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How to Riveting Composites Material?

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Top Rivet and Rivet Nut Manufacturer in China

For composites, the question of how to install them without damaging the material is a matter of concern, and Riveting offers an excellent solution.Riveting composites material allows for stable connections without damaging the surface of the material.

By reading this article, you will learn about the method of riveting composites, how to select rivets and practical applications.

What are the methods of riveting composites?

Self Clinching Fastener

Self clinching fastener is embedded in the composite material by pressure or impact. It is suitable for hybrid joining of metals and composites. However, incorrect use may result in delamination of the composite or fiber breakage.

Riveting

riveting is the mechanical deformation of rivets by tension to form a stable connection. Rivets can join many different composite and metallic materials. However, before using rivets, holes need to be drilled in advance. A large number of rivets are used in aircraft skins.

However, excessive riveting force can cause damage around the hole, so it is necessary to closely control the hole diameter (deviation ≤ 0.1mm) and riveting force.

Self Piercing riveting

The use of self piercing riveting eliminates the need for pre-drilled holes, directly penetrating the material and riveting it with punching force.

Self piercing rivets are mainly used for short fiber composites or thermoplastic basic composites. Its advantages include reduced hole damage and high joining efficiency.

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How to Choose Rivets for Composites?

I. Rivet material selection

Common riveting materials for riveting composites are listed below:

Titanium alloy: Aircraft skins, hatches and other parts that require high lightweight and fatigue resistance.
Aluminum: low cost and light weight. Corrosion resistance and can be riveted to carbon brazing.
Nickel: suitable for riveting composite materials in high temperature environment.

Ⅱ. rivet structure type

Blind Rivets: Its structure is characterized by the expansion of the tail to form a latch, suitable for unilateral operation. When riveting composite materials, you can choose titanium alloy or 5056 aluminum alloy, lightweight and tensile strength ≥ 500MPa. It is used more in the UAV fuselage, small-size composite parts connection.

Break Stem Rivets: The rivet mandrel breaks during riveting to form a high tensile strength connection. This type of rivet is very suitable for riveting high yield strength composite materials (such as IM7 carbon fiber / epoxy resin).

Shear-Type Rivets: Flat or countersunk head design, preferentially subjected to shear loads, used to join composites to metal laminations.

Ⅲ. rivet optimization design key technology

Surface Finishes

Anti-corrosion coatings: Titanium rivets can be aluminized or coated with PTFE to block galvanic coupling corrosion with carbon fibers.
Lubrication and drag reduction: Manganese Phosphate coating reduces the frictional drag of the riveted joint (coefficient of friction reduced by 30%).

Coupling shape optimization

Streamlined rivet head: reduces aerodynamic drag (for exposed aircraft connections).
Distributed grooves: promote uniform rivet expansion (especially for thick plywood).

Lightweighting program

Honeycomb core rivets: internal honeycomb structure reduces weight by 15%~20%, strength loss ≤5%.
Variable cross-section design: localized thickening of connecting segments to improve tensile/shear performance.

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Applications of Riveting Composites

There are numerous examples of riveted composites being used in aerospace and automotive manufacturing, where the core of the technology is to achieve lightweight, high-strength connections through optimized processes.

Aerospace

Riveting can provide significant weight savings and stable connections for aerospace.

Aircraft fuselage and wings (Airbus A350/A380): Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composite (CFRP) + Titanium skeleton.
Spacecraft Fuel Tank (SpaceX Starship): Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composite + Inconel Alloy Liner.
UAV structure (MQ-9 Reaper): carbon fiber/epoxy skin with aluminum honeycomb core riveted on one side.

Automotive Manufacturing

All-aluminum body (Audi A8/A6 e-tron): self-pierce riveted (SPR) + glued. Body torsional stiffness increased by 25%, 15% weight reduction in white body.
New energy vehicle battery box (Tesla Model Y): automated self-pierce riveting robot. Avoid welding heat affected zone (HAZ), vibration resistance improved by 30%.
Steel-aluminum hybrid body (Ford F-150 Lightning): high-strength steel rivets. Reduced processes, steel-aluminum connection strength up to 1.5 times that of conventional welding.

Custom Riveting Solutions for Composites Project

Composites can provide high strength, light weight, wear and temperature resistance, but how to safely rivet composites has become a challenge. Composites are very susceptible to fiber tearing and delamination around the hole when drilling, and riveting technology, which does not require pre-drilling, is the perfect solution to this problem.

If looking for a reliable rivet supplier for your composite project, contact us!Rivmate is the leading rivet manufacturer and supplier for professional riveting solutions.

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Is Riveting Permanent or Temporary?

Rivmate Fastener

Top Rivet and Rivet Nut Manufacturer in China

Riveting is a mechanical connection. It provides a stable connection, so is riveting permanent or temporary?

By reading this guide, you will know clearly understand this question. Including the difference between permanent and temporary connections, applications of riveting as a permanent connection.

What is Riveting?

Riveting form a locking structure by plastic deformation of the rivet, which cannot be separated in a non-destructive way after joining. Riveting is categorized into cold riveting and hot riveting. After the development of mechanization, pneumatic riveting gradually replace manual operation. Rivets are usually considered permanent connections. If you want to remove rivets, the only way to do so is by cutting or drilling.

Cold riveting is limited by the hardness and diameter of the material (usually ≤8mm); while hot riveting is more expensive due to the need for heating equipment. Rivets are usually considered permanent connections. If you want to remove a rivet, the only way to do so is by cutting or drilling.

Permanent Connection vs Temporary Connection

Permanect connection: basic concept

A permanent joint is a type of irreversible connection in mechanical engineering, where destructive operations are required to separate the parts after joining. It is used in industrial design for connection strength, sealing or long-term stability of the higher requirements of the scene, such as aerospace, automotive industry, building structures. Typical forms include Riveting, Welding, Adhesive Bonding and Press Fit.

temporary connection: basic concept

A temporary connection is a connection in mechanical engineering that allows for non-destructive disassembly and reusability, usually through mechanical forces (e.g., friction or threaded occlusion) to realize the fixation of components. It is widely used in scenarios that require frequent adjustments, maintenance or modular design, such as equipment assembly, maintenance and debugging, and test system construction. Typical forms include Bolts, Screws, Clamps, Pins and Snap-fits.

Permanent Connection vs Temporary Connection

Comparison Aspect	Permanent Connections (Riveting, Welding, Adhesive Bonding)	Temporary Connections (Bolts, Screws, Clamps)
Disassembly	Requires destructive methods (e.g., cutting rivets, grinding welds)	Non-destructive, reusable
Lifespan	Irreversible, long-term fix	Reversible, suitable for periodic adjustments
Mechanical Performance	◾ Superior vibration/fatigue resistance◾ Rigid (no loosening) ◾ Better sealing	◾ Preload-dependent (loosening risk) ◾ Stress concentrations ◾ Sealing requires gaskets
Process Complexity	◾ Requires specialized tools (welders, riveters) ◾ Higher skill level	◾ Simple tools (wrenches, screwdrivers) ◾ Standardized processes
Cost Efficiency	◾ Lower initial cost (no dedicated fasteners) ◾ Higher maintenance cost	◾ Higher component cost (bolts/nuts) ◾ Lower maintenance cost
Typical Applications	◾ Long-term stability (bridges, aircraft fuselages, pressure vessels) ◾ High-vibration environments	◾ Frequent disassembly (robotic fixtures, test beds) ◾ Modular assembly (furniture, electronics)
Examples	◾ Aircraft fuselage riveting ◾ Structural steel welding ◾ Automotive exhaust press fits	◾ Engine-to-frame bolting ◾ 3D-printed part assembly with screws ◾ CNC machine clamps
Sustainability	◾ Hard to recycle due to destructive disassembly	◾ Reusable components reduce waste

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Is Riveting Permanent or Temporary?

