece Mini TruStrike Hammer Set with Stand
HAM-520.70
  • HAM-520.70
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $140.54
  • Gold Club Price: $105.40
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  • Category: Tools
  • Technique(s): Riveting