5 Best Rivet Press For Leather Options Tested 2025

I remember when I started leatherworking, using a hammer and anvil to set rivets was noisy, frustrating, and often ruined my careful stitching. That’s why switching to a dedicated press machine was a total game-changer for speed and achieving a professional finish. If you’re serious about getting clean, consistent results every time—whether you’re setting snaps, eyelets, or heavy-duty rivets—you need the right tool. We’ve put five top contenders to the test to help you find the best rivet press for leather that truly delivers precision and power.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Leather Hand Press Machine kit for Setting Rivets, Eyelets…	View on Amazon
	Snap Button Fastener, Rivet, Eyelet, Grommet Hand Press…	View on Amazon
	HONGYMA Leather Press, Hole Puncher and Cutting Machine for…	View on Amazon
	Yalando 1PC Blue Hand Press Machine and 7 Sets Double…	View on Amazon
	Selizo 480 Sets 4 Colors 3 Sizes Leather Rivets Double…	View on Amazon

Leather Hand Press Machine kit for Setting Rivets, Eyelets and snap Buttons

This specialized leather hand press machine kit is an excellent investment for dedicated crafters looking for versatility without breaking the bank. It comes ready to tackle nearly every common fastening task, making it a powerful foundation for your workshop. Its manual hand press operation ensures you get the necessary leverage for setting rivets cleanly through thick leather, providing a finish that beats hammering every time. This setup is specifically designed for both amateur hobbyists and professionals who prioritize precision and quiet operation when working with rivets, grommets, and snaps.

Key features that stand out:
– Comprehensive Die Set: Includes 9mm single and double cap rivet dies, No:3 Eyelet/grommet dies, and three different snap button dies (9.5 mm, 12.5 mm, 15 mm).
– Recommended Hole Punches: Provides guidance on specific hole punches needed for different sized rivets and snaps (2 mm, 2.5 mm, and 3 mm).
– Designed for Accuracy: Ensures alignment when setting various types of fasteners.

Pros:
– Comes with a wide range of essential dies for different fasteners.
– Excellent leverage and consistency compared to manual setting tools.
– Ideal for both thick and thin materials.

Cons:
– Rivets, grommets, and snap buttons must be purchased separately.

Best for: Versatile crafters who need dies for different fasteners (rivets, snaps, eyelets) in one purchase.

Expert Opinion: This is a fantastic starter bench-style press. While you do need to buy your own fasteners, the included variety of setting dies means you won’t immediately need additional equipment, making it a very cost-effective way to get into clean, machine-set rivets.

Snap Button Fastener, Rivet, Eyelet, Grommet Hand Press Machine with Setting Dies All in One Set

Marketed as an “All in One Set,” this hand press machine is built to handle a broad array of leather craft applications, ensuring you can punch holes and set multiple fastener types quickly and easily. This kit is constructed from durable, high-quality material designed for longevity and practical daily use, whether you’re creating belts, bags, or garments. The inclusion of installation dies suitable for the most popular rivet, eyelet, and snap sizes means this machine is ready to be put to work immediately once you acquire your desired fasteners.

Key features that stand out:
– Extensive Die Inventory: Includes 3 sets of snap button dies (10 mm, 12.5 mm, 15 mm), 5 sets of double cap rivet dies (5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm), and 5 sets of eyelet grommet dies.
– Punching Capability: Comes with 2 mm and 4 mm hole punchers specifically designed for use with the press machine, eliminating the need for separate hole punching tools.
– High Quality Construction: Made to be durable and practical for both professional and amateur leatherworking.

Pros:
– Includes punching dies for convenient hole creation.
– Excellent range of setting dies for common double cap rivets and grommets.
– Simple to operate, resulting in faster production times.

Cons:
– Like many press kits, the actual rivets and fasteners are not included in the purchase.

Best for: Beginners and intermediate users who want maximum die versatility for rivets, snaps, and grommets, plus the ability to punch holes using the press.

Expert Opinion: The inclusion of dedicated punching dies makes this unit slightly more comprehensive than similar kits. For anyone who consistently works with standard 5mm to 12mm double cap rivets, this is a sturdy and reliable option that maintains consistency when setting fasteners.

HONGYMA Leather Press, Hole Puncher and Cutting Machine for DIY Leather Craft – Hand Punching, Forming, Pressing, Installing Rivets and Snap Buttons

The HONGYMA press takes the concept of the hand press machine several steps further by offering true multi-functionality, making it more than just a dedicated rivet setter. This robust machine is capable of switching between two operational modes: using a chuck for standard punching and riveting dies, or installing a circular pressure plate for die-cutting and embossing applications. The upgraded ductile iron base ensures superior stability and strength, making it less prone to tipping, even when applying the maximum pressing pressure of 220 kg needed for thicker leather.

