FASTENERS 101™
Rivet FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Rivets
POP Rivets are fasteners used when only one side of the installation material is visible.
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A blind rivet is a fastener used when only one side of the installation material is visible.
Most rivets are not watertight. For a watertight seal, use a closed end rivet and install properly.
Any material can corrode in the right circumstances; always choose a material appropriate to the environment.
No, rivets cannot be reused.
Rivets are not engineered for use with wood; use at your own risk.
Rivets can be removed; cover the rivet with blue painters tape to prevent spinning and use a drill to remove the center.
Rivets typically rotate when old, loose, when the rivet diameter is too small, or when installed incorrectly.
Rivets are used to hold two materials together firmly or for aesthetic decoration.
No, once a rivet is installed it is the tightest it will be.
Yes, just make sure you use a paint that will stick to the material it is made out of.
Rivets are used for holding two materials together firmly and quickly.
No, rivets are not as strong as welds.
Yes, rivets are considered a fastener.
To remove a rivet, cover it with tape and drill a hole through the rivet roughly the size of the rivet diameter.
Rivets are measured by diameter and grip length. Rivet diameter is the diameter of the hole the rivet is inserted into. Grip range is the thickness of the material being fastened.
Rivets are installed using a riveter. Rivets are placed in a special tool which pulls the mandrel off and expands the other side. Riveters can be manual, pneumatic, or battery-powered.
POP Rivets are often used when the other side of an assembly is inaccessible to the user.
Rivets are used in permanent assemblies and are typically used to join thinner materials together.
Rivets are used to quickly and efficiently hold two materials together.
Common types include blind rivets, solid rivets, tubular rivets, and drive rivets, each suited for specific applications.
Rivets are strong for permanent joins but generally less strong than bolts under high shear loads; it depends on the application.
A manual or cordless rivet gun (e.g., from brands like Weller or Arrow) is versatile and suitable for home projects.
Yes, if made from corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or aluminum, and properly sealed if needed.
Select based on material thickness (grip range) and hole diameter, matching the rivet’s specs to the application.
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Blind Rivet Diagram
