Rivet for Metal

Rivets are a common fastening element that reliably joins two bases of relatively small thickness.

Very often sheets of metal serve as the parts being joined.

This fastening element got its name from the installation method – riveting.

Product features

Rivets for metal come in different shapes:

• a solid cylinder with a head at the end – the head provides support on one side of the joint, leaving only the other end to be flattened with a hammer or a pneumatic “gun”;
• a hollow cylinder with a head – the principle is the same, but installation is much simpler;
• threaded – a thread is cut inside the cylinder. Installation uses a pneumatic gun with a bolt inserted. Under load, the rivet rotates, and its ends are flattened;
• blind rivet – this rivet is used when it can only be accessed from one side. A metal rod is passed through the hollow cylinder. Using pneumatics, it presses on the hidden part of the fastener, flattening the end. The rod itself then breaks off.

Application and installation rules

Most rivets are made from light but ductile metal alloys – such as aluminium or brass. This makes installation easier. For more heavily loaded joints, fasteners made of carbon steel are used.

The fields of application for rivets vary: they are used in the construction of automobiles, ships and aircraft, as well as in construction and repair work.