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Large Flange Rivets

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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

  1. Measure total stack thickness and select a rivet whose grip range covers it.
  2. Drill square to the surface, then deburr both sides. Use the specified drill size.
  3. Place the large flange on the softer or thinner side when possible to maximize bearing.
  4. Support the joint during pulling to limit pillowing, pull until the mandrel snaps.
  5. 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.