Are Rivets Permanent?

2024-06-06
Author: Rivmate Rivet

In metal assembly and structural design, rivets are widely used in applications requiring long-term stability. However, many users ask a critical question during selection: Are rivets permanent? Are rivets truly permanent fasteners? Once installed, can they be removed? Will they impact future maintenance? This article will systematically explain the true meaning of rivet “permanence” from an engineer’s perspective, drawing on practical applications to help you determine whether rivets are suitable for your project.

Are Rivets Permanent?

Yes, rivets are typically considered permanent fasteners. After riveting, the rivet undergoes plastic deformation. The rivet body expands and locks into place on the opposite side of the material. This process is irreversible.

Rivets cannot be unscrewed like screws. If removal is necessary, it can only be achieved through destructive methods such as drilling out the rivet. Once removed, the rivet cannot be reused.

Therefore, from an engineering perspective, “permanent” does not mean it cannot be removed forever. It means it cannot be disassembled without destroying the rivet itself. Precisely for this reason, rivets are commonly used in applications requiring anti-loosening, vibration resistance, and long-term stability. Examples include sheet metal structures, construction, transportation equipment, and industrial assemblies.

Types of Rivets

Solid Rivets

Solid Rivet is widely used in applications where a strong and durable connection is required. Solid Rivets are made from a solid metal rod with a pre-formed head at one end and a second head formed by deformation during installation to make a permanent connection.

The greatest advantage of solid rivets is their high strength, durability and reliability. They can maintain stable performance in a variety of harsh environments. However, solid rivets also have the disadvantage that its installation process is more complicated and requires specific riveting tools.

Hollow Rivets

Compared to solid rivets, hollow rivets have a hollow center in the rivet body. Hollow rivets are lightweight and easy to deform, making them suitable for lighter loads and applications where an aesthetic appearance is desired.

Hollow rivets require less force to deform, so the installation process is simpler and suitable for high volume installations. However, it has lower strength for lighter load applications and is not suitable for use in high stress or harsh environments.

Semi-Tubular Rivet

Unlike solid and hollow rivets, Semi-Tubular Rivet’s rivet body has a hollow tail section. This design allows the Semi-Tubular Rivet to require less deformation force during installation, thereby simplifying the installation process while providing sufficient strength to meet many application requirements.

Semi-hollow rivets cost less than solid rivets, but they have limited strength, and although much higher than hollow rivets, they are only suitable for brittle or soft materials.

Blind Rivet or Pop Rivet

Blind Rivet is a specially designed rivet for making strong connections in applications where the backside cannot be accessed.Pop rivets are in between solid and hollow rivets in terms of strength, which can withstand more powerful strengths! They are commonly used for permanent fastening of metals, plastics and other materials.

The best thing about Pop rivets is that they are very easy and fast to install. Blind rivets can be used in a variety of joining scenarios where the backside is not accessible. Whether lightweight materials or heavy machinery, pop rivet can be used. blind rivet is now an indispensable fastening solution in industry and machine building.

Are Rivets Permanent or Semi Permanent?

Why are rivets now preferred for joining in many industrial sectors? Because rivets are designed to provide long-term, stable and high-strength mechanical connections. Typically, rivets are considered a permanent connection.

Why Are Rivets Considered a Permanent Connection?

So why are rivets considered a permanent connection? It is mainly because of the following reasons.

Non-Removability: Once a rivet is in place, removing the rivet usually requires destructive methods such as drilling or cutting out the rivet. This process destroys the rivet itself, making it impossible to reuse.
High Strength Connection: Rivets provide a very strong connection that is capable of withstanding high shear and pull-out forces, ensuring the stability of the connected components over the long term.
Long-lasting durability: riveted connections are designed for long-term applications and are able to maintain their mechanical properties in harsh environments, resisting corrosion and fatigue.

Rivets As Semi-Permanent Connections

Although rivets are usually considered to be permanent connections, in some special cases they can be considered semi-permanent by special methods. These methods usually involve the destructive removal of the rivet:

Drilling Out The Rivet: A drill bit is used to drill off the head of the rivet and then remove the body from the connecting material. This method is often used for repair and replacement of parts, but can damage the rivet.
Cutting The Rivet: A cutting tool is used to cut the head or body of the rivet and then remove the rivet. This method can also damage the rivet.

Do Rivets Loosen Over Time?

The rivet acts as a permanent connection and does not usually loosen over time under normal conditions of use. This is because rivets provide a strong and stable connection through a mechanical locking structure formed by plastic deformation.

However, like all fasteners, the performance of rivets can be affected by the environment and conditions of use. The following are some of the factors that may affect the stability of a rivet connection:

Vibration and Shock

In actual pop rivet use, there may be applications of constant vibration and shock. This has the potential to cause the rivet connection to loosen, especially in high stress applications.Not so

So what should be done to avoid this? You can use rivets that are designed to resist vibration, such as structural blind rivets. Or you can increase the number of fasteners.

