What Metal Are Rivets Made Of

2025-09-27
Author: Rivmate Rivet

Rivets are one of the most common fasteners and are widely used in the automotive, aerospace, construction, and mechanical manufacturing industries. Many users search for “What metal are rivets made of” because they are not clear about the material differences of rivets and the distinctions in performance and application among different metals.

The metal material used for rivets directly affects their strength, corrosion resistance, weight and application scenarios. For engineers and maintenance personnel, it is very important to figure out the material selection of rivets.

This blog will comprehensively address this issue, guiding you to understand the common metal types of rivets, their respective advantages and disadvantages, and how to make the right choice in different scenarios. We will draw on Rivmate’s industry experience to offer you professional material selection suggestions.

Foundation: What Is a Rivet?

A rivet is one of the most common mechanical fasteners, used to permanently join two or more pieces of material together. It consists of a rivet body and a tail (or shank). During installation, it is fastened through mechanical deformation.

The common types of rivets mainly include:

Blind Rivet: It relies on the mandrel breaking to expand the tail end of the rivet body and press against the workpiece. Its advantage is that it can be operated from one side, making it very suitable for structures where the backside is inaccessible.
Solid Rivet: It is fastened by hammering or hydraulic forming to cause plastic deformation at the tail end of the rivet body, firmly locking the workpieces together. It is often used in high-strength scenarios, such as in aviation and bridge construction.

The choice of material for rivets is of vital importance. Different metals result in significant performance differences:

Strength: Determines the tensile and shear forces that a rivet can withstand.
Corrosion Resistance: Affects the lifespan of the riveted structure in damp or harsh environments.
Weight: Particularly important in the lightweight design of aircraft or automobiles.

Rivets are widely used in various industries. In aerospace, they are used for connecting fuselage skins and wings; in shipbuilding and marine engineering, they are commonly found in hull and cabin structures; in construction and bridge engineering, they are used for assembling steel structures and load-bearing connections; in automotive manufacturing, they are responsible for the assembly of car bodies, chassis and exhaust systems; and in DIY and light industry scenarios, rivets are often seen in furniture, metal frames and electrical appliance repairs.

From this, it can be seen that understanding the definition and function of rivets is a prerequisite for answering the question “What metal are rivets made of?”. The different materials of rivets determine in which industries and environments they can perform at their best.

What Metal Are Rivets Made Of？

The material of the rivets determines their strength, corrosion resistance and application scope. Different metals for rivets vary greatly in performance and cost, so choosing the right material is of vital importance. The following are the most common types of rivet metals:

(1) Aluminum Rivets

Features: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, easy to process and install.
Advantages: Low density, with a weight of approximately one-third that of steel. Widely used in lightweight design in the aviation and automotive industries. Aluminum also has excellent corrosion resistance and is suitable for outdoor environments.

Disadvantages: Limited strength, lower bearing capacity compared to steel and stainless steel. Therefore, not suitable for high-load or critical load-bearing structures.
Typical Applications: Aircraft skins, car bodies, electronic device casings.

In aircraft manufacturing, more than 70% of the skin connections are made using aluminum rivets.

(2) Steel Rivets

Features: High strength, relatively low cost.
Advantages: High shear and tensile strength, capable of withstanding heavy loads and vibrations. Suitable for large-scale structures.
Disadvantages: Steel is prone to oxidation and rusting; surface protection treatment (such as galvanization or coating) must be carried out.
Applications: Building steel structures, bridges, heavy machinery.

In bridge structures, the usage proportion of traditional steel rivets exceeds 80%, as they have superior load-bearing performance compared to bolts.

(3) Stainless Steel Rivets

Features: Strong corrosion resistance and stable mechanical properties.
Advantages: Can maintain stable performance even in high humidity, salt spray or chemical environments. Perfect for long-term outdoor applications.
Disadvantages: More expensive than ordinary steel. Installation requires greater force, which may increase labor costs.
Applications: Shipbuilding, food equipment, chemical pipelines, outdoor facilities.

In the shipbuilding industry, stainless steel rivets can significantly extend the service life of the connecting components and reduce the need for subsequent maintenance.

(4) Copper Rivets

Features: Excellent ductility, with outstanding electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Advantages: Widely used in electrical engineering and traditional handicrafts. Copper does not corrode as rapidly as ordinary steel in humid environments.
Disadvantages: Lower strength compared to steel, and higher price.
Applications: Electrical connections, leather products (such as belts, harnesses), traditional craftsmanship.

Copper rivets are commonly used in electrical equipment to ensure stable electrical conductivity.

(5) Brass Rivets

Features: Made of copper and zinc alloy, it has an attractive appearance and moderate corrosion resistance.
Advantages: It has excellent decorative effect while maintaining a certain mechanical strength. Its conductivity is superior to that of steel.
Disadvantages: It is not suitable for environments with heavy loads or high stress.
Applications: Instrument manufacturing, decorative items, leather products.

Bronze rivets are commonly used in scenarios that require both beauty and moderate strength, such as furniture and high-end artworks.

(6) Special Alloys / Titanium Rivets

Features: Extremely high strength, lightweight, and with excellent corrosion resistance.
Advantages: About 40% lighter than steel, yet with comparable or even higher strength. Suitable for extreme environments and critical structural components.
Disadvantages: Expensive, difficult to process and install. Usually only used in high-value industries.
Applications: Aerospace structural components, military equipment, high-end industrial machinery.