In practice, riveted joints are permanent connections. The main reasons for this are as follows:

Irreversibility: rivets in the installation through plastic deformation (such as nail head forging) to form a locking structure, once completed that can not be separated without damage.
Destructive disassembly: Separation of riveted parts requires the destruction of the rivet itself or the part being connected (e.g. drilling, cutting).
Designed for: Rivets are designed to provide permanent stability and excellent resistance to vibration.
Process Characteristics: Both cold and hot rivets form a permanent joint by deformation, regardless of the type of rivet (solid rivet, blind rivet).

Application of riveting as a permanent connection

Riveting, as a classic permanent connection, occupies an irreplaceable position in several key areas due to its fatigue resistance, material compatibility and lack of thermal influence.

I. Aerospace

Large amounts of aluminum and titanium alloys are used in aircraft. These metals are sensitive to welding heat (which tends to cause embrittlement) and riveting produces no heat affected zone (HAZ). And the rivet array disperses vibration stresses for longer life. In addition to this, rivets can join dissimilar metal materials.

Aircraft skin: aluminum alloy/composite fuselage panels riveted to the skeleton (e.g. Boeing 737 fuselage using hundreds of thousands of rivets).
Engine nacelles: riveting high-temperature alloy components (e.g., titanium blade mounts).
Spacecraft structures: lightweight aluminum honeycomb panels connected to frames.

II. Automobile manufacturing

Compared with welding, riveting does not generate electric arcs or sparks, making it suitable for battery packs and other components with high safety requirements. And SPR in riveting is ideal for automated scenarios. It does not require pre-drilling, and the word operation takes less than 0.5s, which is suitable for assembly line operation.

Body-in-white frame: aluminum alloy frame mixed with steel plate riveted (e.g. Tesla Model Y using self-pierce riveting SPR).
Battery pack shell: sealed riveted aluminum alloy shell of lithium battery pack (taking into account strength and explosion-proof).
Roof and door: riveting of lightweight composite cover parts.

III. Construction

Buildings require high wind vibration resistance at connection points. And riveted nodes stress dispersion ability is better than bolts, reducing fatigue damage under long-term wind load. Sealed rivets prevent rainwater from penetrating into steel structure gaps.

Steel bridge: steel truss node riveted (such as the early riveted structure of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco).
High-rise building facades: riveting of glass curtain walls to aluminum frames.
Temporary structures: scaffolding connection nodes.

IV. Rail transportation

In rail transportation, the connected fasteners need to be under high-frequency vibration for a long period of time, and the riveted connection has better resistance to loosening than bolts. And riveted joints do not damage the material fireproof coating (welding high temperature may erode the protective layer).

High-speed rail vehicle body: hybrid riveting of aluminum alloy frame and skin (combined with laser welding).
Rail vehicle interior: riveted fixing of fireproof sound insulation boards.
Subway doors: mechanical riveting of lightweight composite doors.

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Enhance Your Business with Rivmate

By reading this blog, I believe you have a clear understanding of “is riveting permanent or temporanry”. The removal of rivets requires the destruction of the original structure of the rivet, so riveting is a permanent connection. Riveting can provide a lightweight, stable connection to your project.

If you want to make your business more successful, contact us for professional riveting solutions.

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The Ultimate Guide to Rivet Body

Rivmate Fastener

Top Rivet and Rivet Nut Manufacturer in China

If a blind rivet does not have a rivet body, there is no way for it to form a stable connection. Therefore, the rivet body is the key to providing a permanent connection in a blind rivet.

By reading this ultimate guide, you will learn the basic definition of a rivet body, what it does, what it is made of, and how it is made. Let’s explore the mysteries of rivet body!

What is Rivet Body？

Rivet body is the main structural part of the rivet, usually refers to the cylindrical shank part (shank), excluding the head (head) or tail deformation formed after riveting. It assumes the core function in the rivet structure.

The working principle of the blind rivet is to form a fastening connection through the mechanical deformation of the rivet body. Therefore, the reliability and durability of the rivet body is very important, which is directly related to the overall safety of the riveted joint.

The Role of Rivet Body

1. Fixing and supporting the workpiece

Expansion to fill the hole: Blind rivet body is usually hollow structure, there is a mandrel inside. During installation, a special tool pulls on the mandrel, causing the end of the rivet body to expand and deform, tightly filling the holes in the workpiece to form a fixed end similar to an “umbrella handle”. This expansion creates radial pressure, clamping the workpiece on both sides and preventing loosening.

Resistance to mechanical loads:

Shear force: the expansion of the rivet body through friction and mechanical bite, to prevent the workpiece along the parallel plane of the sliding (such as chassis panels subject to vibration).
Tensile force: The “tab” formed at the expanding end of the rivet body snaps onto the back of the workpiece, preventing the connection from being pulled apart (e.g. tensile load on billboard frames).

2. Realization of unilateral installation

The design of blind rivet body solves the limitation that traditional rivets need to be operated from both sides. When installing, just pull the mandrel from one side of the workpiece, the tail automatically expands to form a fixed end, without the need to enter the back of the space, suitable for closed or narrow environment (such as pipeline walls, automobile compartments).

3. Applicability and material characteristics

Blind rivet body expands to accommodate different thickness combinations (by adjusting the nail body length). Therefore it is often used in sheet metal, plastic or composite materials.

In addition, the rivet body material is mostly aluminum, stainless steel or nylon, which is lightweight and corrosion resistant. Ideal for aerospace, electronic equipment housings and other scenarios.

If the rivet body is of closed design, then it can provide good water and air resistance.

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Rivet Body Material : Application Scenarios with Different Materials

The material of the Rivet Body directly affects its mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, weight and cost. In order to adapt to different application scenarios, there are a variety of materials for the rivet body.

Aluminum Alloy (5056, 2217)
Carbon steel (low or medium carbon steel)
Stainless steel (304, 316)
Monel
Copper
Nylon

Factor	High-priority Materials	Explanation
Strength Demand	Steel, Titanium Alloy	Preferred for high shear or tensile loads (e.g., bridges, heavy machinery).
Corrosion Resistance	Stainless Steel, Titanium Alloy	Avoid electrochemical corrosion in chemical/offshore environments.
Lightweight	Aluminum Alloy, Titanium Alloy	Reduce structural weight in aerospace/automotive applications.
Cost Control	Carbon Steel, Aluminum Alloy	Economical choice for mass production or budget-limited projects.
Electrical Conductivity/Insulation Requirements	Copper (conductive), Nylon (insulative)	Electrical connections or scenarios requiring current isolation.
Temperature Adaptability	Stainless Steel (high temp), Titanium Alloy	Stainless steel for high-temp environments (<800°C); nickel alloys (e.g., Inconel) for extreme temps.

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Manufacturing Process of Rivet Body

The manufacturing process of the rivet body directly affects its mechanical properties, durability and application scenarios. The following are typical production methods.

Cold Heading

Cold heading is formed by applying high pressure to metal wires in the cold state and extruding them using a die (e.g. cylindrical nail shanks and pre-heads). This step usually involves continuous molding using multiple stations to progressively shape the rivet profile.

The core impact of Cold heading on the rivet body is as follows:

Increased shear strength (up to 15-20%)
Suitable for high volume production (hundreds of pieces per minute)
Material utilization of more than 95 percent

Machining

Machining is the cutting of bars or tubes on CNC lathes, finishing complex features such as outside diameters and head grooves. The tolerance accuracy of this technique can be as high as ±0.01 mm. but it leads to 30-50% material waste and high cost.

Heat Treatment

Heat treatment is divided into a total of four parts, according to the actual need to choose to use different combinations of parts. In the rivet body, quenching + tempering is often used to increase the hardness and strength of the steel rivet body (tensile strength up to 1000MPa or more). Therefore heat treatment is often used on rivets that require high strength.