Environmental Corrosion

If your project is in a corrosive environment, then it is also possible to cause the rivets to loosen their connection. Corrosion can weaken both the rivet and the material being joined, resulting in a loose or failed connection.

This is when you need to use corrosion-resistant materials (such as stainless steel or galvanized rivets) and also perform regular maintenance checks.

Thermal Cycling

Repeated changes in temperature can cause materials to expand and contract, which may also cause the rivet connection to loosen.

You simply need to select rivet materials that are compatible with ambient temperature changes and ensure proper preload during installation.

Improper Installation

Incorrect installation methods (such as applying insufficient deformation force or excessive deformation) can result in a weak connection.

Install rivets using the correct tools and methods to ensure adequate and uniform deformation of each rivet.

How Durable Are Rivets?

The durability and performance of Pop rivet can change due to a number of factors. This includes materials, environmental conditions and application scenarios.

The durability of Pop rivet includes the following:

Strength and corrosion resistance of the material
Draw length and shear strength
Environmental durability

Strength and Corrosion Resistance of the Material

Aluminum rivets: light weight, good corrosion resistance, but lower strength. Suitable for light load and non-structural connections.
Steel rivets: high strength, suitable for heavy loads and structural connections, but prone to rust, need to rust treatment.
Stainless steel rivets: high strength and excellent corrosion resistance, suitable for high strength and corrosive environments such as marine and chemical applications.
Copper rivets: good corrosion resistance and conductivity, suitable for electrical connections and decorative applications.

Draw Length and Shear Strength

The performance of rivets of different materials and sizes in terms of pull-out strength and shear strength is as follows:

Rivet Material	Rivet Diameter	Tensile Strength（N）	Shear Strength（N）
Aluminum	3.2 mm	600	900
Steel	3.2 mm	1500	2500
Stainless Steel	3.2 mm	1800	3000
Copper	3.2 mm	1000	1500

Environmental Durability

Aluminum rivets: can last up to 20 years or more in moderately corrosive environments (e.g., indoor and urban environments).
Steel rivets: may corrode rapidly in wet environments without rust protection, but can last 10-20 years in moderately corrosive environments after galvanization.
Stainless steel rivets: can last more than 30 years in marine and chemical environments, showing extremely high corrosion resistance.
Copper rivets: have a service life of up to 50 years in normal environments, but may require regular maintenance in certain corrosive environments.

Why Industries Prefer Permanent Riveted Connections?

In demanding engineering fields, the choice of “permanent” is never an emotional decision—it stems from considerations of safety, standards, and accountability.

a. Aerospace

Aircraft structures endure prolonged exposure to high-frequency vibrations and alternating loads. The plastic locking formed by rivets does not loosen over time. This significantly reduces fatigue cracking risks. Permanent connections also meet aviation airworthiness certification requirements for “non-disassemblable” components.

b. Automotive Body Structures

Body structures prioritize crash safety and long-term dimensional stability. Permanent riveting prevents thread stripping. It also minimizes hazards from maintenance errors. In mass production, riveting consistency is more easily controlled by quality systems.

c. Architectural Curtain Walls

Curtain wall systems must maintain stability for decades. Permanent rivets withstand wind loads, thermal expansion/contraction, and vibration. They also prevent intentional disassembly, ensuring clear structural responsibility boundaries and compliance with building safety codes.

d. HVAC Enclosures

HVAC equipment typically operates 24/7. Enclosures require protection against vibration, loosening, and maintenance errors. Permanent rivets guarantee long-term stability in vibrating environments, reducing noise and structural fatigue.

e. Industrial Enclosures and Cabinets

Industrial cabinets involve electrical safety and compliance requirements. Permanent riveting prevents unauthorized disassembly. This helps maintain protection ratings (e.g., IP ratings) while clearly defining responsibility boundaries between manufacturers and end-users.

FAQ: Are Rivets Permanent?

Q1: Are rivets permanent or removable?

Rivets are permanent fasteners that cannot be disassembled under normal circumstances. They can only be removed by drilling.

Q2: Can rivets be taken out?

Yes, but this requires destroying the rivet body with a drill bit. This constitutes destructive removal rather than maintenance disassembly.

Q3: Are pop rivets permanent?

Yes, Pop Rivets (blind rivets) form a permanent mechanical lock upon installation.

Q4: Are rivets stronger than screws?

Rivets typically offer greater stability than screws in vibration-resistant and thin-sheet applications, though absolute strength depends on specifications and materials.

Q5: When should I not use rivets?

Rivets should not be used when structures require frequent disassembly for maintenance or when subjected to extremely high adjustable preload forces.

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