In the aerospace industry, the use of titanium alloy rivets is increasing year by year, especially on the new aircraft with higher fuel efficiency requirements.

Comparison: Which Metal Rivet Should You Choose?

Material	Advantages	Disadvantages	Typical Applications
Aluminum	Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, easy to install	Low strength	Aerospace, automotive
Steel	High strength, cost-effective	Prone to rust, needs coating	Construction, bridges
Stainless Steel	Excellent corrosion resistance, stable mechanical properties	Expensive, harder to install	Marine, chemical equipment
Copper	Corrosion-resistant, excellent conductivity	Lower strength, relatively costly	Electrical engineering
Brass	Attractive appearance, good conductivity	Limited strength	Musical instruments, decorative items
Titanium	Very strong, lightweight, corrosion-resistant	High cost, difficult to process	Aerospace, defense industry

Key Factors Affecting the Selection of Rivet Materials

In practical applications, the selection of rivet material is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Engineers and procurement personnel need to make a judgment by considering multiple factors such as structural requirements, environmental conditions, cost, and appearance. Here are a few key considerations:

① Load Requirements

If the connection area needs to bear a large load, steel rivets or stainless steel rivets should be chosen first.

They can offer higher shear and tensile strength and are commonly used in bridges, buildings and heavy machinery.

② Environmental Conditions

In humid or corrosive environments, such as those found in the ocean or chemical plants, one should choose stainless steel or copper rivets.

Stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance, while copper can simultaneously offer both electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance in electrical engineering.

③ Weight Requirements

When lightweighting is the design priority, such as in aerospace or automotive manufacturing, aluminum or titanium alloy rivets should be given priority.

Aluminum is easy to install, while titanium offers high strength while achieving lightweighting.

④ Aesthetics

In decorative pieces, musical instruments or furniture, appearance is often more important than functionality. At such times, brass or copper rivets are a better choice, as they are both aesthetically pleasing and have certain anti-corrosion properties.

⑤ Cost Control

In mass production projects, cost is a crucial factor. At this point, steel or aluminum rivets are usually chosen, as they can meet the performance requirements while maintaining low material and installation costs.

FAQs

Q1: Are rivets made of steel or aluminum?

The common materials for rivets include steel and aluminum. Steel rivets have high strength and are suitable for construction and heavy machinery; aluminum rivets are lightweight and are suitable for aviation and automobiles. In addition, there are also stainless steel, copper, brass, and titanium alloy rivets, which meet the needs of different scenarios.

Q2: What is the best metal for rivets in outdoor use?

The best choice is usually stainless steel rivets. They have extremely strong corrosion resistance in high humidity and salt spray environments and are commonly used in ships, bridges and outdoor equipment. If conductivity is required, copper rivets can also be used as an alternative option.

Q3: Why are aircraft rivets made of aluminum or titanium?

Airplanes have extremely high requirements for weight and strength. Aluminum rivets are lightweight and can significantly reduce the total weight of the aircraft; Titanium alloy rivets ensure extremely high strength and corrosion resistance while maintaining lightness, and are suitable for critical load-bearing structures. Therefore, these two types of rivets are commonly used in aircraft manufacturing.

Q4: Do rivets rust over time?

Ordinary steel rivets are prone to rust, especially in humid or corrosive environments. However, stainless steel, aluminum, copper and brass rivets generally do not rust. If steel rivets must be used, it is advisable to choose galvanized or coated versions to extend their service life.

Rivmate Recommendation

When choosing rivets, the correct material and high-quality products are equally important. Rivmate, as a professional fastener brand, offers a variety of reliable solutions for different industries and applications:

1. Rivmate Stainless Steel Blind Rivets Series

Suitable for long-term exposure in outdoor or highly corrosive environments. Its outstanding corrosion resistance makes it an ideal choice for ships, bridges and chemical equipment. Compared to ordinary steel rivets, stainless steel rivets can significantly extend the service life and reduce the cost of later maintenance.

2. Rivmate Aluminum Lightweight Rivets

Developed specifically for lightweight design in the automotive and aviation fields. It is lightweight, easy to install, and maintains excellent shear resistance. In scenarios where both efficiency and weight control need to be considered, aluminum rivets are the better solution.

3. Rivmate Multi-material Rivet Assembly Solution

We offer industrial customers a variety of material combination kits, covering steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper and brass. This flexible solution helps enterprises quickly match the appropriate rivets in complex or diverse projects, reducing inventory pressure and avoiding rework due to incorrect selection.

Explore Rivmate’s Expert Riveting Solutions

Different materials determine the differences in strength, corrosion resistance, weight and cost of rivets. Aluminum is suitable for lightweight designs, stainless steel is suitable for high-corrosion environments, steel is used for high-load structures, while copper and brass are more commonly used in electrical and decorative applications. Titanium alloys are applied in high-end scenarios such as aerospace.

Choosing the right material not only ensures the safety and reliability of the riveting process, but also extends the service life of the structure. As a professional fastener supplier, Rivmate offers a full range of rivet solutions covering aluminum, stainless steel, steel, copper, and special alloys. Whether for industrial production or precise applications, Rivmate can match the appropriate products for you.

👉 If you want to learn more about material selection and application techniques? Please visit the Rivmate Technical Resource Center, or Contact the Rivmate Expert Team to obtain the most suitable rivet solution for your project.