Key features that stand out:
– Dual Operating Modes: Easily switches between chuck mode (for rivets/punches) and pressure plate mode (for die cutting and embossing).
– Upgraded Base Material: Features a stronger ductile iron base, reducing the risk of fracture compared to ordinary cast iron.
– Energy Saving & Noiseless: Utilizes a labor-saving spring mechanism to reduce fatigue and provides a quiet operation, replacing the need for loud hammer blows.
– Easy Height Adjustment: Simple screw mechanism allows for quick and accurate height adjustments to accommodate different material thicknesses and dies.

Pros:
– Highly versatile machine for cutting, punching, riveting, and embossing.
– Extremely robust and stable bench-mount design.
– Quiet operation is perfect for home workshops.

Cons:
– It is significantly heavier and larger than standard rivet setters due to its robust design.

Best for: Professional leatherworkers or serious hobbyists needing a single, heavy-duty machine for multiple operations, including precise die-cutting and robust rivet setting.

Expert Opinion: If you are looking for the absolute best rivet press for leather that acts as a comprehensive workshop tool, the HONGYMA is it. Its ability to switch easily to die cutting justifies the higher price point for those who need high-pressure, repeatable results across various crafting tasks.

Yalando 1PC Blue Hand Press Machine and 7 Sets Double Cap Rivet Dies Mould Handmade Tool Leather Craft DIY Supplies

The Yalando Hand Press Machine focuses specifically on mastering the double cap rivet, offering a fantastic selection of dies dedicated to this popular fastener type. This blue hand press machine is known for its accurate docking once the die is installed, ensuring that the top and bottom working surfaces align perfectly every time. Crucially, this kit provides seven different sizes of double cap rivet dies along with a generous starter pack of rivets, making it exceptionally user-friendly right away for projects like belts, jackets, and dog collars.

Key features that stand out:
– Extensive Rivet Die Selection: Includes dies for 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, and 12mm double cap rivets.
– Starter Rivet Supply: Comes with 400 brass double cap rivets (in four smaller sizes) in silver color, allowing you to begin crafting immediately.
– M8 Thread Size: The machine uses a standard M8 thread size, ensuring that it is compatible and flexible for use with other dies you might already own or purchase in the future.
– Accurate Docking: Each machine is strictly inspected to ensure precision in the setting process.

Pros:
– Includes actual rivets, offering instant utility.
– Excellent precision and consistent results across various rivet sizes.
– Standard M8 threading increases die compatibility.

Cons:
– Specializes only in double cap rivets, limiting functionality for snaps or eyelets unless additional dies are purchased.

Best for: Crafters who primarily use standard double cap rivets and need precision across a wide range of sizes.

Expert Opinion: This unit delivers on its promise of consistent riveting. The included starter rivets are a huge bonus, eliminating the immediate need to source separate materials. For someone focused heavily on standard belts, bags, and tack that uses numerous double cap rivets, this is highly efficient.

Selizo 480 Sets 4 Colors 3 Sizes Leather Rivets Double Cap Rivet Tubular Metal Studs with 3 Pieces Setting Tool Kit for Leather Craft Repairs Decoration

While not a bench press machine, the Selizo set is an important consideration for beginners or those requiring portability. This kit provides a massive 480 sets of double cap rivets in four colors and three popular sizes, along with the 3 essential manual setting tools. This is the budget-friendly, portable solution for those who set rivets infrequently or need a solution they can easily take on the go. The rivets themselves are made of durable copper and finished in gold, silver, antique brass, and dark brass, offering great aesthetic variety for small repairs and decoration.

Key features that stand out:
– Massive Rivet Assortment: Includes 480 sets of double cap rivets in 6mm, 8mm, and 12mm sizes.
– Four Color Options: Features gold, silver, antique brass, and dark brass for varied aesthetics.
– Complete Manual Setting Tools: Includes the necessary base, hole punch, and setting rod for manual installation.
– Good Quality Fasteners: Rivets are made of durable copper with a smooth, non-fading surface plating.

Pros:
– Highly affordable entry point to setting leather rivets.
– Excellent variety and quantity of included rivets and colors.
– Extremely portable and requires no dedicated workbench space.

