What are Large Flange Rivets?
Large flange rivets are blind rivets with a wider head that spreads load over a greater surface area. The added bearing area helps reduce pull-through and surface damage on thin or soft materials while providing a secure clamp from one-side access.
When should I use large flange rivets?
- Thin sheet where standard heads could pull through
- Soft substrates such as plastics, composites, or soft aluminum
- Oversized or slightly irregular holes that need extra bearing
- Visible surfaces where a wider head improves appearance and distribution
How do large flange rivets work?
Insert the rivet into a properly sized hole. The tool pulls the mandrel to flare the rivet body behind the joint, clamping the stack. The mandrel snaps at a designed point, leaving a set head on the visible side and the expanded body on the blind side.
How to choose the right size
- Grip range: Match the rated range to the total material stack thickness.
- Diameter and hole size: Use the manufacturer’s drill size. A tight, clean, deburred hole improves clamp and helps prevent movement.
- Material pairing: Aluminum (lightweight), steel (economy strength), stainless (corrosion resistance). Consider galvanic compatibility with the joined metals.
- Head style: Large flange for added bearing, countersunk when a flush surface is required, dome for general purpose.
What drill size for 1/8 in and 3/16 in large flange rivets?
Confirm with the part’s chart for exact series. Many charts pair 1/8 in with a close-fit number drill and 3/16 in with an appropriate letter or number drill. Always verify and deburr both sides.
Common sizes, materials and finishes
- Popular diameters: 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 1/4 in
- Typical grip ranges: about 1/16 in to 1/2 in+, depending on diameter and series
- Bodies and mandrels: aluminum, steel, stainless
- Head options: large flange (this category), dome, countersunk
Where are large flange rivets used?
- HVAC panels and ducting
- Automotive, truck bodies, trailers, and RV interiors
- Electrical enclosures and light-gauge brackets
- Gutters, downspouts, siding, and architectural panels
- Displays, signage, cabinets, and general fabrication
Installation and best practices
- Measure total stack thickness and select a rivet whose grip range covers it.
- Drill square to the surface, then deburr both sides. Use the specified drill size.
- Place the large flange on the softer or thinner side when possible to maximize bearing.
- Support the joint during pulling to limit pillowing, pull until the mandrel snaps.
- For sealed joints, choose closed end versions or add a compatible sealant.
Common issues and quick fixes
- Head pulls through thin sheet, move to a larger diameter or stay with large flange and add a backing washer where appropriate.
- Rivet spins in the hole, hole is oversized, step up drill size or diameter.
- Loose joint, rivet is outside its grip range or holes were not deburred, re-select and reinstall.
Why buy Large Flange Rivets from AlbanyCountyFasteners.com
- Wide selection of diameters, grip ranges, and materials in large flange heads
- Options alongside open end, closed end, countersunk, multi-grip, and structural types
- Fast shipping with bulk pricing and contractor-friendly pack sizes
- USA-based support for size selection, drill charts, and installation tips
FAQs
Quick answers to high-intent questions on sizing, drilling, and use of large flange rivets.
What are large flange rivets used for?
They spread load over a wider area, which helps prevent pull-through on thin or soft materials while keeping a clean appearance.
When should I pick large flange instead of standard dome?
Choose large flange for thin gauge sheet, plastics, composites, or when holes are slightly oversized. Use standard dome for typical sheet-metal joints.
What drill size should I use for 1/8 in and 3/16 in?
Check the chart for your series, keep the hole just over body diameter, and deburr both sides for a strong set.
Do large flange rivets work with plastic or fiberglass?
Yes, the wider head helps distribute load. For very soft or brittle substrates, consider tri-fold or add a backing washer.
Are stainless large flange rivets good outdoors?
Yes, stainless offers strong corrosion resistance. If metals are dissimilar, isolate them to reduce galvanic corrosion.