When the rivet buttons on your favorite jeans break, do you choose to repair them yourself or find a professional tailor to fix them? Actually, removing jeans buttons at home is easy to do, requiring only some simple household tools and a few tricks. To safely remove jeans buttons and rivets without damaging the fabric, use tools like side cutters, pliers, or a flat-head screwdriver. The most effective methods include: snipping the metal shank behind the button with cutters, prying the rivet base open with a screwdriver, or using a drill for heavy-duty metal. Always work from the backside of the garment and apply steady pressure to avoid tearing the denim fibers.
If you're interested, keep reading. This guide will teach you how to remove both jeans buttons and rivets.
Understanding Jeans Button Types
Before you start removing buttons from jeans, it is important to understand the type of button you are dealing with. Different types of buttons require different tools and techniques. Misidentifying a button can cause unnecessary fabric damage and even lead to a lot of trouble.
Below are the most common types of buttons found on jeans and denim jackets.
1. Rivet-Style (Tack) Buttons
Rivet buttons (commonly referred to as tack buttons) are the most common fasteners on jeans, consisting of a button cap and a tack post. They are difficult to remove and require prying or cutting tools.
2. Shank Jeans Buttons
Shank buttons resemble rivet buttons but have a ring-shaped metal or plastic "shank" on the back, allowing for easy attachment and removal, as well as reusability.
3. Sew-On Jeans Buttons
Sew-on buttons are commonly used on soft denim shirts or by fashion brands. These buttons are sewn on with visible thread and can be easily removed using a seam ripper or scissors.
4. No-Sew (Snap-In) Jeans Buttons
No-sew buttons are pre-made fastening buttons that can be pressed in by hand or hammered in. They are designed for easy replacement and are typically included in repair toolkits.
Tools You Need to Remove a Jeans Button and rivet
- Pliers (Needle-Nose or Adjustable)
- Flathead Screwdriver
- Wire Cutters or Metal Nippers
- Protective Cloth or Scrap Fabric
- Cut-Resistant Gloves
- Hammer & Anvil or Metal Block
- Needle File or Sandpaper
Method 1 – Removing a Rivet Button with Pliers and Screwdriver
Step 1: Lay the Jeans on a Flat, Protected Surface
Step 2: Locate and Support the Button Area
Step 3: Use Pliers to Grip the Button Cap
Step 4: Insert the Screwdriver to Create Separation
Step 5: Loosen and Remove the Back Tack
Step 6: Clean the Area and Check for Damage
How to Replace a Removed Jeans Button
Option 1: Use a No-Sew Replacement Jeans Button
This is the easiest method and requires no special tools. These buttons come in kits and are available online or at most craft stores.
1.Align the tack post through the hole on the back side of the waistband.
2.Place the button cap over the front.
3.Hammer the top gently but firmly until secure.
Option 2: Install a Screw or Rivet-Style Button (More Durable)
1.Create a clean hole where the button was removed.
2.Insert the tack post from the back side.
3.Align the button cap on the outside.
Use a hammer or screwdriver (depending on button type) to fasten
Looking for Professional Jean Button Solutions?
While removing old buttons is the first step in repair or recycling, choosing high-quality, durable replacements is what truly defines your brand's quality. At KUNSHUO, we specialize in manufacturing premium, easy-to-install metal buttons and rivets designed specifically for the global garment industry.
Whether you are a fashion brand, garment factory, or wholesaler, we provide:
Bulk Customization: High-precision logos and finishes to match your designs.
Durability & Compliance: Lead-free, nickel-free, and high-tensile strength hardware.
Expert Technical Support: Advice on the best attachment machinery for your production line.
Ready to upgrade your garment hardware?
Contact us today for a free catalog or to request a custom sample pack. Let's build better quality together!
