
Rivets are a common type of fastener. They are made of brass, copper, steel and aluminum. They are used for securing a wide range of materials from steel and aluminum to leather, denim, canvas, etc. Rivets can be found in various sizes ranging from about 5mm to 19mm (0.2 in. to 0.75 in.) long. Rivets are unlike any other fastener.
How to select the correct rivet size?
Rivet Terminology/Nomenclature
- Hole Size. Hole size can be important in blind riveting. ...
- Grip Range. The recommended thickness range over which the body length will consistently provide a proper setting in a hole of the specified diameter.
- Shear. The load applied to a fastener along the joint interface.
- Tensile. ...
- Joint strength. ...
- Joint thickness. ...
- Nature of materials. ...
- Head Style. ...
What size rivets do you use for the body?
– Metric: rivet diameters and lengths are measured in millimeters. Rivets with diameters between 2-20 mm and lengths between 5-50 mm are common for general use. If the dimensions of rivets are not specified on the design drawing, you can determine the rivet size based on the following rules:
What is the smallest rivet size?
The Keeper 585 measures 85 cm (32 inches) long, weighs 1.7 pounds, has 3 mm hardened steel rivets, and comes with $500 of anti-theft protection from Kryptonite. Is your bike worth thousands more than $500?
How to determine rivet type, diameter and grip range?
- Air Rivet Guns
- Cordless Rivet Guns
- Manual Hand Rivet Tools
- Rivet Automation Systems
- Rivet Tool Kits
- Threaded Insert Tools
- Tool Parts - Deflectors
- Tool Parts - Handle Assemblies
- Tool Parts - Hose Couplers
- Tool Parts - Jaw Lube

How do you read a rivet size?
The first number refers to the diameter of the rivet in 32nds of an inch. The second number refers to the maximum grip length in 16ths of an inch. Therefore a size 45 rivet is 4/32" (1/8") diameter with a 5/16" maximum grip range.
Are there different size rivets?
Choosing the right size of blind rivet The grip range corresponds to the total thickness of the materials being joined together. Step 2: Use the table below to determine the length of the blind rivet. The greater the diameter of the blind rivet, the stronger the join.
What diameter are pop rivets?
Table 1.Nom. Rivet Dia.Hole SizeDrill No.3/320.097 - 0.100#411/80.129 - 0.133#305/320.160 - 0.164#203/160.192 - 0.196#111 more row
What is the largest rivet size?
Flat Head Solid RivetsNominalAHead Diameter1 1/81.1251.9691 1/41.2502.1881 3/81.3752.4066 more rows
What is stronger rivets or screws?
Compared to screws, rivets hold much better. They are impossible to open and won't shake loose. This is because the screw only has a head on one side whereas the rivet is supporting both sides. This is also important in the transport process where the frame is subject to vibration.
How are rivets specified?
Rivets are generally specified by its shank diameter. D. Tearing of plates can be avoided by taking the pitch of rivets equal to 1.5 times the diameter of rivet hole.
What is the difference between a blind rivet and a pop rivet?
Blind rivets, also commonly referred to as POP Rivets, are mainly used in applications where there is no access to the rear (blind side) of the joint. Rivets have a two-piece construction; one is called the rivet body, shell, or hat and another is called the stem or mandrel.
What size drill bit do you use for a 1/8 inch rivet?
#30 drill bitThe same applies to the 1/8" rivet and a 1/8" hole. To accommodate these rivet sizes you must use what are known as numbered drill bits. A #40 drill bit is used for 3/32" rivets, and a #30 drill bit is used with 1/8" rivets.
What is the smallest size rivet?
2mm diameterConsidered to be some of the smallest POP rivets, POP Micro Rivets are 2mm diameter open-end rivets that offer quick assembly for applications with very tiny spaces. These extraordinarily small rivets offer low in-place cost while ensuring a secure fit.
How much weight can a rivet hold?
Tensile Strength (Min.) Aluminum Rivet/Steel Body-- 1/8: 220 lbs.; 5/32: 350 lbs.; 3/16: 500 lbs. Steel Rivet/Steel Body-- 1/8: 310 lbs.; 5/32: 470 lbs.; 3/16: 680 lbs. Stainless Rivet/Steel Body-- 1/8: 530 lbs.; 5/32: 820 lbs.; 3/16: 1200 lbs.
How do you calculate rivet diameter?
The Diameter of rivet(for dimension in mm) formula is defined as a chord that runs through the center point of the rivet and is represented as Drivet = 6*sqrt(t) or Diameter of rivet = 6*sqrt(Thickness of Plate). The thickness of plate is the state or quality of being thick.
Can a pop rivet be too long?
Body Length It differs from grip range (which will be explained next), but is an important measurement when considering clearance on the blind side of the material being fastened—a rivet that's too long may not properly fit or could negatively impact whatever resides behind the hole.
What are the 3 types of rivets?
The general types of rivets are solid, blind, tubular, and metal piercing (including split rivets).
What is the difference between a rivet and a blind rivet?
Blind rivets, also commonly referred to as POP Rivets, are mainly used in applications where there is no access to the rear (blind side) of the joint. Rivets have a two-piece construction; one is called the rivet body, shell, or hat and another is called the stem or mandrel.
How do I choose a rivet?
How to Choose RivetsChoose a rivet that's made of the same material as the items you are going to fasten. ... Select the correct length for your rivet. ... Compare blind versus solid rivets. ... Evaluate corrosion-resistance. ... Consider the diameter of the rivet. ... Think about the different head designs that are available.More items...
