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In this article, we’ll explore the many uses and applications for rivets. We’ll look at how rivets work, the different types available, and some of the key industries and products that rely on rivet fasteners to function properly. Whether you’re an engineer, builder, or simply curious, read on to learn all about the uses for rivets.
What are Rivets and How Do They Work?
A rivet is a mechanical fastener that consists of two main parts: the rivet body and mandrel. The rivet body is a head on one end, a shank, and a second head formed on the other end during installation. The mandrel fills the hollow center of the rivet body to prevent deformation during riveting.
To install a rivet, the rivet body is inserted into pre-drilled holes through the materials being joined. The tail end of the rivet is then upset and flattened using a hammer, press, or pneumatic riveting gun. As the tail is deformed, the mandrel is pulled and breaks off. This process forms the second head and clamps the rivet in place, joining the materials together.
The rivet holds tight as long as the rivet body fills the hole and the set head prevents the rivet from being pushed back out. This creates a permanent mechanical connection without requiring welding, bolts, or adhesives.
Types of Rivets
There are several types of rivets available to suit different applications and materials. Some of the most common rivet types include:
- Solid/blind rivets - Cannot be installed where access is limited to one side. Requires access to both sides of a joint.
- Semi-tubular rivets - Similar to solid rivets but have a partial hole to allow mandrel release. Requires access to both sides.
- Tubular rivets - Have a completely hollow body to allow mandrel removal through the set head. Can be installed blind from one side.
- Split rivets - Can also be set from one side. The mandrel splits and is retained in the rivet body.
- Drive rivets - Have specially shaped mandrels that can be driven out using a hammer after installation.
- Self-piercing rivets - Can pierce and compress together softer stacked metals in a single operation.
- Structural rivets - Extra large rivets designed for maximum strength in demanding structural connections.
Materials range from aluminum, steel, copper, brass, and more. Coatings such as zinc can be applied to resist corrosion.
Uses of Rivets in Key Industries
Now that we’ve looked at what rivets are and the various types available, let’s examine some of their most common and critical uses across different industries.
Aviation and Aerospace
The aircraft manufacturing industry relies heavily on rivets. Tubular and solid rivets are used throughout airplanes and rockets to make every structural joint. Rivets create smooth outer surfaces that reduce drag while allowing parts to be disassembled for maintenance and repair. Riveting also evenly distributes stress loads across joints. Critical factors like shear strength, corrosion resistance, and reliability make rivets the preferred fastening method in aviation.
Construction and Infrastructure
Rivets have been used in construction since ancient times to build wood, stone, and metal structures. Today, steel rivets reinforce concrete, bridge girders, cranes, towers, and more. Tubular rivets are ideal for joining steel I-beams, channels, and plates used in heavy construction. Their high clamping force makes them well-suited for demanding structural connections. Rivets distribute stresses evenly across joints and won’t loosen over time like bolts and screws. This makes them a reliable and durable fastener.
Marine and Offshore
The harsh saltwater environment requires hardware made to resist corrosion. Marine-grade aluminum rivets meet these needs and are used to assemble boat hulls, decks, railings, and other components. Stainless steel rivets also perform well. Blind rivets allow for easy installation in tight spaces. Using rivets instead of welding simplifies repairs and maintenance. And because rivets form tight seals, they help make vessels watertight.
Automotive
Automobile assembly has relied on rivets since the early days of the industry. Rivets provide durable and secure fastening for auto body panels, frames, wheels, and interior components. Using advanced pneumatic riveting guns, robots can quickly insert thousands of rivets to mass produce cars. Self-piercing rivets join and clinch together layered metals and composites without pre-drilling. Rivets help automakers maximize strength while keeping vehicle weights down for fuel efficiency.
Appliances and Electronics
The manufacture of appliances and electronic devices involves joining thin metals and other materials. Small aluminum and steel blind rivets are ideal for these applications. Appliance housings, control panels, circuit boards, and computer chassis are often assembled using specialty rivets. They provide solid fastening without nuts, bolts, or screws that could interfere with electronics or snag wires. Rivets also withstand vibration better than threaded fasteners.
Everyday Products
Beyond major industries, rivets touch our lives in common products we use every day without much thought. Here are some examples:
- Jeans and other clothing use copper rivets to reinforce points of strain like pocket corners.
- Pencil sharpeners, tools, and kitchen gadgets use small blind rivets in their casing and joints.
- Backpacks, luggage, and sporting goods contain rivets for strength, often with polymer coatings.
- Musical instruments rely on rivets to assemble guitar bodies, drum hardware, piano frames, and woodwinds.
- Eyeglass frames take advantage of tiny aluminum alloy rivets at hinges and joints.
Rivets offer the unique ability to make both lightweight and heavy duty connections in an endless array of applications. Anywhere secure fastening is required, rivets provide an inexpensive and reliable option.
Conclusion
Rivets may seem like humble pieces of hardware, but societies across history have relied upon riveted connections for basic functions. Modern aluminum aircraft, soaring bridges, and even rugged jeans depend on the strength and durability of rivets. From industrial machinery, transportation, infrastructure, appliances, and consumer products, rivets touch nearly every aspect of our manufactured world in some way. And innovative rivet technologies ensure they will continue improving our lives for generations to come. CNC Milling CNC Machining