23 Types of Sheet Metal Assembly Rivets. An Ultimate Guide

Sheet metal assembly relies on rivets that provide reliable, permanent fastening across a wide range of industries. Correctly choosing the right type of rivet guarantees structural integrity, maximum performance and long term durability for your assemblies. Each type of rivet has a specific function from high strength aerospace fasteners to lightweight options for electronics. This guide walks you through 23 kinds of sheet metal assembly rivets in terms of their components, benefits, and applications so that you can have the knowledge and certainty when deciding on what kind of rivet to use for your next project.

Understanding Rivets

Rivets are permanent mechanical fasteners used to join two or more materials. They are inserted by passing a metal pin through predrilled holes, then deforming one end to hold it in place. They offer strong, lasting bonds. In situations when welding is not suitable, you can rely on rivets to make solid connections.

Components of Sheet Metal Assembly Rivets

• Rivet Body: The main part of the rivet which usually comprises of aluminum, steel, or copper materials.
• Rivet Head: Rivet head is the top region of the rivet serves as its foundation during installation to offer structural stability.
• Mandrel: It refers to a shaft that creates the rivet piece and supports the rivet body.

23 Types of Rivets for Sheet Metal Assembly

Aircraft Rivets

Aircraft rivets are a crucial part when it comes to securing parts in aircraft. They are specifically made for aerospace industry and built for extreme conditions. You will use them in aircraft fuselages, wings, and other critical parts. Because of their high durability and resistance to vibrations and extreme temperatures, they are suitable for these applications. However, aircraft rivets are expensive and require special tools for installation, making them less widely available.

Blind Rivets

When access to both sides of material is limited, blind rivets are a go to solution. For this reason, you find them often in applications where only one side is accessible, such as automotive or electronics manufacturing. An advantage of having them is that they are easy to install, as you do not need to access the back side of the material. Blind rivets are convenient, but they are weaker than solid rivets. The head of the rivet may not always be as flush as you might want for aesthetic purposes.

Eyelet Rivets

Eyelet rivets can be designed with a tubular body and flared head, suiting them for making holes through which wires or cables can pass. With such strength and durability, these rivets are an excellent choice for securing wires and cables. But other types of rivets can be easier to install than theirs. These are mainly used in the electronics, textile and fashion industries, where routing cables or securing components is a must.

Swaged Pin

The strength of the swaged pins is high and they are fixed permanently once they are installed. Swaging is used to deform the pin and provide a secure hold which is ideal for the heavy duty applications. On the downside, there is a need for specialized tools during installation and the pin is difficult to remove once set. Permanent assembly is required in heavy machinery and construction, so swaged pins are commonly used.

Taper-Lok Fastener

Tapered design of Taper-Lok fasteners helps to lock materials tightly together. They are frequently used in precision applications that need high strength fastening. Taper-Lok Fasteners have an outstanding hold, but you have to use special tools to install them. Aerospace and military applications are where they are usually found, where maximum strength and precision are paramount.

Thin Wall Blind Bolt

Thin-wall blind bolts provide a fastening solution for thin materials without opening both sides. Under the Military, the standard bolts are easy to install, even in confined spaces, but limited strength and not appropriate for thicker materials. Such components are often used in automotive and aerospace industries.

Double Cap Rivet

Double cap rivets function like regular cap rivets where there is a cap on both sides of the material. They are particularly useful because they can join thicker materials. But they will need additional tools for installation and can be bulky in some cases. Since double cap rivets offer extra holding strength where it is most needed, industries with heavy machinery or construction needs often choose them.

Drive Rivets

Drive rivets are easy and quick to install. A driving tool expands the rivet to hold two materials together. Since they are so easy to use, they make for an excellent choice. On the other hand, they aren’t as strong as other rivet types and have a limited holding power. In automotive and appliance manufacturing where the importance is placed on speed rather than maximum strength drive rivets are often used.

Expansion Rivets

Expansion rivets are versatile fasteners which expand once installed on the material to provide a secure grip. Materials of different thicknesses are suitable and are often used in fragile or hollow materials. Expansion rivets are easy to use but do not hold as well as solid rivets, and can damage softer materials. They are usually used in electrical enclosures and automotive interiors where versatility is important.

Flush Rivets

Flush rivets are designed to allow for a smooth finish with the surface of the material. Because of this, they are ideal for applications where aerodynamics and aesthetics are crucial. Flush rivets can be installed with high precision, but may not be as strong as other rivet types. In industries like aerospace, automotive and military, where a low profile surface is crucial for performance, flush rivets are widely used.

Friction Lock Rivets

Friction lock rivet has a special locking mechanism so that they remain in place when subjected to vibration or pressure. They are highly resistant to movement, so are suitable for critical applications. However, the cost is slightly higher than that of standard rivets, and they require specialized installation tools. In automotive, aerospace and industrial applications where vibration resistance is needed, friction lock rivets are commonly used.

Full Tubular Rivets

There are full tubular rivets with a hollow body and a solid head, delivering secure fastening and still retaining the overall structure’s lightweight. These rivets are used in applications where weight is a consideration, including light automotive parts, appliances and electrical enclosures. They are not as strong as solid rivets though, and will deform under high stress. In specific applications, full tubular rivets provide an excellent strength to weight balance.

Headless Rivets

The name of headless rivets is exactly what it suggests: i.e., without a head and offering a smooth and discreet way to fasten. Ideal for applications where appearance or a clear finish is paramount, these rivets are perfect. Instead they need special installation tools and are less strong than their headed counterparts. In the electronics and automotive industries, securing components without visible heads is common and headless rivets are used.

