#brass button

Denim jeans are more than just clothing; they’re companions in adventure. Sometimes, though, that sturdy hardware like Jeans Button closures and those iconic rivet jeans reinforcements need adjusting or replacing. Maybe a rivet is scratched, uncomfortable, or your style has evolved. Removing rivets might seem daunting, but with the right tools and care, it’s achievable. This guide focuses on how to remove rivets from jeans, ensuring you can preserve the integrity of your beloved denim.

Understanding Denim Hardware: Why Rivets Exist

First, some history! Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis patented riveted pants in 1873. The primary function? Preventing stress points — like pocket corners and the Jeans Button fly area — from tearing. Rivets add structural strength and a distinct industrial aesthetic. Traditional rivets often feature a decorative top cap (visible outside) clenched or pressed onto a separate post (inside). Brass button components were common historically, offering durability and a classic look, though modern rivets use various metals, including coated steel or copper alloys. Understanding this construction is key to safe removal.

Essential Tools & Preparation

Before tackling any rivets, gather the right arsenal:

Sharp Scissors or Seam Ripper are vital for cutting away any fabric threads securing the inside washer or covering the rivet post.

Pliers are essential: Needle-Nose Pliers for gripping and potentially bending/wiggling, and Locking Pliers (Vise-Grips) for extreme holding power and twisting (use cautiously).

A Small Flathead Screwdriver is often ideal for prying under rivet caps.

Consider a Rivet Removal Kit, which often includes a punch and anvil.

A Hammer is needed if using the punch method.

A Metal Punch & Anvil (or very Hard Surface) is crucial for the most controlled method. An anvil provides stable backing; a thick piece of scrap metal can suffice.

Safety Gear like Safety glasses is non-negotiable as metal fragments can fly. Protect your work surface as well.

Prepare Your Jeans:

Empty all pockets completely.

Set up a stable, well-lit workspace.

Identify the rivet type by carefully examining both sides — is it a post-through-cap or a simpler clinched type?

Flip the jeans inside out to locate the post. This end is usually a small metal circle (washer) pressed against the fabric. Use sharp scissors or a seam ripper to gently cut away any threads binding or covering this washer. Clear metal-to-metal contact is needed for the punch method later. For a woman tailoring fit or handling delicate fabrics in certain brands, extra care during this step is vital.

Methods for Removing Rivets from Jeans

Choose the method based on your tools and confidence:

The Punch Method (Most Controlled & Recommended)

Flip the jeans inside out and fully expose the washer end of the rivet post. Position the rivet directly over the opening in your anvil (or sturdy metal block). The rivet cap needs empty space beneath it, while the post/washer rests firmly on the anvil surface. Select a metal punch whose diameter is slightly smaller than the dome of the outer rivet cap but larger than any central hole. Place the punch tip firmly on the center of the outer rivet cap (from the right side of the jeans). Hold the jeans firmly on the anvil and deliver a single, sharp, forceful tap with the hammer. The goal is to dislodge the cap and post assembly downward. Usually, one good strike pops it out. If not, carefully reposition and strike again. Tools designed for handling delicate finishes, sometimes associated with Brass button removal, can be helpful here. Working near the main Jeans Button closure requires steady pressure.

The Drill Method (Use with Caution)

Flip the jeans inside out and find the center of the rivet washer. It’s often recommended to start with a very small pilot hole (1–2mm) drilled straight through the center of the washer/post. This guides a larger bit. Switch to a drill bit slightly larger than the rivet post diameter but smaller than the cap size. Carefully drill down through the center only until you feel resistance release — meaning you’ve drilled through the post connecting washer to cap. Drilling too far will damage the outer cap and denim. Once the post is drilled through, the cap should be loose and can be gently pried off with needle-nose pliers.

The Pliers Method (Least Preferred — High Fabric Damage Risk)

Try to get needle-nose pliers under the edge of the outer rivet cap. Apply extreme caution and gentle leverage to try and lift/bend the cap away. This is very difficult without significantly damaging the surrounding fabric. It is generally best to avoid this method, particularly on thinner denim often chosen by a woman, unless other tools are completely unavailable.

Cutting the Post (Backup Method)

Flip the jeans inside out and cut away any fabric/threads covering the washer. Use very sharp wire cutters or bolt cutters to carefully cut through the rivet post, just below the washer. Slipping risks fabric damage. Once the washer is detached, push or gently pry the cap off the front.

Post-Removal Cleanup

Inspect both sides of the fabric thoroughly for any remaining small metal fragments.

The rivet removal leaves holes that must be reinforced to prevent tearing. Sew a small, tight circle around the holes or iron on a piece of denim patch behind them. This reinforcement is crucial whether you leave the hole, sew it shut, or install a new rivet or snap buttons for jeans as an alternative closure. Replacing a damaged rivet, perhaps with a genuine Brass button, can restore the original heritage look, but requires specialized setting tools for security.

Why Remove Instead of Replace?

While snap buttons for jeans offer convenient alternatives, removal without replacement is sometimes the goal for comfort (e.g., a rivet digging into the hip), aesthetics (simplifying the look), damage (scratched/bent rivets), or recycling/upcycling vintage rivet jeans.

Replacing Rivets vs. Using Snap Buttons

Traditional Rivets: Provide maximum structural strength, ideal for high-stress areas like pockets and fly reinforcements, maintaining the classic Jeans Button area look. Setting requires specific tools (hammer + anvil or press). A genuine Brass button rivet offers a classic aesthetic.

Snap Buttons (like Prym): Much easier to install with pliers or a simple setting kit. Excellent for closures needing easy fastening (fly alternatives, pockets, cuffs). They offer distinct style choices and are often preferred by a woman looking for convenience or specific snap buttons for jeans detailing. However, they provide less structural strength than a solid post rivet.

Conclusion

Removing rivets from your cherished rivet jeans requires patience, the right tools (punch and anvil are highly recommended), and meticulous handling to protect the denim. The punch method offers the safest and most reliable path. Whether repairing a worn Brass button, replacing a damaged Jeans Button fly rivet, or customizing for better fit and comfort, mastering this skill empowers you to extend the life and tailor the personality of your jeans. For areas where ease-of-use or alternative aesthetics are desired, installing snap buttons for jeans is a viable option. Never forget the critical step of reinforcing the fabric after removal to ensure your denim adventures continue without a hitch.