Rivet buying guide

A rivet is a fastener designed to hold two pieces of material together via a single drilled hole. The tail of the rivet is deformed or 'upsetted' which holds it securely in place. Generally installed using a rivet gun, rivets are widely used in mechanics and auto body repairs, but that's not all – some types of rivets are even used in textiles.

A rivet is made up of three parts:

1. A head (which can be flat, domed, countersunk).

2. A body or shaft.

3. The tail which is 'upsetted' to fix the rivet in place.

Solid rivets were once mainly used to form hot riveted joints, but have largely been replaced by various other types of rivets which are quicker to install. However, hot riveting is still used today to restore old joints and for decorative purposes (in industrial design, for example). In this case, the tail of a steel rivet is heated with a gas welding torch before being upset with a rivet gun or setter.

Tubular rivets feature a shallow hole at the tip which makes them easier to install without heating. With careful installation, these rivets can be used as pivot points and can prove very handy for moving joints.   

Semi tubular rivets are ideal for tasks like repairing belts and are made up of one or two parts. Usually made of brass, these rivets are easy to fit with minimum effort.

Depending on the type of rivet, you might need to use a punch for a neat finish. These rivets may also be known as hollow rivets.

All you need is a pair of revolving punch pliers to make a hole in the leather or fabric before using a specific hand riveter to match the diameter of the rivet to install the rivet and keep the elements in place.

Hammer drive rivets are solid rivets with a round or domed head, and a helical threaded body. They can also be called U drive screws. These fasteners are placed in blind holes using a hammer or press.

Hammer drive rivets are often used for installing wall signs, licence plates and car manufacturer plates. They can also be used to install signs on industrial machines or equipment such as pumps or valves.

Split rivets feature a domed or truss head made of brass or steel, and a tail split into two wings that are folded back to secure things like bike components (mud guards, plates, etc.). They can also be used for leather goods. It's important to install these rivets correctly on your first try as the wings will snap easily if they have to be bent more than once. You can add on a washer to these rivets to secure the fastening.

These rivets have seriously revolutionised the industrial world. They are quick and easy to install and offer impeccable results. Blind rivets can be used to replace a whole range of screws in permanent assemblies. In fact, this type of rivet can be used to install miles of industrial ducting in no time.

They are made up of two parts:

• a mandrel;

• a pin.

You only need a hand riveter or a rivet gun with the right kind of power to match the diameter of the rivet to install these rivets. Simply match the length and diameter of the rivet to the thickness of your materials.

How to calculate the length of a blind rivet

Here is a formula to help you find the right rivet to match the elements you want to assemble:

• The total thickness of the materials you want to assemble x 1.1 = Total 1

• Diameter of the rivet x 1.5 = Total 2

• Total 1 + Total 2 = correct rivet length

For example: 1.5mm metal sheet = (1.5 + 1.5) x 1.1= 3.3 mm

• Rivet Ø 2.4 mm x 1.5 = 3.6 mm

• Rivet length = 3.3 + 3.6mm = 6.9 mm

Manufacturers will generally indicate a grip range for each type of rivet. Be sure to check this before purchase. Please note: choose a rivet that is too long for your assembly and the tail may protrude which can lead to injuries. 

Different types of blind rivets

Standard blind rivets

Standard blind rivets are generally the most commonly used rivets. It's a good idea to have a range of these inexpensive rivets in your tool box with a hand riveter to cover a variety of DIY jobs. These rivets are often used to install car licence plates and come in all colours to match the plate itself.

Sealed blind rivets

The mandrel head of the rivet is contained within the rivet body which means these rivets provide a perfect seal even under pressure. It's important to follow the recommended hole sizes very closely with this type of rivet. It's also possible to add a neoprene washer under the rivet head. These rivets can be used to assemble metal and plastic.

Peeled blind rivets

As these rivets are set, the body divides into several parts for a larger bearing area which is ideal for fastening metal to soft materials. Included in this category are what some manufacturers call 'T-style' blind rivets which have a unique internal locking system which enhances shear strength.

Multi-grip rivets

Multi-grip rivets provide a large bearing surface and can fill holes effectively which is handy for dealing with uneven, oblong or misshapen holes. They can be used to replace several standard blind rivets in different sizes which can make storage easier. The pin remains locked and is impossible to extract. These rivets are ideal for thin metal sheet and components likely to deal with vibrations.

Plastic blind rivets

These rivets are installed just like standard rivets. They come in a range of colours and are used for non-conductive materials. The body and pin are made of plastic (either polyamide or nylon) and the head is flat. It goes without saying that these rivets can only be used for lightweight applications.

Structural blind rivets

These blind rivets come highly recommended thanks to their high tensile and shear strength. They feature a locking mechanism to keep the mandrel in place and a wide hat to prevent pull-out. The mandrel itself is grooved to allow hand riveters to get a better grip.

Grooved blind rivets

The grooved bodies of these rivets makes them easy to spot. This design makes them ideal for fastening in blind holes. It's important to choose the right rivet material depending on the materials you are assembling so as not to cause damage.

Rivets and eyelets for textiles

Used for a range of in day-to-day purposes, eyelets are often found alongside rivets. Fitted to things like clothes, shoes, tarpaulin sheets, sails and leatherwork, these rivets need to be installed using a special type of tool or a punch and die.

Comparable to tubular rivets, the idea is to create a rim for threading laces or cords through materials. Many different types of rivets and eyelets are used in clothes making, the most popular being:

• rapid rivets;

• rhinestone rivets;

• oval or rectangular eyelets;

• press studs;

• pyramid studs.

These eyelets and rivets all require the use of special setting tools.

If you are a perfectionist, you might find yourself unimpressed with the final look of a rivet. Some types of rivets (such as standard blind rivets) can be covered up by plastic or brass rivet caps. These caps are designed to improve the finish of fasteners.

But be careful – some rivet caps come with a component designed to be placed between the head and the fastening material. Don't forget to account for this part when calculating the length of the rivet.

It's possible to fit a neoprene washer under the head of a sealed blind rivet.

Before the age of arc or gas welding, metal constructions were assembled by hot riveting. The Eiffel tower, for example, comprises 1,051,000 rivets. Bridges, steel water storage tanks and a great many boats were made strong, resistant and watertight using hot rivets.

A team of workers therefore had to rely on heat produced by furnaces to get the rivets red hot. On the other end, workers would use a hammer or handheld pneumatic riveting gun to shape the end of the rivet into a dome shape. 

As the rivets cooled down, they would contract, permanently locking the assembled parts. Solid rivets can still be used for some small assemblies but more modern types of rivets do tend to make life easier.

World War Two was a time of technological innovation and blind rivets made their appearance during this time to keep up with the demand for rapid production on both sides.