Multi-Grip Rivets
What are multi-grip rivets? Multi-grip rivets are blind rivets designed to work across a much wider range of material thickness than a standard rivet. The body and mandrel are shaped so the rivet forms differently depending on how much material it finds, which means one part number covers what would otherwise take three or four sizes. They also produce a larger blind side bulge, giving better hold in oversized or irregular holes. AlbanyCountyFasteners.com stocks multi-grip rivets in aluminum with aluminum mandrel and aluminum with steel mandrel.
Why use a multi-grip rivet instead of a standard one?
Two reasons, and the second is the one that saves money. The obvious one is variable material: if you are riveting a joint whose thickness changes across the assembly, or you cannot measure the stack accurately, a multi-grip rivet covers the range where a standard rivet would need to be exactly right. The less obvious one is inventory. One multi-grip size replaces several standard sizes, which cuts what you stock, cuts what you carry to a job, and cuts the chance of an installer grabbing the wrong box. That last point matters in production work, where grip range errors are one of the most common causes of weak riveted joints.
Why choose multi-grip rivets
- One rivet covers a wide thickness range, replacing several standard sizes
- Reduces inventory, handling, and the risk of installer error on the line
- Larger blind side bulge gives better hold in oversized or irregular holes
- Higher shear and tensile strength than an open end rivet of the same size
- Useful for repair work where the exact material stack is unknown
Material options
- Aluminum with aluminum mandrel, matched materials with no dissimilar metal inside the rivet
- Aluminum with steel mandrel, stronger set from the steel mandrel, better suited to dry indoor service
Common applications
- Production assembly where reducing stocked sizes saves real money
- Joints with variable or uncertain material thickness
- Repair and field work where measuring the stack is impractical
- Trailer, truck body, and transportation panel assembly
- Sheet metal fabrication with mixed gauge material
- Oversized or irregular holes where a bigger blind side bulge helps
For a single known thickness, open end rivets cost less. Where the joint must also seal, use closed end rivets, and for high shear or vibration see structural rivets.
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Multi-Grip Rivet FAQs
How wide is the grip range on a multi-grip rivet?
Considerably wider than standard, often covering what would take three or four conventional sizes. The exact span is printed on each part, so check the listed range against your material stack rather than assuming any thickness will work.
Are multi-grip rivets stronger than standard rivets?
Generally yes, in the same size and material. The body design produces a larger blind side formation, which raises both shear and tensile values compared with an open end rivet. Some suppliers describe them as semi-structural for this reason, though they are not a substitute for a true structural rivet.
Are multi-grip rivets sealed?
No, these are open end style bodies. If you need a watertight joint, use closed end rivets, which seal the body entirely.
Can I still get grip range wrong with a multi-grip?
Yes. The range is wider but it is still a range. Below the minimum the joint stays loose, above the maximum the body cannot form correctly. Multi-grip rivets reduce the chance of error, they do not eliminate it.
Which mandrel should I choose?
Aluminum mandrel for wet or outdoor service, since it leaves no dissimilar metal inside the rivet. Steel mandrel for a stronger set in dry indoor work, accepting that the steel remnant can corrode if the joint gets wet.
Do they set with a standard rivet tool?
Yes. No special tooling is required, though the wider forming action means a slightly longer pull, so make sure your riveter has full stroke travel.