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Rivets are metal fastenings that are usually beaten into materials to pin them in place permanently. Cromwell stock a range of different types of rivets from well known manufacturers like Qualfast and our own brand Kennedy.

What are rivets?

Rivets are used to fasten sheets of metal together; they feature a head and a stem. The rivet is punched through or placed into a pilot hole and then the tail is deformed, usually by pounting the tail until it firmly holds in position. Once beaten the tail resembles a dumbbell shape.

What are rivets used for?

Rivets can be used for either lap or butt joints with a variety of different rivet configurations, including single, double and zig-zag formations.

Types of rivets

• Blind rivets - Used when it isn't possible to see the other side of a join (blind). Used in a variety of sectors including aerospace, shipbuilding, and electronics.

• Drive rivets - A type of blind rivet that features a short mandrel atop the head. When driven in with a hammer it causes the end inserted into the hole to flare.

• Flush rivet - Provides good aesthetics and eliminates aerodynamic drag. They features countersunk heads and a countersunk hole which is why they are referred to as countersunk rivets.

• Friction-lock rivet - Available as countersunk or dome shaped, and resembling an expanding bolt, these early forms of blind rivet were the first to be used in aerospace applications.

• Oscar rivets - These types feature splits along the hollow shaft. This causes the shaft to bend and flare outwards as the mandrel is drawn into the rivet creating a wider surface area and securing the rivet in place.

• Self-piercing rivets - These rivets feature a chamfered poke to pierce materials to be joined. They can be used to create a water or gas-tight joint as the top sheet is pierced but not the bottom.

• Solid rivets (also known as round head rivets) - One of the oldest and an a stalwart of fasteners.

• Structural steel rivets - High-strength bolts have effectively made this type of rivet redundant but it is still found occasionally.

Considerations when choosing rivets

• Type of join - Does the surface need to account for drag or is the join blind?

FAQ

Why are rivets used?

Rivets create a join that is both stronger and tighter than a screw of the same diameter could achieve.