The core effects of heat treatment on the rivet body are as follows:

Strength-toughness balance: Improper quenching is prone to brittle fracture and requires strict control of the cooling rate (e.g. oil quenching or graded quenching).
Residual stress: Stress relief annealing is required after heat treatment to avoid cracking during installation.

Surface Treatment

On the rivet body, surface treatment is the most commonly used measure to increase the characteristics of the rivet body. The common types of processes are listed below:

Electroplating (zinc, cadmium): anti-corrosion, with a coating thickness of 5-15 μm.
Anodizing (Aluminum): Forms an oxide film that is resistant to abrasion and can be colored.
Dacromet coating: environmental protection against rust, suitable for high temperature environment.

The core impact of the surface finish on the rivet body is as follows:

Coefficient of Friction: Excessive plating may result in increased resistance to expansion during installation, affecting clamping force.
Corrosion Resistance Life: Galvanized plating can last up to 500 hours or more in salt spray environments, anodized aluminum is more resistant to chemical corrosion.

Parameter Composition of the Rivet Body

Rivet Body’s dimensional specifications are defined by a number of key parameters, often following international standards (e.g. ISO, ANSI) or industry specifications.

Rivet diameter: the nominal diameter of the cylindrical part of the rivet body (D), directly affecting the shear and tensile strength.
Rivet length: the total thickness of the connected parts covered by the nail bar before deformation.
Rivet head size: rivet head is usually divided into three types: dome head, countersunk head and large flange head. round head diameter is usually 2D-2.5D; countersunk head diameter needs to be matched with workpiece countersunk hole.
Grip Range: The total thickness of the workpiece to which the blind rivet can be effectively connected (e.g. 0.5mm-8mm).

Nominal Diameter (D)	Grip Range (T)	Shank Length (L)	Head Type
3mm	0.5-5mm	6mm, 8mm, 10mm	Round Head / Countersunk
4mm	1-8mm	8mm, 12mm, 16mm	Round Head / Large Flange Head
5mm	3-12mm	15mm, 20mm, 25mm	Countersunk / Flat Head

Requirements for Rivet Body in Different Industries

The design requirements for Rivet Bodies vary significantly from industry to industry. This is mainly due to the working environment, type of load, regulatory standards and special working conditions.

Aerospace: High requirements for strength and lightweighting. Commonly used 7075 aluminum alloy and titanium alloy rivet body.
Automobile manufacturing: automobiles have high requirements for shock resistance. Therefore, the rivets with higher strength will be chosen. For example, galvanized steel rivets.
Construction: the rivets used in construction need to have a high bearing capacity and durability. Commonly used carbon steel and stainless steel rivet body.

Custom Rivet Body for Your Project

The rivet body plays an important role in the riveting process. The thickness of the material that can be riveted is achieved by adjusting the rivet body. If you know how to choose the most suitable rivet body for your project, please contact us. Rivmate is one of the top rivet manufacturers and suppliers in China, which can provide professional riveting solutions for you.

Please get the rivet samples for testing before placing a formal order!

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What Causes Loose Rivets and How to Avoid It?

Rivmate Fastener

Top Rivet and Rivet Nut Manufacturer in China

Rivets are permanent connections. However, rivets can come loose if they are not used properly. What are the causes of loose rivets?

By reading this guide, you will understand the consequences of loose rivets and how to avoid them from happening.

Consequences of loose rivets

Loose rivets may seem like a small problem, but they can lead to structural failure, safety hazards and high maintenance costs. The consequences of loose rivets are mainly in terms of structural stability, safety risks and maintenance costs.

Stress concentration and fatigue injury.
Risk of connection failure.
Impaired pneumatic performance.
Loose rivets may trigger a chain reaction and risk of sudden failure.
Increased maintenance costs.

What Causes Loose Rivets?

I. Material and design factors

Rivet material or structural defects

Nail core tension is insufficient or improper heat treatment, resulting in insufficient clamping force after riveting.
Rivet body hardness is too high, the expansion is not sufficient to form an effective locking.
The size or angle of the nail head is not reasonably designed, preventing the rivet tube from fully expanding.

Problems with connected materials

Material surface is uneven, oil or rust, reducing friction.
Rivet and material coefficient of thermal expansion difference, temperature changes lead to fluctuations in clamping force

II. Installation process issues

Improper riveting operation

Drill hole diameter is too large (beyond the rivet outer diameter of 0.1-0.2mm range), resulting in insufficient contact area.
Insufficient or excessive riveting pressure: insufficient pressure so that the rivet is not fully deformed, excessive pressure may damage the material.
Riveting angle deviation, resulting in lateral force generation.

Poor tool matching

Rivet gun power is not enough or claw wear, need to pull the rivet many times, resulting in uneven nail core breakage.
Not selected to match the rivet specifications of the gun head, such as external locking wire drawing rivets require special tools

III. External environmental factors

Vibration and Shock

Continuous vibration (e.g. engine, transportation) causes small displacements, gradually weakening the clamping force.
Sudden impacts (e.g. collisions) instantly exceeding the rivet’s tolerance limits.

temperature cycling

Frequent temperature changes cause material fatigue, which can lead to the risk of rivet failure. In outdoor metal structures, rivets may loosen due to temperature differences between day and night.

IV. Maintenance and quality control

Inadequate maintenance of tools

Rivet gun claws, springs or seals are worn out and not replaced in time, affecting the stability of the nail grip.
Compressed air contains moisture or impurities, resulting in unstable air pressure

Lack of quality testing

Failure to regularly test rivet pull-off force or torque to detect potential defects.

V. Other special scenario factors

Corrosion or abrasion: long-term exposure to moisture or corrosive environments, the strength of the rivet is reduced.
Overloading: exceeding the rivet’s designed load-bearing capacity, accelerating loosening or fracture.

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What Remedies can be Taken After Rivets has come Loose?

Direct replacement of loose rivets

If the rivets are loose, lose head, shear off or miss rivets, need to directly replace or replenish the rivets.

Care should be taken when replacing:

Use gas cutting tool to cut off the old rivet head to avoid the vibration of wind shovel affecting the neighboring rivets.
Clean the nail hole and check the inclination of the hole wall, if more than 5 ° or affect the bolt fit, need to ream or use wedge washers.
After replacement, make sure that the new rivets have the same strength as the original structure, if necessary, expand the nail holes and use larger diameter rivets.

Replacement of high-strength bolts

In the repair of steel structure, rivets can be replaced by high-strength bolts, and the diameter of bolts can be converted according to equal strength. If there are no serious defects in the nail holes (such as wrong holes, elliptical holes), the bolts can be used directly; otherwise, they need to be reamed or add washers.

Glue or spacer reinforcement

Glue reinforcement method: use high-temperature, high-viscosity glue coated around the rivets, clamped to dry (for non-stressed parts).
Rubber pad reinforcement method: cut and rivet size matching rubber sheet, pad in the loose place to increase friction.

Regular inspection and maintenance

For structures subjected to power loads (such as plants and vehicles), periodically tap to check whether the rivets are skipping, if more than 10% need to be replaced. At the same time to avoid overloading or violent vibration, to reduce the rivets uneven force

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Custom Riveting Solutions for Your Project

Loose rivets not only threaten equipment safety, but also lead to high maintenance costs. Whether it is the high-frequency vibration scenario of aviation grade, the extreme temperature difference test of industrial equipment, or the micron-level error requirements of precision electronic components, we provide full-process customized riveting solutions:

Scientific material selection: matching stainless steel, titanium alloy, Monel and other materials to ensure the compatibility of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the rivet and the connected parts;
Technological innovation: combined with hydraulic riveting, frozen preload and other advanced technologies, precise control of clamping force and deformation, resistance to fatigue and impact;
Anti-loosening guarantee: integrated locknut, self-lubricating coating and fiber-optic stress monitoring technology to provide aerospace-grade long-term stability;
Full-cycle service: from failure analysis, tool matching to spectral inspection, we escort your project with NASM 1312 process standards.

