Iron Rivet

Iron rivets, also known as metal rivets, are one of the common types of fasteners. They are used to join two materials of relatively small thickness, typically sheet structures.

Product features

The simplest type of iron rivet is a cylinder with a round domed head resembling a mushroom in appearance. Such products are called “hammer-set” rivets, as their installation is often performed with this tool. The head can also be of another shape, resembling a nail head — such rivets are called countersunk rivets.

Rivets can be solid or hollow inside. The hollow version is more common, as it is easier to work with.

Iron rivets are made from different materials. The most common are aluminium and brass: they are lightweight and ductile. But these rivets are not suitable for joining steel sheets — reinforced carbon steel products are used for that.

Application and installation rules

Iron rivets are used in aircraft and ship building, as well as for fastening the structures of various machine tools. They are also used in repair work when a permanent connection between elements is required. In essence, rivets replace welding, which is more labor-intensive.

Standard rivets are easy to install: simply drill a hole and insert the fastener into it. On one side, the head provides the grip, while the other end is flattened with a hammer or a special tool.