7 Best Cymbal Rivets Reviewed and Tested for Sound 2025

I’ve spent countless hours experimenting in my home studio, trying to coax that perfect, shimmering sizzle out of my crashes and rides. When you want that classic K sound or a smoky wash, the choice of the best cymbal rivets truly matters. It’s not just about attaching a piece of metal; it’s about controlling decay, volume, and the overall color of your sound. In this comprehensive guide, we dive deep into seven top options, from dedicated brass designs to versatile split rivets, so you can make the right sonic upgrade for your setup without breaking the bank.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Brass Plated Steel Split Rivets – 5/8″ Long – Pack…	View on Amazon
	Meinl Cymbals Cymbal Rivets (Pack of 3) Brass Plated…	View on Amazon
	Avedis Zildjian Company Sizzle Rivets – 12 Pack	View on Amazon
	90 Sets Silver Chicago Screws Leather Assorted Kit ，6…	View on Amazon
	Brass Plated Steel Split Rivets – 1/2″ Long – Pack…	View on Amazon
	Brass Plated Steel Split Rivets – 3/4″ Long – Pack…	View on Amazon
	240 Sets Leather Rivets Kit, Double Cap Brass Rivets…	View on Amazon

Brass Plated Steel Split Rivets – 5/8″ Long – Pack of 50 – Split Rivets for Cymbals, Dog Collars, Trunks, Boxes – RI1-SB

These long, robust split rivets are the workhorse of the DIY sound modifier community. While commonly used for leather crafting and repair, their sturdy construction and generous length make them highly useful for achieving a strong, permanent sizzle effect, especially if you have thicker, older cymbals or are using washers. The brass plating adds a pleasing visual touch while the steel core ensures they can withstand the rigorous vibration of drumming. These are reliable for projects requiring significant penetration.

Key features that stand out:
– Designed for materials with a combined thickness of 5/16″ or slightly thicker.
– 5/8″ long with a 3/8″ diameter head for excellent contact.
– Made of steel with a brass finish applied for durability and appearance.
– Split design allows the legs to curl back for a very strong, locked hold.

Pros:
– Excellent length for deep penetration and secure fastening.
– Very durable steel construction.
– High value with 50 rivets per pack for multiple applications.

Cons:
– Installation requires specific tools to properly crimp the split ends.

Best for: DIYers needing maximum length and a secure, permanent attachment.

Expert Opinion: While not branded specifically for percussion, the generous 5/8″ length and strong split design are ideal for customizing larger, heavy rides. Their brass plating contributes to a bright initial attack before the decay.

Meinl Cymbals Cymbal Rivets (Pack of 3) Brass Plated Steel — Made in Germany — Split Design for at-Home Installation, Perfect for Rides, Crashes, Chinas and Effects (CY BR)

Meinl provides a professional and accessible option for drummers looking to add sizzle without high-level expertise. These rivets are explicitly designed for cymbal use, ensuring the weight and material composition are optimized for sonic results. The split design is incredibly helpful because it allows for easy, at-home installation—you simply feed it through the hole until the head rests on the surface, making them a favorite for quick modifications. Their dedicated cymbal design offers a shimmering, professional sizzle.

Key features that stand out:
– Pack of three rivets, providing enough for a localized cluster effect.
– Brass plated steel construction, manufactured in Germany.
– Split design simplifies installation, requiring no special crimping tools (just leverage).
– Ideal for rides, crashes, chinas, and various effects cymbals.

Pros:
– Designed specifically for sonic performance on cymbals.
– Extremely easy home installation.
– Reliable material selection consistent with a major cymbal manufacturer.

Cons:
– Comes in a smaller pack size (3 rivets) compared to bulk options.

Best for: Drummers wanting a quick, brand-name cymbal accessory for an authentic sizzle tone.

Expert Opinion: These are the simplest best cymbal rivets to install if you already have the holes drilled. The brass plating provides a great balance of clarity and sustain, characteristic of quality cymbal additions.

Avedis Zildjian Company Sizzle Rivets – 12 Pack

When you think of traditional cymbal sizzle, you think of Zildjian. This 12-pack offers the classic rivets used by professionals for decades to achieve those smoky, trashy sounds. Having a generous pack size allows for creative placement, whether you want a tight 3-rivet cluster near the bell for a focused sound or a heavier, scattered setup across the bow for maximum wash and decay. These rivets provide the benchmark sound quality for professional sizzle effects.

Key features that stand out:
– Pack of 12 rivets, offering versatility in cluster arrangement.
– Specifically designed by Zildjian for traditional sizzle effects.
– Allows for customization to create smoky ride tones or sharper “bite.”
– Perfect for re-inventing older rides or upgrading effect cymbals.

