Rivets are essential fasteners for firmly joining various materials. They are used in a wide range of fields, from aircraft and automobiles to everyday furniture and electronic devices. Choosing and using the right type of rivet can greatly affect the quality and durability of a product, so it’s important to select a rivet suited to the intended application. This article explains the different types of common rivets, their unique characteristics, how to use them, and tips for selection. It serves as a guide for those using rivets for the first time or struggling with selection, so please refer to it.

1. Basic Knowledge of Rivets

Rivets are mechanical fasteners used to firmly join two or more materials.

The basic structure of a rivet consists of a head and a shank, which is inserted into a pre-drilled hole and then plastically deformed at the end to secure the parts. This process is called “setting”, and it is done with a hammer or special tool.

1-1. What Are Rivets? Explanation of Roles and Features

As mentioned above, rivets secure two or more materials by inserting and setting them from one side, fixing the materials without using nuts or bolts. They are widely used in industrial fields such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. Compared to other fasteners, rivets provide strong tensile and shear resistance and allow stable fastening over the long term.

1-2. Situations Where Rivets Are Useful: Usage Examples by Application

Rivets are particularly effective in narrow spaces or locations that only allow work from one side, where nuts and bolts may not be suitable. They are frequently used in areas requiring durability and safety, such as car body parts and aircraft exterior panels. Additionally, rivets play an important role in various fields such as furniture, home appliances, and even clothing and bags. Different types of rivets are selected depending on the environment and application, showing their effects in the right places.

1-3. Main Advantages and Disadvantages of Rivets

Advantages

• Strong Holding Power: Rivets have strong tensile and shear strength and are used where secure fastening is required. They are especially suitable for situations where long-term stable joints are needed.
• Single-Sided Operation: Rivets allow work from only one side, making them easy to use in tight spaces or areas with limited access. Blind rivets, in particular, are specialized for single-sided work and are conveniently used in many scenarios.
• Cost-Effective: Rivets provide high durability at a low cost. They come in various sizes and materials, allowing the selection of the optimal rivet for the application.

Disadvantages

• Difficulty in Removal: Once set, rivets require destruction to remove and cannot be reused. If changes or repairs are needed after installation, removing rivets requires additional work and time.
• Special Tools Required: Installing rivets requires special tools (such as a riveter). Particularly in industrial settings, it is necessary to have the right tools for the job, and setup costs may be incurred if equipment is not already available.
• Limited Flexibility in Connections: While rivets are suitable for fastening mainly metals and hard materials, they may lack the flexibility to adjust the position between materials. Compared to bolts and nuts, rivets cannot be loosened or adjusted, which is a disadvantage.

2. Types of Common Rivets

1. Solid Rivet

Solid rivets are made from a single piece of metal, offering high strength and durability. They are widely used in industries requiring strong connections, such as aviation and automotive, and are commonly used in heavy machinery and structures.

• Features: High strength and durability, resistant to vibration and impact, used in harsh conditions such as aircraft and automobiles.
• Applications: Heavy machinery, structures, aircraft, and automobiles.

2. Tubular Rivet

Tubular rivets have a hollow structure and are used in applications where weight reduction is required. They are commonly used in lightweight yet strong products such as car wipers, bags, and baby strollers.

• Features: Lightweight while maintaining strength. The hollow structure reduces weight.
• Applications: Car wipers, bags, baby strollers, lightweight products.

3. Blind Rivet

Blind rivets, which can be installed from only one side, are very effective in tight spaces and areas with limited access. They are commonly used in the automotive, electronics, and construction industries and can secure areas where bolts and nuts cannot be used.

• Features: Can be used from one side and is suitable for narrow spaces.
• Applications: Automobiles, electronics, construction.

3. Basic Use of Rivets

3-1. Steps for Installing Rivets Using a Hand Riveter

To install a rivet, a special tool called a hand riveter is used. Below are the standard installation steps.

1. Drill a Hole in the Material: First, drill a hole for inserting the rivet. The diameter of this hole is selected to match the shank diameter of the rivet being used. Depending on the material thickness, the rivet length may also need adjustment.
2. Insert the Rivet: Insert the rivet into the drilled hole, aligning the rivet head evenly with the surface of the material. This step is important for ensuring stable final fastening.
3. Set the Rivet with the Riveter: Place the hand riveter on the rivet shaft and squeeze the handle to pull and compress the shaft, causing the end to expand and secure the material. Once properly set, the excess shaft will automatically be cut off.
4. Remove the Riveter: Once setting is complete, remove the hand riveter and confirm that the rivet is securely fastened. This completes the installation process.

4. Points for Selecting Rivets

4-1. How to Choose the Optimal Rivet for Each Environment

When selecting rivets, the environment of use and the properties of the materials are key factors. Different types of rivets vary in suitability for the environment and materials they join.

• Material Properties: The hardness and thickness of the materials being riveted determine the appropriate rivet material and size. For example, aluminum rivets are lightweight and suitable for industries with weight restrictions, such as vehicles and aircraft, while iron rivets are strong and commonly used in construction and heavy equipment.
• Corrosion Resistance: If the rivets are exposed to humidity or chemicals, corrosion-resistant rivets are suitable. Stainless steel and aluminum rivets are rust-resistant and are commonly used in coastal areas and chemical plants.
• Temperature and Chemical Influence: In high or low-temperature environments, rivet material must withstand these conditions. Metal rivets tend to withstand high temperatures well, but plastic rivets or specialized materials are recommended for chemically affected environments.

4-2. Choosing with Cost-Performance and Durability in Mind

When selecting rivets, it’s essential to balance cost-performance and durability, especially if using them in large quantities. Ensuring quality and durability without sacrificing cost is key.

• Durability for Long-Term Use For long-term use, quality and durability are particularly important. High-strength rivets, such as solid rivets, are suitable for use in harsh conditions like aircraft and heavy machinery. While initial costs may be high, they can reduce the need for maintenance and replacement, resulting in lower total costs.
• Cost Efficiency in Mass Production For industries that use rivets in large quantities, cost efficiency is crucial. For example, plastic or aluminum rivets are lightweight and inexpensive, making them suitable for mass production.

Conclusion

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