Hi-Lok Rivets

Hi-Lok rivets are high strength threaded fasteners with excellent holding power. Specifically, they are designed for applications that require higher clamping forces. Hi-Lok rivets offer more holding strength than standard rivets but are more expensive and require specialized installation tools. In aerospace and high performance automotive areas these rivets are widely used.

Large Flange Rivets

The large flange rivet has a wider head to more evenly distribute pressure on the material. It helps prevent material deformation and adds in strength. The larger head will also have an impact on the aesthetics of the material and may not be the best for all applications. Typically used for heavy machinery and structural components are large flange rivets where strength and stability are critical.

Nameplate Rivets

Nameplate rivets are designed to fasten identification plates, labels, or nameplates onto equipment or products. They are easy to install and give a permanent attachment. Nevertheless, they are not suitable for high stress applications and are most commonly used in non structural applications. In the electronics and manufacturing industries, nameplate rivets are often found for labeling parts or products.

Press Rivets

A secure hold is created by pressing rivets using the pressure to expand the rivet inside the hole. They are easy to install, don’t require special tools and are rivets. However, they aren’t as strong as other rivet types and are difficult to remove without damaging the material. Non structural fastening is achieved using press rivets in industries such as automotive and furniture manufacturing.

Self-Piercing Rivets

Self-piercing rivets are capable of creating a hole during the fastening of two materials. The ability to install without having to pre-drill makes them perfect for the quick installation. They can, however, deform thinner materials and may not be suitable for all material types. Most often used in automotive and electronics manufacturing, these rivets.

Semi-Tubular Rivets

Similar to full tubular rivets, semi tubular rivets are hollow body and have a solid head that makes them easier to install. Lightweight and easy to use, these rivets are not as strong as solid rivets, but are less complicated for use. In light duty applications such as electronics and appliance manufacturing, semi tubular rivets are often used.

Shoulder Rivets

Shoulder rivets also have a collar or shoulder for a precise and secure joint. Standard rivets offer worse alignment control than what these provide. However, installation of these devices requires specialized tools and can be expensive. In applications such as the automotive and aerospace industries, shoulder rivets are used, where precise alignment is necessary.

Solid Rivets

These are solid rivets which are formed with a solid shaft and head. These rivets have excellent strength and are long lasting. But, they need access to both sides of the material and installation can be more labor intensive. Aerospace, construction and heavy machinery industries widely use solid rivets for strength and reliability.

Split Rivets

Split rivets consist of a split shaft that permits them to expand to attach two materials together. They are easy to install and a low cost fastening option. They provide less holding power than solid rivets and are not recommended for high stress applications. Split rivets are widely used in light duty applications, including in the clothing and fashion accessory field.

Barrel Bolts (Sex Bolts)

Sex bolts, or barrel bolts, are a bolt with a mate barrel. They hold fast when tightened, and are a strong fastener. Nevertheless, they still need a bolt and barrel so they are pricier than just rivets. In automotive and heavy equipment manufacturing, barrel bolts are used for joining thicker materials.

Installation Techniques for Sheet Metal Assembly Rivets

Manual Installation

However, manual installation is a go to if you’re working on a small scale project or need a simple solution. For this process, you will use hand tools like rivet guns. This is typically used in low volume production or field work when speed isn’t an issue. Manual tools are simple to use and allow for pressure controlled on the rivet.

Pneumatic Installation

In medium and high volume installations pneumatic tools provide a faster and more efficient performance. These tools work by using air pressure to set the rivet, thus dramatically faster than is possible with the use of manual methods. Pneumatic tools can help you save time and effort if you need to do several rivet installations in a short amount of time. In the automotive manufacturing industry, they are commonly used.

Hydraulic Installation

High strength rivets require hydraulic systems; in the case of large scale projects. These systems apply heavy-duty secure fastenings by way of utilizing hydraulic pressure to apply significant force. Hydraulic installation is common in aerospace or auto industries due to the fact that precision and strength are crucial.

Conclusion

Knowing the different sheet metal assembly rivets helps you build stronger and more reliable projects. The different rivet types perform specialized functions based on the materials used and the project needs at hand. Choosing the correct rivet for your project is essential to create strong and enduring connections regardless of your industry sector including automotive, aerospace, electronics and construction. Assessing material compatibility and joint strength will help you select the best rivet type as well as improve your assembly workflow.

FAQs

What Materials Can You Use to Make Rivets?

Where you can employ Rivets?

Rivets are used in many industries for joining materials securely. Here’s how they’re applied in different sectors:

1. Automotive Industry
2. Aerospace Industry
3. Electronics Industry
4. Construction Industry
5. Marine Industry

What are the advantages of Sheet Metal Assembly Rivets?

Benefits to sheet metal assembly with rivets include:

• Durability: Rivets offer a permanent, secure, fastening that can handle high stress and heavy duty applications.
• Corrosion Resistance: The rivets can be corrosion resistant in different environments due to materials such as aluminum, copper and stainless steel.
• Cost-Effective: For many applications, riveting is more affordable than welding or other fastening methods.
• No Need for Access to Both Sides: This is because blind rivets can be installed even when only one side of the material is available.
• Ease of Installation: Pneumatic or hydraulic tools make riveting fast and easy, both in time and labor.

What to Consider While Selecting Rivets?

Choosing the right rivet involves several key factors:

1. Material Compatibility
2. Joint Strength Requirements
3. Environmental Conditions
4. Industry Standards
5. Installation Method and Tooling
6. Aesthetic and Design Considerations

How to Remove Rivets?

Removing the rivets can be tricky but thankfully is possible if you have the right tools:

• Drilling out the center of most rivets will break the rivet and allow for the removal of the body.
• Prying the rivet apart with pliers is possible for headless rivets or softer materials.
• In some cases you would need to grind or use a cutting tool to cut through the rivet material. When doing this, be careful not to damage other surrounding materials.