Pros:
– Industry-standard quality and tone.
– Ample quantity for comprehensive customization.
– Excellent for achieving deeply nuanced and expressive sounds.

Cons:
– Typically requires professional installation or specialized tools for the most secure fit.

Best for: Professional drummers seeking the definitive, high-quality sizzle tone and clustering versatility.

Expert Opinion: These Zildjian rivets are indispensable for the serious percussionist. Their composition is optimized not just for sustain, but for the clarity of the contact sound, making them superior when sound quality is the top priority.

90 Sets Silver Chicago Screws Leather Assorted Kit ，6 Sizes of Screw Rivets for Leather Rivet for DIY Leather Craft and Bookbinding (M5 X 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12)

While these are primarily marketed as Chicago screws (or binding posts) for leather and bookbinding, they offer an incredible advantage for the drummer: non-permanent attachment. Unlike split rivets that crimp permanently, these screws allow you to easily attach, remove, and swap out the posts, making them fantastic for experimenting with different weights and lengths on the same cymbal holes. The wide assortment of sizes included ensures you can find the right fit for various cymbal thicknesses. The carbon steel material is durable and allows for easy, non-destructive experimentation.

Key features that stand out:
– 90 total sets in 6 sizes for maximum versatility.
– Made of high-quality, anti-rust carbon steel with nickel plating.
– Screw design allows for complete disassembly and reusability.
– Professional appearance with good screw head chamfering.

Pros:
– Ideal for non-permanent, temporary sizzle effects.
– Comes with a highly organized storage box.
– Offers multiple lengths for fine-tuning sound.

Cons:
– If not secured tightly, vibration can cause the screws to loosen during aggressive playing.

Best for: Experimenters and DIYers who want to test various lengths and sounds without permanently committing to a rivet placement.

Brass Plated Steel Split Rivets – 1/2″ Long – Pack of 50 – Split Rivets for Cymbals, Dog Collars, Trunks, Boxes – RI3-SB

This 1/2″ length split rivet offers a slightly shorter alternative to the 5/8″ version, making it ideal for standard-thickness cymbals or applications where you don’t need excessive post length. The material composition—steel with brass plating—is identical, offering great durability and a pleasing aesthetic. The 50-pack volume is excellent for the price, providing enough rivets for several customization projects. This size provides the perfect balance for standard-weight rides and crashes.

Key features that stand out:
– Designed for materials with a combined thickness of 7/32″ or slightly thicker.
– 1/2″ long with a 3/8″ head diameter.
– Reliable steel core construction ensures long-lasting strength.
– Suitable for a wide range of uses beyond just cymbals, like straps and leatherwork.

Pros:
– Ideal length for most standard cymbal customization projects.
– High quantity provides excellent value.
– Strong split-end design guarantees a permanent hold.

Cons:
– Requires a punch and crimping tool for proper installation.

Best for: Drummers seeking a standard, reliable length for permanent brass-plated sizzle effects on typical weight cymbals.

Expert Opinion: When comparing the best cymbal rivets, the 1/2″ length is often the sweet spot. It provides enough extension to resonate fully without being overly long, which can sometimes mute the cymbal’s natural tone.

Brass Plated Steel Split Rivets – 3/4″ Long – Pack of 50 – Split Rivets for Cymbals, Dog Collars, Trunks, Boxes – RI4-SB

If you need maximum length for very specialized applications, or perhaps are modifying an extremely thick, vintage ride or a non-standard percussion item, this 3/4″ rivet is the answer. Being the longest of the standard brass-plated split rivets reviewed here, it ensures a secure crimp even through highly resilient materials. The tradeoff for length is potentially a different sonic profile—it will introduce more mass and vibration resistance than shorter alternatives. This length is excellent for materials requiring maximum reach.

Key features that stand out:
– Designed for materials with a combined thickness of 3/8″ or slightly thicker.
– Longest option at 3/4″, ensuring security through thick materials.
– Made of sturdy, brass-plated steel.
– 50-pack ensures high volume availability for major projects.

Pros:
– Exceptional length for securing thick materials.
– Highly durable construction.
– Cost-effective bulk packaging.

Cons:
– May be unnecessarily long for thin or medium-weight cymbals.

Best for: Specialized, heavy-duty applications, extremely thick vintage cymbals, or non-cymbal repair work.

Expert Opinion: While fantastic for repair projects, use caution when applying rivets this long to standard cymbals, as they might dampen the fundamental tone more than the shorter options. However, for a unique, heavy sustain, they are invaluable.