Inquire today for exclusive solutions – extend the life of your structure by 30% and reduce O&M costs by 50% with artisan riveting technology! Contact us now!

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How to Choose Blind Rivets for Metal Furring?

Rivmate Fastener

Top Rivet and Rivet Nut Manufacturer in China

Metal furring is an important part of ceiling construction. Therefore the safety of metal furring is very important. Blind rivets for metal furring offers an excellent solution to increase efficiency while keeping metal furring projects safe.

By reading this blog, you will learn the definition of metal furring, advantages of blind rivets for metal furring, applications and how to choose the right metal furring blind rivets.

What is Metal Furring?

Metal Furring (metal keel or metal skeleton) is a metal structural component used in construction to support walls, ceilings, or other surface finishes. This structure is usually made of galvanized steel or aluminum alloy. Its primary function is to create voids, level uneven substrates, and provide support for interior and exterior cladding materials (e.g., gypsum board, cement board, metal panels, etc.).

Primary Uses of metal furring

Leveling Surfaces: used on walls or ceilings to straighten uneven substrates (e.g. concrete walls, brick walls, etc.) and provide a smooth mounting plane.
Insulate moisture and temperature: reduce condensation infiltration and improve thermal and acoustic insulation performance through the gap (called cavity) between the metal keel and the substrate.
Conceal piping: wires, pipes or insulation materials can be installed in the cavity to keep the surface tidy.
Fire & Moisture Resistance: Compared with wooden keel, metal material is non-flammable and corrosion resistant, suitable for high humidity areas (e.g. bathrooms) or places with high fire resistance requirements.

Common Types of metal furring

C-shaped keel: commonly used for drywall or lightweight partition walls.
Z Studs: Used for complex structures where unevenness needs to be adjusted.
Metal Studs: Similar to wood studs, but made of lightweight steel, used to frame partition walls.
Hat Channel: Hat-like in cross-section, commonly used in suspended ceiling systems to provide effective load-bearing and cavity space.

Why Use Blind Rivets in Metal Furring?

1. Unilateral handling capability: efficient fixation in confined spaces

When installing metal studs where the fixing points cannot be reached from the back (e.g. inside a suspended ceiling, inside a wall or working at height), blind rivets allow fixing to be done on one side, making them particularly suitable for concealed work.

Blind rivets are a key option when connecting ceiling studs to the main structure, where workers can only work from below and cannot access the back side.

2. High strength and vibration resistance

Blind rivets have high shear strength (such as stainless steel rivets can withstand more than 500-1000 psi load), can firmly fix the keel, to avoid the cladding materials (such as gypsum board, stone) due to the connection point of the loosening and cracking.

Blind rivets are more suitable for high vibration environments than screws, which tend to loosen under long-term vibration, and “rivet” holes through plastic deformation.

3. Material compatibility and corrosion resistance

Metal furring is mostly galvanized steel or aluminum alloy. To prevent galvanic corrosion, blind rivets made of aluminum, stainless steel or galvanized are available.

Rust resistance is especially important in high humidity environments such as bathrooms and kitchens. And blind rivets can significantly extend the life of the keel system.

4. Rapid installation and cost savings

Rivet installation requires only a rivet gun. It eliminates the need for drilling, tapping or welding steps (the latter requires specialized equipment and skills) and improves construction efficiency by more than 50%.

For example, compared to welding a single node takes 2-3 minutes, blind riveting takes only 10-20 seconds, significantly reducing labor costs.

5. Lightweight and flat surfaces

Blind rivets are lightweight and do not add burden to the keel system. And the head of the rivet is flattened to provide a smooth joint. This facilitates the fit of subsequent cladding materials (e.g. thin sheet metal) and avoids uneven surfaces caused by protruding screws.

6. Permanent fixation and regulatory compliance

The connection provided by blind rivets is a permanent one. Requirements such as fire rated partitions do not allow for random dismantling, so this is fully compliant with building safety codes. In addition, some fire rated blind rivets (e.g. stainless steel or special coatings) can be used in conjunction with metal studs to meet building fire standards.

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Applications of Blind Rivets for Metal Furring

The application scenarios of blind rivets in metal furring are mainly based on their characteristics of single-sided riveting, high clamping force and vibration resistance. The following are common application scenarios.

When fixing gypsum boards, metal panels or other cladding materials to metal keels.
In the transverse or longitudinal splicing nodes of light steel keel frames, blind rivets can quickly connect the keel members and enhance the overall structural stability.
Fixing of suspended components in non-high stress areas such as ceiling light fixtures and pipe supports.
Fixing of metal ventilation ducts with keel frames.
In the temporary positioning of the metal support frame of the curtain wall, core-pulling rivets can be used as a fast installation of transitional connectors.

How to Choose Blind Rivets for Metal Furring?

Step 1: Determine material compatibility

First you need to determine the material of the metal furring.

Galvanized steel: use galvanized steel, stainless steel (such as 304/316) or aluminum blind rivets to avoid galvanic coupling corrosion between materials.
Aluminum alloy: priority with aluminum or stainless steel blind rivets (need to add insulating gaskets to isolate dissimilar metal contact).

It should be noted that: if the cladding is weathering steel plate, the rivets should be selected with high rust resistance (e.g. passivated stainless steel).

Step 2: Define the load type

Vertical joints (such as metal plate splicing) need high shear performance (choose structural rivets, such as BOM Rivets series, shear strength of 15KN). And the negative wind pressure area of the roof is preferred to use large flange head blind rivets (tensile strength ≥ 8KN).

Step 3: Evaluate operating conditions

If the installation environment is narrow, then small diameter rivets (e.g. 1/8″ hole) and short shank rivet guns (e.g. straight shank type) are required.

If the metal furring is located in a high-temperature environment, heat-resistant aluminum bronze rivets (operating temperature ≤ 200 ° C) should be selected; in wet areas, sealing type rivets (with EPDM rubber ring, such as AVDEL® Monobolt) should be selected.

Step 4: Calculate the sandwich thickness

Formula: Rivet length = total thickness of the jacket + 0.5 x nail sleeve expansion allowance

(Example: Jacket 3mm, recommended rivet clamping range 2.5~3.5mm, length selection 6-8mm).

Recommended Selection Reference Table

Application Scenario	Rivet Type	Recommended Specifications	Compliance Standards
Light steel frame partition wall splicing	Aluminum blind rivets	Ø4.8mm × 12mm length	ASTM B316 (Aluminum Rivet Wire)
Metal roof wind uplift nodes	Stainless steel structural rivets	Ø6.4mm × 20mm length	ISO 15977 (Mechanical Lock Rivets)
Humid area ceilings	Sealed rivets	Ø5.0mm × 15mm length	DIN 7337 (Sealed Blind Rivets)
Fire-rated partitions	Ceramic-coated steel rivets	Ø5.0mm × 18mm length	UL 1479 (Fire Endurance Test)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Rivet pulls off mandrel or nail sleeve not fully expanded

This phenomenon can lead to excessive clearance between the metal keel and the substrate due to a broken but insufficient clamping force of the nail bar after riveting.

As long as through the thickness gauge (such as vernier calipers) measured value of the sandwich, select the length of the specifications for the “sandwich thickness +5mm” rivets can be solved.

Improperly protruding or recessed rivet head

Countersunk head rivets are not fully embedded in the plate, or the spacing between the convex head rivets and the keel is out of tolerance (allowable deviation ± 0.3mm).

Pre-chamfer using a stepped drill bit (chamfer depth = plate thickness x 0.3).
Adjust the riveting force until the nail head is flush with the surface but does not crush the plate (refer to ISO 15978 standard, carbon steel rivet limit crush force 8KN).

Rivet slippage or breakage under shear force

The cladding material disengages from the keel under wind loads and the rivet holes expand and deform.

