Rivet Products

What are Rivet Products?

Rivet products include the fasteners themselves (blind/pop rivets and structural rivets), the tools used to set them, and related accessories such as backup washers. Rivets create a permanent mechanical joint by pulling and snapping a mandrel inside a rivet body to clamp materials together from one side (blind) or with higher-strength bodies (structural).

Types of Rivets

Blind Rivets (Pop Rivets)

Installable from one side—ideal where rear access is limited.
Available styles: open end, closed end (water-resistant), large flange, multi-grip, tri-fold, countersunk, and colored.
Suited for sheet metal, plastics, composites, and thin-gauge assemblies.

Structural Rivets

Engineered for high shear and tensile loads; vibration-resistant joints.
Often feature a locking mechanism that retains the mandrel for added strength.
Used in transportation, construction, racking, HVAC framing, and equipment builds.

Rivet Materials & Finishes

Aluminum: Light weight, corrosion-resistant; popular for thin sheet and where weight is critical.
Stainless Steel: Highest corrosion resistance and strength; excellent for marine, food, and outdoor use.
Steel (zinc-plated): Strong, economical for general fabrication and machinery.
Copper & Brass: Decorative appearance and good conductivity; common in leather goods and architectural trims.

Common Applications

Automotive & trailers: body panels, interior trim, racks, and accessories.
Aerospace & marine: skins, covers, fixtures, splash-prone assemblies.
Construction & fabrication: framing, brackets, signage, HVAC plenums, enclosures.
Retail fixtures & furniture: sheet-to-sheet and composite fastening.

How to Choose a Rivet

Grip range: Match the total material thickness (stack-up) to the rivet’s rated grip range.
Head style: Dome (general), large flange (soft/oversized holes), countersunk (flush surfaces).
Material pairing: Match or isolate dissimilar metals to minimize galvanic corrosion; use backup washers on soft materials.
Environment: Prefer stainless steel or closed-end styles in wet/chemical exposure.

How to Install Rivets (Step-by-Step)

Select the rivet: Choose size, material, and grip range for your stack-up.
Prepare the work: Mark and drill holes; deburr both sides. Use the rivet’s recommended drill size (typically 1/64"–1/32" over body).
Fixture parts: Align panels; clamp if needed to keep holes concentric.
Insert the rivet: Place the body through the hole with the head seated flush.
Set with a rivet tool: Fit the tool nosepiece over the mandrel and actuate the tool until the mandrel snaps.
Inspect the set: Head seated, tail properly formed, no gaps; remove any mandrel fragments.
Seal if required: For watertight joints, use closed-end rivets and/or sealant and backup washers.

Tips for Reliable Results

Wear eye protection; keep hands clear of the tool stroke.
Practice on scrap to confirm hole size and grip before production work.
Use backup washers on soft materials or oversized holes.
Keep nosepieces clean; replace worn jaws to ensure consistent pulls.

Specialty Styles You’ll See

Closed-End (Sealed) Blind Rivets: Help block moisture migration through the rivet body.
Multi-Grip / Tri-Fold: Handle variable stack-ups or spread the tail for thin/soft substrates.
Countersunk: Flush finish for sliding surfaces and cosmetic panels.

Common Riveting Issues (and Quick Fixes)

Rivet spins in the hole: Hole too large or soft substrate → use correct drill size, a larger rivet, or add a backup washer.
Poor set / loose joint: Wrong grip range or material thickness mismatch → select a rivet whose grip covers your stack-up.
Mandrel won’t snap: Insufficient tool force or worn jaws → service tool or use a more powerful model.
Leak around rivet: Open-end in wet areas or imperfect sealing → use closed-end rivets and add sealant/washer as needed.

Frequently Bought Together

Rivet tools (hand, ratchet, battery, or pneumatic).
Backup washers for soft materials and oversized holes.
Appropriately sized drill bits and deburring tools.

Why Buy Rivets From Us

Large in-stock selection of blind and structural rivets in aluminum, steel, stainless, copper, and brass.
Matching tools, nosepieces, and washers to simplify one-stop sourcing.
Fast fulfillment and bulk pricing for production or large projects.

Rivet Products FAQ

Get quick answers about grip range, sizing, materials, strength, installation tools, sealing, and troubleshooting so you can choose and install the right rivet for your job with confidence.

What’s the difference between blind rivets and structural rivets?

Blind rivets install from one side and are great for general assemblies. Structural rivets lock the mandrel and deliver higher shear/tensile strength for heavy-duty or vibration-prone joints.

How do I pick the right rivet size?

Match the rivet’s grip range to your total material thickness. The hole size should match the rivet’s recommended drill bit (slightly larger than body diameter).

Are rivets waterproof?

Closed-end blind rivets help resist water passing through the rivet body. For best results in wet areas, combine closed-end rivets with a sealant and backup washer.

Can rivets be removed?

Yes. Drill out the center of the mandrel and then the rivet head with the proper bit size; the body will release.

What tools do I need to install rivets?

A hand, ratchet, battery, or pneumatic rivet gun with the correct nosepiece—plus drill bits for hole prep and a deburring tool for clean edges.

When should I use backup washers?

On soft materials (plastics, composites, thin aluminum) or when holes are slightly oversized. They spread load and improve clamping.

Which materials are best outdoors?

Stainless steel rivets (and washers) offer the best corrosion resistance. Aluminum rivets are lightweight and corrosion-resistant in many environments; avoid mixing dissimilar metals without isolation.