240 Sets Leather Rivets Kit, Double Cap Brass Rivets Leather Studs with 3PCS Setting Tools for Leather Repair and Crafts, 4 Colors and 3 Sizes

This extensive kit is geared toward overall craftsmanship, providing great aesthetic versatility, but it also holds utility for cymbal modification. The “double cap” design means the ends are finished and visually appealing on both sides. Crucially, the set includes setting tools, simplifying the installation process. Though they are technically “studs” rather than traditional split rivets, the multiple colors and sizes offer a fantastic way to visually customize your cymbals. The inclusion of four colors and multiple sizes provides tremendous creative freedom.

Key features that stand out:
– Total of 240 sets in 4 colors (Gold, Silver, Bronze, Gunmetal) and 3 sizes.
– Made of durable, nickel-free copper.
– Includes 3 setting tools for simplified installation.
– Double cap design provides a clean look on both sides of the application.

Pros:
– Massive quantity and color variety.
– Included tools make installation easier than traditional split rivets.
– High-quality, anti-rust copper material.

Cons:
– Primarily cosmetic and less focused on pure sonic performance than dedicated brands.

Best for: Drummers who prioritize the aesthetic look of their customization or require varied colors and sizes for multiple craft projects.

Comparison Insights: Finding Your Sizzle Sound

Choosing among the best cymbal rivets depends entirely on your goal: permanent modification, sonic quality, or aesthetic customization.

If sonic quality is your absolute priority, stick to the purpose-built options. The Zildjian Sizzle Rivets are unmatched for traditional, professional sizzle tone and clustering ability. The Meinl Cymbals Rivets offer similar quality with easier at-home installation.

For the DIY permanent modification enthusiast, the bulk split rivets (like the 1/2″ or 5/8″ Brass Plated Steel options) provide the best blend of cost-effectiveness and secure hold. Remember that using split rivets requires crimping, making the attachment permanent.

If you are just starting to experiment with sizzle effects, the 90 Sets Silver Chicago Screws are the clear winner. Because they thread together, they offer a completely reversible solution. This allows you to test rivet placement and length before committing to drilling and crimping permanent rivets.

Final Verdict: Which Rivet Makes the Best Noise?

When selecting the best cymbal rivets for your specific application, we found three clear champions based on different needs:

The Professional’s Choice: Avedis Zildjian Company Sizzle Rivets. These deliver the highest quality, most authentic traditional sizzle sound. If your career depends on sonic nuance, this is the safest bet.

Best Value for Permanent Modification: Brass Plated Steel Split Rivets – 1/2″ Long. This 50-pack is highly affordable and the 1/2″ length is versatile enough for almost any standard cymbal, offering a strong, brass-plated sizzle at a fraction of the cost of dedicated cymbal-brand options.

The Smartest Choice for Experimentation: 90 Sets Silver Chicago Screws Leather Assorted Kit. The ability to install and remove these without damaging the cymbal makes them an essential tool for any drummer trying to dial in the perfect sound before installing permanent rivets.

Best Cymbal Rivets FAQ

Q: Do cymbal rivets damage the cymbal?

A: No, if installed correctly in pre-drilled holes, cymbal rivets should not damage the cymbal. They are designed to sit securely and vibrate freely. However, improper drilling or using rivets that are too thick or heavy for the cymbal may slightly alter the cymbal’s natural decay.

Q: What materials are the best cymbal rivets made from?

A: High-quality cymbal rivets are usually made of brass, brass-plated steel, or copper. Brass and copper tend to offer the best resonance and shimmer, contributing positively to the overall sizzle effect. Steel is used for strength, often coated with brass for tone and aesthetics.

Q: Can I install split rivets myself without specialized tools?

A: While some dedicated cymbal split rivets (like the Meinl option) are designed for easier home installation using basic leverage, traditional split rivets (like the 50-packs reviewed) require specific tooling (like a punch and a rivet setter or crimping tool) to properly open and secure the prongs for a lasting hold.

Q: What is the difference between a split rivet and a Chicago screw for cymbal use?

A: A split rivet is a permanent fixture; once installed, the “legs” are crimped back, locking it in place. A Chicago screw (or binding post) consists of two parts that thread together. It is non-permanent and can be easily removed or swapped, making it excellent for testing or temporary modification.

Q: Where should I place the best cymbal rivets on my ride cymbal for optimal effect?

A: Placement significantly affects the sound. Rivets placed closer to the edge or bow of the cymbal will produce a more pronounced, looser sizzle effect and faster decay. Rivets placed closer to the bell will offer a tighter, drier, and more controlled sizzle. Clustering three to four rivets closely is common for achieving a concentrated wash.

Q: Can I use leather rivets or studs for cymbal modifications?

A: Yes, many DIY enthusiasts use high-quality metal rivets or studs (like the double-cap kits) intended for leather craft. These function similarly to dedicated cymbal rivets, though their material composition may be focused more on aesthetics and less on maximizing sonic resonance. They are a good alternative if you need specific colors or sizes.