This problem can be solved by using structural blind rivets (shear strength ≥15KN) or by reducing the rivet spacing from the conventional 400mm to 200mm.

Custom Riveting Solutions for Your Metal Furring Project

The safety of the metal furring is very important for the renovation and construction of the house.Therefore.Therefore, howTherefore, how can youTherefore, how to make your metal Therefore, it is crucial to know how to choose the right blind rivets for your metal furring project.

Please ask us for rivet samples for testing before placing a formal order. This way you can be sure that the blind rivets are perfectly suited to your project.

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A Comprehensive Guide to the Breaking Strength of Rivets

Rivmate Fastener

Top Rivet and Rivet Nut Manufacturer in China

Breaking strength of rivets determines the strength needed to break a rivet. Through this comprehensive guide, you will learn the basic definition of rivets breaking strength, the factors that influence it, and the conditions under which it is applied in a scenario.

The Breaking Strength of Rivets - Define

The breaking strength of rivets is the maximum stress value that rivets can withstand before fracture occurs when subjected to external forces, usually determined through experimental testing. It is the core index to measure the reliability of rivet connection, which directly affects the bearing capacity and safety of the structure.

The Importance of Breaking Strength in Connection Performance

Preventing Sudden Failure: Inadequate breaking strength can cause rivets to suddenly fracture under load, triggering structural disintegration. For example, the aerospace industry requires rivets with high shear strength to withstand dynamic loads in flight.
Load carrying capacity assurance: In bridge or building steel structures, rivets need to resist both shear and peel forces. Studies have shown that the shear strength of solid rivets is slightly lower than that of bolts, but their ability to deform plastically provides a cushion against brittle fracture when overloaded.
Environmental adaptability: In corrosive environments (e.g., ships, chemical equipment), fracture strength needs to be evaluated in conjunction with corrosion resistance. For example, the stress corrosion fracture risk of stainless steel rivets needs to be controlled by material selection and surface treatment.

What are the Factors that Affect the Breaking Strength of Rivets?

The factors affecting the breaking strength of rivets can be summarized in the following five categories.

I. Material and manufacturing factors

Material Properties

The chemical composition, grain size and heat treatment process of rivets directly affect their strength and toughness. For example, LY10 aluminum alloy is commonly used for aviation rivets because of its high shear strength (235 MPa) and plasticity. The presence of microporosity, inclusions or grain boundary brittle phases (e.g. hydrogen embrittlement white spots) can significantly reduce the fracture strength. In addition, improper heat treatment (e.g., quenching and holding time too long) may lead to coarse grains or overcooking, triggering cracking in subsequent processing.

Manufacturing Defects

If the rivet processing process produces folding cracks (such as chamfer folding caused by improper upsetting process), surface scratches or dimensional deviations, it will become a source of stress concentration and accelerate crack expansion. For example, a nail due to the installation of the chamfer at the formation of folding cracks, followed by stress corrosion fracture in a corrosive environment.

II. Mechanics and load factors

Mounting hole coaxiality deviation will lead to abnormal bending stresses on the rivet, superimposed on the working shear stress is easy to cause fatigue fracture. For example, an aircraft rivet due to frame and skin mounting hole deviation, resulting in excessive starting stress and fatigue failure.

It should be noted that tensile stress is more likely to cause fatigue rupture than compressive stress, and high-frequency vibration load will accelerate crack expansion. Research shows that the fatigue life of rivets is negatively correlated with the stress level, and the crack expansion cycle is shortened under high stress.

Exceeding design loads (e.g. shock loads or sustained overloads) can also cause rivets to yield or fracture instantaneously.

III. Environmental and corrosion factors

Hydrogen embrittlement or stress corrosion cracking can occur if rivets are exposed to wet, acidic or hydrogen-containing environments. For example, brittle fracture occurs under sustained loads after corrosion at the chamfer of a weld stud.

Low and medium strength steels have a toughness and brittleness transition temperature (TK), below which the material changes from ductile fracture to brittle deconstructive fracture. If the rivet is used in low temperature environment, need to consider the low temperature performance of the material to match.

IV. Design and process factors

Structural design flaws can also lead to rivet breakage. Improper design of the rivet hole transition area (e.g., too small a radius) can lead to stress concentrations. For example, the rivet head arc transition due to the lack of reasonable transition design and become a source of fatigue, will lead to rivet stress concentration fracture.

v. other integrating factors

Fatigue Characteristics: Fatigue fracture of rivets is usually characterized by a high percentage (>95%) of the fracture extension zone, and the source zone is characterized by multiple line sources. The quantitative backpropagation of the fracture can estimate the initial stress and extended stress, which provides a basis for improving the design.
Multi-factor coupling effect: In actual engineering, rivet fracture is often the result of superposition of multiple factors. For example, in one case, the mounting hole deviation (design problem) and airflow vibration (environmental load) together lead to fatigue failure.

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How to Test the Breaking Strength of Rivets

The test method of rivet breaking strength is mainly realized by tensile test. The scientific and reliable nature of the test is ensured by incorporating industry standards and codes. The following is a comprehensive description of specific methods and related standards.

Testing Principles and Core Methods

Tensile Test Principle: Apply axial tensile load to the rivet until it breaks through the universal material testing machine, and record the maximum tensile value to determine the breaking strength. During the test, it is necessary to ensure that the rivet and the fixture are coaxial to avoid bias load affecting the results.

Key test steps

Sample preparation: Randomly take representative rivet samples, check the appearance of no cracks, loose and other defects, record the number.
Equipment calibration: Use universal material testing machine (such as KZ-DSC-20 type), calibrate the force transducer and displacement transducer to ensure that the accuracy meets the national standards.
Fixture Selection: Customized high-strength steel fixture, matched with rivet size, to prevent slipping or damage to the sample.
Parameter setting: Test speed is usually 5 mm/min, test temperature is controlled at room temperature (20~25℃), upper limit of force value is set according to rivet specification (e.g. 700N).
Data recording: real-time monitoring of the force curve and displacement, recording the maximum tensile value and fracture location, taking photos of the deformation for analysis

Industry Standards and Codes

ASTM F606/F606M: General Test Standard for Mechanical Fasteners, Including Tensile Test Methods.
ISO 898-1: Requirements for mechanical properties of bolts, screws and studs, partly applicable to rivets test

Test equipment and key parameters

Core Equipment

Universal material testing machine: such as KZ-DSC-20 type, support tensile, compression and other modes, equipped with high-precision sensors.
Customized fixture: need to be designed according to the shape of rivets, made of rust-proof high-strength steel to ensure stable clamping.

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The Breaking Strength of Rivets Considerations in Practical Applications

In the construction and automotive sectors, the breaking strength of rivets is a core indicator of structural safety and durability. The following are key factors to consider when selecting rivets for different applications.

Construction

Building structures (e.g. bridges, steel structures) need to choose rivets according to the type of load. Bridges subjected to alternating stresses need to prioritize the selection of rivets with high fatigue strength (e.g. ML30CrMnSiA steel rivets), while ordinary building structures can choose lower-cost carbon steel rivets.

If your project is in a wet or coastal environment, in order to avoid stress corrosion fracture, prefer stainless steel or galvanized rivets.

In addition to this, the riveting process and structure should also be designed. Rivet spacing and margins need to be designed according to code requirements. Rivet spacing ≥ 3d (d for diameter), side distance ≥ 1.7d (convex head) or ≥ 2d (countersunk head).

Automotive

There are many types of materials that need to be riveted in automobiles. So the joining of dissimilar materials needs to be considered. Aluminum alloy, carbon fiber and other lightweight materials need to use self-pierce rivets (SPR) or BOM rivets, through the ring groove locking technology to achieve high shear resistance, to avoid breakage due to the difference in material hardness.

The vibration environment of the car is also a key consideration. BOM rivets are recommended for areas where vibration is frequent, such as automobile chassis.

