What is a Rivet?
Rivet Description
A rivet is an unthreaded fastener that uses expansion to clamp materials together and form a secure bond. Rivets consist of a head and a tail or shank. Rivets are fabricated from many different types of material but aluminum alloys tend to be the most popular particularly for aerospace applications.
Rivet Installation
During installation rivets are inserted into pre-drilled holes and the tail/shank is compressed, deforming it and creating what amounts to another head. The compression of the tail/shank also causes the rivet to expand in the hole thus helping to bind the materials together. Blind rivets, often called pop rivets, use a mandrill (a long shaft that protrudes from the head) to compress the tail/shank. The mandrill is pulled out through the head to compresses the tail/shank and is then snapped off. Blind rivets allow installation without requiring access to the rivet tail. Depending on the style of rivet, installation is accomplished using a hammer or a rivet gun.
Solid Rivet
Blind Rivet
Rivet Gun
Rivet Uses
Although in existence for centuries, rivets gained popularity among manufacturers during World War II. Today rivets are used to in all kinds of applications including buildings, bridges, aircraft, vehicles, medical equipment, robotics, and industrial machinery. Â Rivets are prized for their light weight, permanent installation, and high shear strength (support of loads perpendicular to the axis of the shaft).
Rivet Types
- Solid Rivets
- Semi-Tubular Rivets
- Blind Rivets (Pop Rivets)
- Oscar Rivets
- Drive Rivets
- Flush Rivets
- Friction-Lock Rivets
- Self-Pierce Rivets
Leading Rivet Manufacturers
- Avdel
- AVK Industrial Products
- Cherry Aerospace
- Allfast Fastening Systems
- POP Rivets
- Gesipa
- Keystone
- Micro Plastics
Learn More About Rivets
Rivets come in many different styles, materials, and dimensions which can make selecting the right solution challenging. To learn more about how rivets work and to find the right rivet for your application click on the resources below. Want to review options with an expert? Contact bisco industries’ product support team.