Demystifying the Rivet: Definition, Function and Applications

Global electronic component supplier AMPHEO PTY LTD: Rich inventory for one-stop shopping. Inquire easily, and receive fast, customized solutions and quotes.

What is a Rivet?

Rivet

A Rivet is fundamentally a permanent mechanical fastener. It is made up of a metal shank that is cylindrical and has a head on one end. The materials to be bonded have holes that line up for the rivet to be placed through. The joint is then secured by flattening or peening the shank's tail end, which forms a second head. Through this procedure, a persistent bond is formed that is difficult to break without causing damage to the materials.

When were Rivets Invented?

The exact origin of rivets remains shrouded in some mystery, but archaeological evidence suggests their use dates back thousands of years.

Early Uses: Metal armor, chariots, and even boats were fastened using rivets, as evidenced by artifacts discovered in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt.
Evolution of Riveting Techniques: With the creation of specialized tools and the use of various materials, such as iron and bronze, riveting techniques changed over time.
Industrial Revolution: The usage of rivets increased dramatically throughout the Industrial Revolution, especially in the construction of bridges and ships. Massive iron constructions were developed through the use of riveting.

Types of Rivets

Rivets come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials to suit diverse applications. Here's a look at some common types:

Solid Rivets: These are the most basic type, with a cylindrical shank and a head on one end.
Blind Rivets: These rivets have a mandrel that pushes the shank inward, forming the tail on the backside. They are used in situations when access is restricted to one side of the joint.
Pop Rivets: Pop rivets are a common kind of blind rivet that has a clean appearance because their hollow mandrel bursts off when the rivet is set.
Tubular Rivets: These rivets have a hollow shank, offering some flexibility and improved vibration resistance.

Why Are Rivets Used?

Rivets offer several advantages over other fastening methods:

Easy and Simple Installation: Compared to welding or soldering, riveting is a comparatively simple process that requires few instruments.
Secure and Long-lasting Connections: When rivets are placed correctly, they form a strong, long-lasting joint that deters separation.
Accessibility: Blind rivet alternatives allow riveting to be used effectively in situations when access is restricted to one side of the materials being connected.
Cost-effective: When compared to welding or specialist joining equipment, riveting instruments are typically less expensive.
Wide Material Compatibility: Metals, leather, and even some polymers can all be used with rivets.

How Rivets Work?

The effectiveness of a rivet lies in its straightforward yet ingenious design:

Insertion: The materials to be bonded have pre-drilled holes through which the rivet is inserted. To ensure appropriate gripping power, the hole diameter needs to be somewhat bigger than the rivet shank.
Shaping the Tail: The rivet shank's tail end is visible after it is placed. The next step involves employing a riveting tool to hammer or squeeze this tail.
Forming the Second Head: By deforming the shank's tail end, the hammering or squeezing force generates a second head, or tail, which expands to fill the hole and clamp the attached materials together.
A Permanent Connection: By forming a permanent mechanical lock, the distorted tail keeps the rivet from being pulled out again. The robust and secure joint is guaranteed by the clamping force.

Video related to How Rivets Work

How to Install Rivets?

There are two primary methods for installing rivets, each suited to different situations:

Hammer and Dolly Method: A hammer and a dolly, or metal support anvil, are used in this age-old method. After inserting the rivet and hammering the tail against the dolly, it expands and flattens to produce the second head. For straightforward applications and non-critical joints, this approach works well.
Riveting Gun Method: Riveting guns are used for quicker and more reliable riveting, particularly in industrial settings. These pneumatic or electric instruments shape the rivet tail and secure the junction by applying a regulated squeezing force to the rivet shank.

How to Remove Rivets?

While rivets are designed to be permanent, there are situations where removal becomes necessary. Here's a breakdown of the process, but remember, it's crucial to choose the right tools and techniques to avoid damaging the materials:

Drilling the Head: Gently drill off the rivet's head using a drill bit that is marginally smaller than the head diameter.
Accessing the Shank: Drill through the remaining part of the hole to reach the shank after the head has been removed.
Grinding Down the Shank: You might need to use a grinding tool to grind down the shank flush with the material if it is sticking out from the back.
Punching Out the Shank: After drilling, the residual shank may occasionally be driven out of the backside using a punch and hammer.

How to Measure a Rivet?

For a successful riveting job, using the right size rivet is crucial. Here's how to measure a rivet for proper selection:

Shank Diameter: Use a caliper to measure the rivet shank's diameter. The most important measurement to make sure the object fits correctly in the drilled hole is this one.
Grip Length: The thickness of the materials being bonded is indicated by the grip length. To ensure adequate clamping power, select a rivet whose grasp length is somewhat longer than the whole thickness of the materials.
Head Diameter: Although it has no direct impact on joint strength, the head diameter should be taken into account for aesthetic and clearance reasons. Select a head diameter that fits the intended final appearance and allows sufficient room for the riveting tool.

Are Rivets Stronger Than Bolts?

The answer depends on several factors. Here's a breakdown of the comparison:

Shear Strength: The ability of rivets to withstand stresses applied parallel to the shank is a general strength trait. This makes them ideal for uses like airplane building, where the joint is subjected to shearing stresses.
Tensile Strength: Throughout the fastener, bolts usually exhibit better tensile strength, which allows them to withstand forces that would otherwise tear them apart. They are therefore appropriate for uses in which the joint is subjected to pulling forces.
Versatility: Because bolts are simple to remove and repurpose, they provide more versatility. Conversely, rivets are typically seen as permanent fastening.

Where Are Rivets Used?

Construction: Metal roofing, bridges, and structural steelwork all use rivets.
Manufacturing: Rivets are frequently used in automobile, appliance, and equipment parts.
Aerospace: Because of high shear strength and resistance to severe environments, rivets are essential to the construction of airplanes.
Shipbuilding: Rivets are still utilized in several shipbuilding applications, despite their decreased usage in the past.
Leatherwork: In leather products like belts and wallets, rivets are used to fasten straps, buckles, and other components.

Can Rivets Be Reused?

Once a solid rivet is placed, it cannot be removed or replaced without causing damage to the rivet or the materials it is joining. Solid rivets are permanent. Certain specialty rivets, such as blind rivets with detachable mandrels, can be drilled out and possibly utilized again in non-critical applications.

Conclusion

From their earliest known uses to the present, rivets have stood as a symbol of human ingenuity and the never-ending search for safe and dependable fastening solutions. Their robustness, adaptability, and straightforward yet efficient design have protected anything from powerful warships to the fragile parts of your electronic equipment. Rivets will surely continue to adapt and find new uses as technology develops, securing their position as a useful and ageless instrument in the fastening industry.