Automotive body rivets need to meet the fatigue test of the automotive program. Generally need to meet the hard hitting test standard of 50kg or more.

Rivet Breakage Failure Case Study

Cadmium brittle fracture (liquid metal embrittlement)

Fracture of aero-engine 30CrMnSiA countersunk head rivets, with fracture along the crystalline fracture pattern and cadmium residue detected.

reasons

Rivet cadmium-plated layer melts at high temperatures, cadmium diffusion along the grain boundaries to weaken the bond, superimposed on the working stress leads to brittle fracture.

fatigue rupture

Bearing cage rivets after 400 hours of use nail head off, fracture showing fatigue strips and micro-motion wear marks; aircraft 15a frame and skin connection rivets fatigue fracture, fatigue zone accounted for more than 95%.

reasons

Excessive assembly clearance leads to micromotion wear, or mounting hole coaxiality deviation triggers abnormal bending stresses and superimposed vibration loads.

Material and workmanship defects

A gasoline engine clutch rivets fracture, metallurgical testing found that the grain boundaries three carburite chain distribution; riveting machine rivets cracking due to insufficient material strength or header process parameters.

reasons

Excessive material inclusions, improper heat treatment or riveting temperature control errors.

Custom Riveting Solutions for Your Project

By reading this guide, I’m sure you already have a good understanding of the basics of the breaking strength of rivets. This includes the factors that influence it, the problems that occur in its actual use.

A qualified and suitable rivets for your needs can bring you great economic benefits, and vice versa can be bad for your business. If you want to customize a professional riveting solution for your project, please contact our engineers.

Rivmate is the leading rivet manufacturer in china. get the rivet samples for testing now.

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The Complete Guide to Riveting in Construction

Rivmate Fastener

Top Rivet and Rivet Nut Manufacturer in China

A wide range of fasteners and reliable connections are essential for the formation of a perfect building. riveting in construction is an important type of connection. riveting improves the efficiency of building installation.

This comprehensive guide shows you the role of riveting in construction, its history, types, usage scenarios, and how it compares to welding and bolting. Let’s find out more!

Definition of Riveting and Its Role in Construction

Riveting is a mechanical process of permanently joining two or more components by means of rivets. Its core steps are:

Drilling: Prefabrication of through holes in the parts to be joined.
Insertion of rivets: Cylindrical metal rivets (usually steel, aluminum or copper) are threaded into the holes.
Forming and fixing: through the riveting tool to make the tail of the rivet deformation (such as the formation of “nail head”), the use of friction and mechanical bite to achieve fastening.

Role of Riveting in Construction

A lot of rivets are used in construction to connect structures. So what role does riveting play in construction? Here are four main roles.

High-strength structural connection: rivets are not easy to break when subjected to shear or tension, suitable for steel frames and other load-bearing structures. Moreover, riveted nodes are not easy to loosen under dynamic loading, so they are commonly used in railroad bridges, industrial plants and other scenarios that require seismic resistance.
Durability and stability: Compared with welding, cold riveting process avoids changes in material properties caused by high temperature and maintains structural integrity.
Specialized applications: Riveting connects metal to non-metal (e.g. metal to composite), expanding the possibilities for building design. The riveted connection is permanent. Prevent artificial disassembly and enhance safety (e.g. high-pressure containers, protective structures).
Historical and restoration value: the riveting process is used in the restoration of old buildings to preserve their original appearance (e.g. 19th century industrial heritage). The exposed rivet head can be used as a decorative element to reflect the industrial style design.

History of Riveting in Construction

The evolution of riveting technology, as one of the core processes of mechanical joining, is closely related to the innovation of construction materials and the changing needs of industry. The following are its key stages of evolution:

1. Ancient origins (3000 BC - 18th century)

In early applications, hand-forged copper or iron rivets were already present in ancient Egyptian and Roman times. These rivets were used for weapons, armor and simple architectural structures (e.g. chariots, ships).

Limited by metal smelting technology, the rivets of the time were small in size and low in strength, and were mostly used in non-load-bearing structures.

2. The period of the Industrial Revolution (19th century)

With the popularization of the Bessemer converter steelmaking method, steel production surged and demand for large steel structures such as railroads, bridges and factories exploded, making hot riveting technology mainstream.

Iconic projects include the Eiffel Tower and the Brooklyn Bridge. Workers heat the rivets to a red-hot state, insert them into the holes and then hammer them into shape with an air hammer, relying on a great deal of human collaboration.

3. The Golden Age (early twentieth century - 1940s)

With the rise of the skyscraper, riveting became popular. Early steel buildings such as the Chicago Home Insurance Building (1885) relied on riveting, creating a “steel skeleton” construction pattern.

4. Modern innovations (1980s - present)

Today, hot riveting has evolved to cold riveting & automation. Hydraulic/pneumatic riveting machines are used without heat, and the rivets are molded by high pressure to improve efficiency and safety.

And blind rivets one-sided operation can be completed connection, widely used in curtain walls, lightweight steel structures (such as airport terminals).

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Types of Rivets in Construction

In the construction industry, the selection of rivets needs to be optimized based on structural requirements, material properties and construction conditions. The following are common types of rivets and their application scenarios:

Solid Rivets in Construction

The structure of solid rivets is characterized by a single metal (steel, aluminum, copper, etc.), no hollow structure, need to be fixed by heating or cold pressing deformation.

Solid rivets are often used in heavy steel structures. For example, bridges, high-rise building steel beams, industrial plant load-bearing nodes. Its advantages are high shear strength, fatigue resistance and long life; the disadvantage is that it requires double-sided operation and complex installation.

Blind Rivets (Pop Rivets) in Construction

The structural characteristics of the blind rivets (pop rivets) are that the mandrel at the end of the installation will be pulled off, and the entire installation process can be completed with only one side.

In the construction field, aluminum curtain walls, ventilation ducts, temporary supports, metal ceilings and partition links will use a large number of pop rivets for installation.

The biggest advantage of blind rivets is that they are very easy to install, do not require double-sided operation, and are ideal for tight spaces.

Self Piercing Rivets in Construction

Self piercing rivets (SPR) are installed without pre-drilling, penetrate the material and deform and lock, Self piercing rivets are often used in construction to install aluminum-steel hybrid structures (e.g. lightweight building modules). Some assemblies, such as the quick connection of prefabricated wall panels to frames, are also installed with SPR rivets.

The advantages of self piercing rivets are that they are highly efficient, have fewer processes and are ideally suited for fully automated production.

What are Rivets Used for in Construction?

Rivets are widely used in construction due to their high strength, vibration resistance and durability. The main applications of using rivets in construction are as follows:

Structural steel buildings
Bridge construction
Space structures and large venues
Curtain walls and enclosure systems
Assembly and modular construction

Specific application scenarios for riveting

High-rise buildings and skyscrapers: The connection nodes between the core and the external steel structure of ultra-high-rise buildings require the use of large-diameter high-strength rivets to withstand dynamic loads.
Industrial plants: Steel roof frames and crane beams of heavy machinery plants are fixed by rivets to avoid thermal deformation caused by welding.
Railroad and highway bridges: Anchorage points of large-span suspension bridges and steel box girder splices are fastened with corrosion-resistant rivets to resist the erosion of humid environments.
Pedestrian bridges: blind rivets are used at the connection nodes of light steel structures to facilitate quick on-site installation.
Stadiums and exhibition centers: the curved metal roofs of airport terminals have aluminum panels and steel frames connected by stainless steel blind rivets, taking into account both lightweight and wind resistance.
Metal curtain walls: aluminum composite panels, titanium and zinc curtain walls are fixed with aluminum blind rivets, one-sided operation to adapt to overhead work, and the rivet color can be matched to the plate.
Glass curtain wall support structure: steel keel and connectors are fixed by anti-loosening rivets to ensure that they will not be loosened by vibration in long-term use.