How many different types of rivets are there?
four basicThere are four basic types of rivets; tubular, blind, solid and split.
How big should a rivet be?
According to the military standard, so the bucked counter head diameter of the rivet joint must be larger than 1.4 times the diameter of the shank.
Why do people use rivets?
There are several reasons for using the riveting method, among which the low cost of installation, the lower requirements for hole preparation, high reliability, light and strong joint due to the low weight, resistance to fatigue due to the high elasticity and durability.
What happens if you punch a rivet too hard?
If the punch is too hard, the mark will be too large and the metal will be distorted.
Is riveting a weldable material?
In spite of all the advances in fastening methods, such as gluing and tightening, riveting is still one of the main method used by the aircraft assembly industry and also by other lightweight construction industries where the high strength sheet metal is not weldable.
How to tell what size rivets to use?
The most common way to specify a rivet size is by 'trade size'. For example 45. The first number refers to the diameter of the rivet in 32nds of an inch. The second number refers to the maximum grip length in 16ths of an inch.
What is rivet part number?
It common for individual rivet manufacturers to use their own part numbers that include the rivet size as well as proprietary codes indicating material, rivet type, or other identifying information. For example a companies part number might look something like D45AA.
What is the grip of a blind rivet?
Blind rivets are sized by a combination of two important dimensions. Grip is the thickness of the material being riveted. The grip range is the minimum and maximum grip the rivet is intended to be used with. It is very important to note that the maximum grip range is NOT the length of the rivet body.
What size rivets are used for 68 rivets?
A size 68 rivet has a 6/32-inch body diameter and an 8/16-inch grip length. With this information, you can choose the rivets that are best suited to the sizes and types of material you’re riveting.
What is the strongest rivet?
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. 3. Split Rivets. This last type of rivet has a more narrow application outside of heavy construction.
What is a countersunk rivet?
Countersunk rivets: Countersunk rivets have heads that sit below the surface, for applications when you need a smooth finish. 2. Solid Rivets. 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:
What rivets are used for button heads?
Steel rivets, aluminum fasteners and copper rivets are among the types you will find as button head designs. Stainless rivets: Stainless rivets differentiate themselves from steel rivets in their ability to resist corrosion. Consider this option if you will have the rivet heads exposed to the elements. Countersunk rivets: Countersunk rivets have ...
How does a pop rivet gun work?
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.
How to use forged rivets?
To use forged rivets you: Locate the rivet head that makes the outside bearing surface. Insert the end without a head into a predrilled hole. Press this end into place to create a second bearing surface on the inside. To use pop rivets, you: Predrill holes through the thin sections of materials you are joining.
What are large flange rivets?
Large flange rivets: These rivets have extra strength and are more durable due to their larger heads compared to other designs. Button head rivets: These rivets have a much smaller design. When you need fastening and improved aesthetics on your work, button head rivets may suffice.
How to measure a rivet?
First, measure the diameter of the rivet itself with a dial caliper. Then, just like measuring a bolt, measure from the underside of the rivet head to the end of the rivet. (CAREFUL!! Make sure you don’t measure to the end of the nail or mandrel that goes through the rivet!)
Is the grip of a rivet the same as the length?
WRONG!! The grip range is not the same as the length. The rivet must expand or swell out on the backside in order to hold the riveted panel together. One rule of thumb is a rivets grip is about 1/8” shorter than its measured length. This particular rivet measuring ½” long would actually have grip range of 3/8”.
What is a rivet?
A rivet is a permanent mechanical fastener with head-on at one end and a cylindrical stem called a tail at the other that has the appearance of a metal pin . Rivets are non-threaded fasteners typically made of steel or aluminum. Before being installed, rivets consist of a smooth cylindrical shaft with a head at one end.
What is a hole in a rivet?
First, a hole is made or punched in the place or parts that need to be riveted using a rivet. Although it may be easier for thin plates to punch, it is difficult in the case of thick plates and parts. A variety of pressurized methods are used to drill holes in those parts.
What is a semi tubular rivet?
The Semi tubular rivets are similar to solid rivets, but they have a hole at the end of the rivet opposite the head. This hole causes the tubular part of the rivet around the hole to roll outward when force is applied. This hole causes the tubular part of the rivet (around the hole) to roll outward when force is applied.
How does a rivet gun work?
Rivets gun is placed on the rivet , and the tail is pulled into the body of the rivet, causing it to expand and hold the parts together. Once caught, the tail breaks off and holds the rivet permanently. This creates riveted joints. Rivets can be used in a variety of ways involving.
What is a 100° countersunk rivet?
These types of rivets come with round universal or 100° countersunk heads. It consists of a solid shaft with a head at one end that, once without a solid rivet, the head end is deformed with a hammer or rivet gun to allow it to be placed.
How does a rivet deform?
The rivet deforms by pounding or breaking the tail, which flattens the material and usually causes the tail to expand to one and a half times the size of the original diameter of the stem. The tail at the ends has a dumbbell-shaped appearance that complements the riveted joint.
How do blind rivets get their name?
Blind rivets get their name from facts that they can be set completely aside. Ideal for projects where access to joints is limited to one side only. These are available in standard, structural, closed-end, and other different styles and for a wide range of applications. Blind rivets are also commonly called pop rivets.