Fastener Library: Rivet Buying Guide

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Deciding on the best rivets for your job requires a knowledge of the types of rivets and their applications. For example, if you require an option that doesn’t need backing to support jointed materials, you likely need pop rivets. Find out more about these fasteners and the types you may need for specific jobs.
When used as a verb, the term “rivet” means to secure in place or keep something from moving. This definition also applies to what rivets do. These small parts prevent pieces they join from separating.
Rivets are permanent fasteners that join two pieces of material together. Unlike bolts that require nuts to hold them in place, pop rivets do not need anything behind them. Without the need for backing to support them, you can install rivets from one side. The fact that you only need access to one side of a piece increases the number of places where you can use rivets.
Rivets have various sizes and forms. Commonly used types include traditional forged rivets and pop rivets. Forged rivets have applications in heavy ironwork and require hammering from the backside. Pop rivets join thin pieces together with the help of a pop rivet gun.
Rivets can handle shear and tensile loads. They can even tackle watertight applications for the boating and automotive industries.
Knowing how rivets work is critical for sturdy results. Each rivet type requires a different installation method. To use forged rivets you:
To use pop rivets, you:
When you actuate your pop rivet gun, the central mandrel moves up while the head of your rivet stays against the outside surface. This action compresses and expands the bottom portion of the rivet until it reaches approximately 1 1/2 times its original diameter. The result is a larger bearing surface that holds your two materials together.
Our catalog features multiple types of rivets, with many pop rivet designs. These rivet styles include everything from extra strong and large models to those that hide well in the surface structure.
Pop – or blind – rivets are highly popular because they only require installation from one side. Some types of pop rivets require that you predrill holes in the material to accommodate the rivets. However, self-drilling, self-tapping and speed fastening blind rivets do not require you to drill holes first.
Examples of pop rivets you might consider include:
Solid rivets are the traditional style of rivet that require you to heat the fastener metal to install. You may see these fasteners in the following materials:
Solid rivets are some of the strongest rivets available and were even used to build structural-steel buildings before they were replaced with different techniques.
This last type of rivet has a more narrow application outside of heavy construction. The split legs of these rivets do not hold metal together. Instead, split rivets work best with wood, leather or similarly soft materials.
Several industries use pop rivets in addition to other types. You’ll find them in:
Traditional forged rivets are the kind you see on heavy ironwork and may be used on aircraft and other large equipment to permanently join aluminum alloys where it is difficult to solder. Split rivets may be used in furniture making or in other woodworking and craftsman applications.
You need to consider three different dimensions when choosing your rivets. Here’s how you measure a rivet:
For example, a size 45 rivet has a 4/32-inch body diameter and a 5/16-inch grip length. A size 68 rivet has a 6/32-inch body diameter and an 8/16-inch grip length. The rivet’s length should equal the thickness of the fastened objects. Then, add 1.5 times the length of the diameter of the rivet’s stem to arrive at your measurement.
It is also key to ensure you have the correct length for the rivet. Manufacturers measure from the underside of the rivet’s head to the very tip of the stem and do not include the head itself in the length.
With this information, you can choose the rivets that are best suited to the sizes and types of material you’re riveting. Depending on the softness of the materials you’re joining and the number of rivets you want to install, you can choose a rivet with a larger or smaller diameter head. A large head offers an increased bearing surface and will better resist pull-through and vibration. You can also look at the head height, which is a consideration if you want a smooth surface with a nearly flush rivet head.
Regardless of the types of rivets you need, you can find them here at All Points Fasteners. If you have questions or cannot find the rivets you’re looking for, contact us online for answers. We have live, English-speaking representatives available if you want to call us with your questions.
We put businesses like yours first in our operation and will do everything possible to get the fasteners you need for the jobs you do. Let us be your source for all the metal rivets your industry needs. Browse through the premium products in our catalog today to get started.
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