Prefabricated Concrete Component Connection: The steel prefabricated components of the assembled building are quickly connected to the concrete slab by self-piercing rivets, reducing the on-site welding process.
Container house: The reinforcement nodes between container modules use high-strength rivets to enhance overall stability and adapt to frequent lifting and transportation.

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Riveting vs Welding vs Bolt : Construction

Comparison Factors	Riveting	Welding	Bolted Connection
Connection Method	Mechanical fastening, forming a permanent connection through rivet deformation	Uses high temperature to melt and fuse metals, forming a weld joint	Mechanical fastening using bolts and nuts to clamp materials together
Applicable Materials	Steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and other metals	Mainly used for metals (steel structures), some plastics	Steel, aluminum, embedded concrete components, etc.
Strength and Durability	High strength, fatigue-resistant, suitable for high-vibration environments	Highest strength, suitable for heavy structures	Relatively high strength but may loosen due to vibration
Longevity	Suitable for long-term structures, minimal temperature impact	May experience fatigue due to heat-affected zones	Easy to replace and maintain, but threads may loosen or corrode
Construction Process	Requires pre-drilling and riveting equipment, complex installation	Requires high-temperature operation, highly affected by environmental conditions	Simple installation with bolts, nuts, and wrenches
Removability	❌ Not removable	❌ Not removable	✅ Removable and maintainable
Typical Applications	Bridges, high-rise buildings, metal structures	Steel structures, pipelines, pressure vessels, large buildings	Prefabricated structures, replaceable connections, temporary structures
Main Advantages	High strength, vibration-resistant, suitable for high-load connections	Highest strength, no additional fasteners needed	Easy installation and maintenance, can be disassembled and replaced

Conclusion:

Riveting: suitable for bridges, building steel structures, high strength permanent connections.
Welding: suitable for steel structures, large buildings, pipelines, highest strength but more difficult to maintain.
Bolting: suitable for demountable, prefabricated and temporary structures, easy to install and maintain, but may loosen in long-term use.

Custom Riveting Solutions for Your Construction Project

riveting in construction is a good way to address this. If you want to greatly improve the efficiency of your installation, rivets can fulfill that condition.

With this guide, I’m sure you already know how to choose the right riveting method for your construction projects. If you are still not sure, please contact our engineers and you will get the perfect riveting solution.

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How to Install Countersunk Rivets?

Rivmate Fastener

Top Rivet and Rivet Nut Manufacturer in China

Countersunk head rivets are a very important type of blind rivets. Therefore it is very important to know how to install countersunk rivets. This guide will show me what to look for, common mistakes in installing countersunk head rivets.

How to Install Countersunk Rivets?

Proper installation of countersunk head rivets can lead to unexpected results. And wrong installation may bring you financial loss. Here are the steps to install countersunk head rivets.

Step 1: Preparation of tools and materials

Before installing countersunk head rivets, you need tools and materials that meet the requirements of your project.

Tools:

Rivet gun (electric or pneumatic)
Electric drill (with appropriate bits)
Chamfering bit (for countersunk hole preparation)
File or sandpaper (optional, for finishing edges)

Material:

Countersunk head blind rivets (choose diameter and length according to material thickness)
Two or more layers of material to be joined (e.g. sheet metal, plastic sheet, etc.)

Safety gear:

Goggles, gloves.

Step 2:Determine rivet size

Rivet Diameter: Select the rivet diameter according to the material strength and application requirements (common specifications: 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, etc.).
Rivet Length: The length of the rivet should be slightly greater than the total thickness of the material to be connected (formula: rivet length = total thickness of the material + the length of the head of the rivet reserved).

step 3: Drilling and chamfering

Drilling:

Mark the drilling point at the location to be riveted.
Drill the holes using an electric drill and a drill bit that matches the rivet diameter (e.g., a 4.1mm drill bit for a 4mm rivet).
Ensure that the hole is perpendicular to the surface of the material and avoid tilting.

Chamfering:

Use a chamfering bit to machine a 45° chamfer on the outside of the hole (the contact surface of the rivet head) so that the countersunk head rivet can be fully embedded in the surface of the material and remain flat.

step 4: Installation of countersunk head rivets

Insert the rivet: align the head (flat end) of the countersunk head rivet with the chamfered hole and insert it into the hole, making sure that the rivet stem (mandrel) is exposed from the other side.
Fixing the rivet gun: Set the collet of the rivet gun into the rivet mandrel (rod), make sure the rivet gun is perpendicular to the rivet.
Pulling operation: Hold the rivet gun handle tightly and pull the mandrel at an even speed. At this time, the tail of the rivet will expand and clamp the material. When the mandrel is pulled off, stop the operation (manual rivet guns usually have a clear “click” sound or resistance suddenly reduced).
Check the riveting result: Make sure the head of the rivet is fully countersunk in the chamfered hole and the surface is flat and free of bulges. Check whether the tail of the rivet to form a uniform expansion ring, to ensure a solid connection.

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Tips of Installing Countersunk Rivets

In addition to following the regular steps to install countersunk head rivets, there are some special notes that require special attention. The following are the points of attention for installing countersunk head rivets.

I. Material and rivet selection

Before the installation of countersunk head rivets, you need to pay attention to the choice of rivet material and size.

Material matching: you need to choose the rivet material according to the nature of the material being connected.
Rivet size: the rivet diameter needs to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the drill hole, and the length of the rivet should be greater than the total thickness of the material.

II. Drilling and chamfering

The holes for countersunk rivets need to be chamfered.

The chamfer angle should be the same as the rivet head angle (usually 82° or 90°).
The depth of the chamfer should be slightly greater than the height of the head of the rivet to ensure that the head of the rivet is fully embedded and flush with the surface (this can be checked with a depth gauge).

Example of a mistake: Insufficient chamfering can cause the head to bulge, and chamfering too deep can weaken the material.

Ⅲ. Rivet insertion direction

The flat end (head) of a countersunk head rivet must face the chamfered hole side with the mandrel (shank) coming through the back. Avoid tilting during insertion, as this may result in a skewed rivet or failed rivet pull.

Ⅳ. Rivet gun use

Ensure that the rivet gun chuck and the rivet mandrel are fully seated to avoid slippage. Keep the rivet gun perpendicular to the surface of the material when pulling the rivet to prevent incomplete breakage of the mandrel or deformation of the rivet. At the same time need to control the strength of riveting, excessive riveting will lead to deformation of the material or the head of the rivet depression; insufficient riveting will not be sufficient expansion of the rivet, the connection is not strong.

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Common Installation Errors with Countersunk Head Rivets

When installing countersunk head rivets, common mistakes often stem from negligence of operational details or improper use of tools. The following are 4 typical mistakes.

Improper chamfering: The head of the rivet protrudes from the surface and cannot be fully embedded in the hole. When the chamfer angle or depth does not match the head of the rivet, resulting in uneven surface after riveting.
Failure to clean up drilling debris: Rivet insertion is difficult, forced installation leads to scratches on the hole wall. Residual debris affects the expansion effect of the rivet.
Neglect material compatibility: different metal contact leads to galvanic corrosion. The strength of rivets will be reduced under high temperature environment.
Negligent material handling: thin plate material is deformed by riveting force. Misalignment of holes in multi-layer materials, resulting in stress concentration after riveting.

Summary: Practical tips to prevent mistakes

Trial Verification: Test the rivet size, chamfer depth and rivet pulling strength on the waste material.
Marking verification: Mark the length and material on the head of rivets with a marker pen to avoid confusion.
Tool Maintenance: Clean the rivet gun chuck and lubricate the moving parts every month.
Layering check: After every 5-10 rivets are completed, randomly select 1-2 to check the flatness and firmness.

By avoiding these mistakes, the installation quality of countersunk head rivets can be significantly improved, ensuring a connection that is both aesthetically pleasing and reliable.

