Rosa E Hearn CFS, Product Manager — Proferred Rivets Brighton-Best International
rivets
What are the typical riveting faults and how can they be avoided?
To select the correct length for a rivet, measure from the underside of the head to the tip of the stem. The head itself is not included in this measurement.
“These rivets are faulty” or “These rivets don’t seem to work with this rivet gun” are phrases you might have heard (or said before) if working in the construction or fastener industry. Even the best of the best rivet distributors must deal with inexperienced end-users, buyers, and newbies. Product knowledge and experience are invaluable. If you’ve never affixed a rivet, ask your fastener supplier to show you how to pull a rivet and hold a rivet gun. With strong product knowledge, you’re better equipped to safely and effectively get the job done — or teach others how to get the job done!
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First…the basics A rivet is a permanent, non-threaded mechanical fastener typically made of steel or aluminum. It has a head on one end and a cylindrical stem (the “mandrel”) on the other, which looks like a metal pin. The mandrel deforms during installation, expanding to securely hold the rivet in place. Riveting is ideal for the quick, costeffective yet durable fastening of plastic or metal and, particularly, when the assembly remains permanently affixed or if access is limited. The type of rivet and tool used depends on the application, and there are several choices available. As one example, blind rivets use a clamping force and are ideal for use
December 2021 www.fastenerengineering.com
when only one side of an assembly is accessible (making them “blind” to the opposite side). They’re mostly tubular with a mandrel through the center. When inserted into drilled holes, a tool is used to draw the mandrel through the body of the rivet, which expands and deforms the back of the body. The mandrel then snaps off, leaving a clean, finished-looking application. On the other hand, solid rivets are one of the oldest, most commonly used fasteners and require access to both sides of an application for installation. They’re ideal for important structural joints and are often used in several critical industries. During the installation process, the rivet flattens against the back of the hold so DESIGN WORLD
