Rivets

About rivets

Rivets are permanent mechanical fasteners used to join two or more components, typically sheets of material. They consist of a smooth cylindrical shaft with a head on one end, which is deformed on the opposite end during installation to create a second head, securing the joint. Common types include blind rivets (often called pop rivets), which can be installed from one side of the assembly, solid rivets, which require access to both sides for bucking, structural rivets designed for high-strength applications, and semi-tubular rivets, featuring a partial hole at the tail end to reduce the force required for setting. Key selection parameters include diameter, grip range (the total thickness of materials to be joined), head style (e.g., dome, countersunk, large flange), and material composition. Materials frequently include aluminum alloys (e.g., 5052, 5056), steel (carbon steel, stainless steel like 304 or 316), and copper, often with finishes such as zinc plating, anodizing, or plain. Rivet setting tools, including manual, pneumatic, and hydraulic options, are also categorized by their capacity for different rivet diameters and materials.