Cons:
– Requires manual hammering, leading to higher noise levels and less consistent results than a press machine.

Best for: Beginners, hobbyists, or those needing a portable solution for small repairs and decorative applications who are not ready to invest in a bench press.

Expert Opinion: This kit is less a “press” and more a “portable manual solution.” If you only need to set a few rivets for decoration or repair, the variety of colors and sizes here is unmatched for the price. However, achieving clean, professional sets on thick leather will require much more effort and practice compared to using a dedicated machine.

Comparison and Practical Buying Advice

When selecting the best rivet press for leather, stability and die compatibility are key.

For those prioritizing sheer power and maximum functionality, the HONGYMA press offers superior versatility with its robust ductile iron base and unique capacity for die-cutting and embossing, making it the highest-tier professional option.

If you are entering the market and seeking a reliable, versatile press for all standard fasteners, the Snap Button Fastener All-in-One Set (Product 2) and the Leather Hand Press Machine Kit (Product 1) are excellent choices, offering a comprehensive array of setting dies. However, remember that the Yalando machine provides the most extensive selection of rivet-specific dies (seven sizes) alongside a generous starter pack of rivets, which is a major convenience.

A critical distinction is that only the Yalando and Selizo kits include actual fasteners. The two versatile press kits (Products 1 and 2) only include the setting dies, meaning you will need to separately source compatible snap buttons, grommets, and rivets.

Finally, for crafters who need low volume, portability, and minimal investment, the Selizo manual kit is the ideal choice, though it sacrifices the consistent finish and quiet operation of a bench-mounted press.

Final Verdict: Choosing Your Rivet Press

After testing, three distinct winners emerge based on specific user needs:

🥇 Best Overall & Professional Choice: HONGYMA Leather Press
For the serious leatherworker who needs stability, quiet operation, and multi-functionality (punching, riveting, cutting), the HONGYMA unit is the unmatched investment. Its robust build quality ensures it will be a lifetime tool.

🥈 Best Value & Starter Versatility: Snap Button Fastener All-in-One Set
This machine strikes the best balance between initial cost and included accessories. With 17 installation pieces, including dedicated punching dies, it provides everything a beginner needs (minus the actual fasteners) to master rivets, snaps, and grommets.

🥉 Best Focus on Rivets: Yalando Hand Press Machine
If your primary need is flawless, consistent setting of double cap rivets across a wide range of sizes (5mm to 12mm), the Yalando system is highly precise and its inclusion of 400 rivets provides immediate gratification.

Best Rivet Press For Leather FAQ

Why is using a bench press better than a hammer for setting leather rivets?

A bench press, or hand press machine, applies downward force consistently and vertically, ensuring the rivet is set evenly without deforming the cap. Hammers often result in missed strikes, noisy operation, and unevenly set fasteners, especially when working with thick leather or double cap rivets. A dedicated press machine guarantees professional, repeatable results with minimal effort and noise.

What are LSI keywords I should look for when buying additional setting dies?

When searching for extra setting dies, ensure you look for LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords related to your main purchase, such as snap setter die, grommet setting tool, universal press machine adapter, or confirm the machine thread size (often M8 or 1/4 inch) to guarantee compatibility.

Do all best rivet press for leather models come with both the machine and the rivets?

No. As seen in our reviews, many comprehensive kits (like the Leather Hand Press Machine Kit and the All-in-One Set) only include the hand press machine and the setting dies (the molds). The actual fasteners (double cap rivets, snaps, or grommets) must usually be purchased separately, based on your color and size needs.

What is “throat depth” and why does it matter for leather craft tools?

Throat depth refers to the distance from the vertical column of the press to the center point where the rivet die sits. A greater throat depth allows you to insert larger pieces of leather or fabric into the machine, which is crucial when setting rivets or snaps near the center of a wide belt or the middle of a large handbag panel.

Can I use a rivet press machine for materials other than leather?

Yes. Quality bench press machines are versatile and can be used to set fasteners on canvas, heavy fabrics, vinyl, thin plastics, and cardboard. They are widely used in garment construction, shoe repair, and sailmaking, proving they are essential leather craft tools with broad applications.

If I buy a specialized press machine, how do I ensure future compatibility with different types of fasteners?

Always check the threading size of your machine’s arbor (the shaft where the dies attach). Most professional-grade rivet press machines use standard threading (like M8 or 1/4-inch), which allows you to purchase different setting dies (for items like line 20 snaps or heavy-duty grommets) from various manufacturers, ensuring long-term flexibility.