Structural Rivets

What makes a rivet structural?

Two criteria, and both have to be met. The mandrel must be mechanically locked into the rivet body so vibration cannot shake it loose, and the stem must break flush with the head at both the minimum and maximum of the grip range. On a standard open end rivet the mandrel head is retained only by friction, so over time and vibration it can work free, and once it does the joint loses whatever strength that stem was contributing. A locked mandrel changes the arithmetic: the stem becomes a permanent part of the fastener, which is why structural rivets carry substantially higher shear values and much better clamp-up than any conventional blind rivet.

Why choose structural rivets

• Mechanically locked mandrel that cannot vibrate out of the body
• Substantially higher shear and tensile strength than standard blind rivets
• High clamp-up force, pulling joint materials tightly together
• Stem breaks flush with the head across the full grip range
• 302 stainless construction for strength with corrosion resistance

Where structural rivets are required

• Load bearing joints where a standard blind rivet is not rated
• High vibration assemblies, including vehicle and machinery mounting
• Transportation and trailer structural connections
• Equipment frames and chassis work
• Joints that must not loosen over years of service
• Applications where drilling out and replacing rivets is impractical

For general work at lower cost, open end rivets are the standard choice, and multi-grip rivets offer higher strength than open end without moving to a full structural fastener. If your joint needs a reusable thread rather than a permanent clamp, consider rivet nuts.

Related Categories

• Blind Rivets
• Multi-Grip Rivets
• Closed End Rivets
• Rivet Nuts
• Rivet Tools

Structural Rivet FAQs

What is the difference between a structural rivet and a standard blind rivet?

The mandrel lock. A standard rivet retains its mandrel head by friction alone, so vibration can eventually free it. A structural rivet locks the stem mechanically into the body, so it stays put and continues carrying load. That is what allows the much higher shear ratings.

Are structural rivets the same as Huck bolts or monobolts?

Those are trade names within the structural category. Monobolt, Hucklok, Interlock, and similar names all describe locked mandrel structural blind fasteners from different manufacturers. The locking mechanism varies but the principle is the same.

Do structural rivets need a special tool?

Often yes. They require significantly more pulling force than standard rivets, so a hand riveter is usually inadequate. A lever tool or pneumatic riveter rated for the diameter and material is the practical minimum, and larger sizes may need dedicated tooling.

What is 302 stainless?

302 is an austenitic stainless close to 304 in composition and corrosion behavior, with slightly higher carbon that supports greater strength after work hardening. It is a common choice for spring and high strength stainless fasteners.

Can structural rivets replace bolts?

In many shear applications, yes, and they will not loosen the way a threaded fastener can. They cannot be disassembled without drilling, and they do not develop the same preload as a torqued bolt, so a structural rivet is not a direct substitute in every engineered connection. Confirm the requirement against published shear and tensile values.

Do you stock other sizes?

Our current structural range is limited. If you need a size or material outside what is listed, contact us with the grip range, diameter, and shear requirement and we will look into availability.