Boost Your Business with High Quality Countersunk Rivets

Different qualities of countersunk head rivets bring different results. Poor quality rivets may only last a few months before they become problematic, which can lead to your customers becoming dissatisfied with you. Whereas rivets of outstanding quality will not have problems for years or even a decade, which will promote the success of your business.

Before placing an official order for countersunk head rivets, you can request for free samples of rivets for testing.

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Why is the Countersunk Rivet Head Angle Important?

Rivmate Fastener

Top Rivet and Rivet Nut Manufacturer in China

Why is the Countersunk Rivet Head Angle Important? If an inappropriate countersunk rivet head angle is used, it is likely to lead to serious consequences, even connection failure. So choosing the right countersunk rivet head angle is crucial for your business.

By reading this guide, you will learn the basic definition, importance, types and factors to consider for countersunk rivet head angle.

What is the Countersunk Rivets Head Angle?

The countersunk head angle of a countersunk head rivet refers to the angle of the tapered portion of its head, usually with 100° as the most common standard. Depending on the application scenario and industry standards, there also exist 90°, 120° and other angle designs.

Aerospace uses 100° or 130° countersink angles more often, while 90° in sheet metal working is suitable for softer materials. The countersunk head angle determines how well the head of the rivet fits the surface of the material after riveting. The smaller the angle, the shakier the taper; the larger the angle, the flatter the taper.

The correct choice of countersink angle ensures:

The surface is flat and free of bulges after riveting.
Uniformity of force and avoidance of stress concentration.
Compliance with industry specifications.

Why Is the Countersunk Rivet Head Angle Important?

The countersunk head angle of countersunk head rivets is important because it directly affects the structural performance of the riveted joint, the installation effect and the suitability of the application scenario.

1. Ensuring structural strength and load distribution

The countersunk head angle determines how well the rivet head fits the material contact surface. Mismatched angles (e.g., countersunk hole angle greater than rivet angle) will result in only edge contact of the rivet head, resulting in localized stress concentrations and reduced joint strength.

The correct angle (e.g. 90°) allows the rivet head to fit perfectly into the countersunk hole, spreading the load over a larger area and avoiding localized overloads that could lead to deformation of the material or loosening of the rivet.

2. Ensuring surface flatness

When the countersunk head angle is the same as the countersunk hole angle, the head of the rivet can be fully embedded in the surface of the material for a smooth transition. If the angle deviates (e.g. 90° for rivet angle and 85° for countersunk hole), the head may protrude or sink, affecting appearance and function.

Special scenarios have very high requirements for surface flatness. For example, aircraft skins require rivet heads to be perfectly flush to minimize air drag; electronics housings need to avoid bulges that can affect tactility or assembly.

3. Optimization of the installation process

When the countersunk head angle is matched to the countersunk hole, the rivet is automatically centered during the press-in process, reducing the risk of installation deflection. Angular deviations can cause the rivet to tilt, reducing the reliability of the connection.

If the countersink angle is slightly less than the rivet angle (e.g. 89° vs. 90°), this compensates for machining errors and ensures a tight fit of the rivet head.

4. Adaptation to different material properties

Soft materials (e.g. aluminum, plastics): using a smaller angle (e.g. 82°) reduces the risk of crushing deformation or cracking of the material during riveting.
High strength materials (e.g. titanium alloys): a larger angle (e.g. 100°~130°) may be required to balance the material hardness and riveting force to avoid chipping of the countersunk edges.

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Types of Countersunk Rivet Head Angle

There are many types of countersunk rivet head angle to suit different application scenarios and materials.

90° Countersunk angle

90° Countersunk angle meets ISO 1051, GB/T 869 (China), DIN 6797 (Germany), JIS B 1211 (Japan) standards for design.90° Countersunk head rivets are commonly used in machinery, sheet metal fabrication, and building structures.

The characteristics of the 90° Countersunk angle are as follows:

The most widely used standard angle, easy countersunk hole processing, strong compatibility.
Flat surface after riveting, suitable for scenes with basic requirements for appearance.

82° Countersunk angle

82° Countersunk head angle in accordance with ANSI/ASME B18.1.2 (U.S.), some aerospace standards. Mainly used on soft metals (e.g. aluminum sheet, copper) or plastic parts. You may see 82° countersunk head rivets in automotive interiors, electronic equipment housings and other scenarios where deformation of the material needs to be avoided.

The features of this countersunk head rivet are as follows:

Steeper taper reduces the risk of extrusion deformation on soft materials.
Requires matching 82° countersunk holes, commonly used in the American Standard system.

100° Countersunk angle

The 100° countersink angle meets NASM/MS (aviation standards), some military specifications. Aircraft skins, spacecraft structures and high-strength alloys are joined using a large number of 100° countersunk head rivets.

These rivets are characterized by a smoother taper and greater load dispersion for high stress scenarios.

120° or 130° countersunk head angle

The 120° or 130° countersink angle is customized for special industries (e.g. ships, heavy machinery).

If your project requires the joining of extra thick plates or composites, or if you need extremely low surface projection, then 120° or 130° countersunk head rivets are a good choice.

After installation, the head of the rivet is almost perfectly flush with the surface of the material.

Countersunk Rivet Head Angle Chart

Scenario	Recommended Angle	Rationale
General sheet metal fabrication (steel/aluminum)	90°	Low cost, easy processing, and strong compatibility.
Lightweight aluminum panel connections (automotive)	82°	Reduces deformation in aluminum, compliant with ANSI standards.
Aircraft skin riveting	100°	Distributes aerodynamic loads and meets high-strength aviation requirements.
Thick composite structures (e.g., marine)	120°–130°	Ensures flush surfaces to prevent corrosion or drag.

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Factors to Consider for Countersunk rivet Head Angle

When selecting the head angle of a countersunk head rivet, in order to ensure joint strength, functionality and economy. The following key factors need to be considered:

Material Characteristics: Prefer 82° countersunk head rivets when your project is a soft material. For hard materials, 90° countersunk head rivets or 100° countersunk head rivets are more appropriate.
Material thickness: Use countersunk head rivets with small angle (82°~90°) for thin plates (<3mm) to avoid penetration or deformation. Thick plates or composite materials use large angle (100°~130°) countersunk head rivets to enhance load carrying capacity.
Load type: Shear dominated selection of 90° countersunk head rivets. Tensile force dominant selection of 100 ° or greater angle countersunk head rivets.
Surface flatness requirements: high flatness requirements using 100 ° ~ 130 ° countersunk head rivets, general appearance of the choice of economical 90 ° countersunk head rivets.

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The angle of countersunk head rivets used to join different materials is also different. By reading this guide, I’m sure you already know how to pick the best coutersunk rivet head angle for your project.If there are still questions about this, please contact our engineers.

Please obtain a sample rivet for testing before placing an official order.

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The Ultimate Guide to Countersunk Head Rivets Uses

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Countersunk head rivets are one of the three types of rivets. So do you know countersunk head rivets uses?With this ultimate guide, you will learn the definition of countersunk head rivets, conditions of applicability, applications, and tips for use.

Countersunk Head Rivets - Basic Concept

Countersunk head rivets are a type of fastener for concealed, single-sided installation. Once installed, countersunk head rivets are fully embedded in the material surface, creating a flat joint surface.

Most blind rivets can be made into countersunk head rivets, so countersunk head rivets can be used in a wide variety of applications. Common countersunk head rivets are available in 100° and 120° head angles.

Conditions Suitable for the Countersunk Head Rivets Uses

High concealment requirements

Scenario: need to have a flat surface and no bumps. For example, automotive interior panels, aircraft skins, high-end furniture or consumer electronics housings.
Advantages: Countersunk design avoids cosmetic disturbances and improves aesthetics or aerodynamics (e.g. drag reduction).

Installation environments where only one side can be operated

Scenarios: Enclosed structures (e.g., inside walls of pipes, inside electronic equipment) or spaces that are inaccessible from the back side (e.g., aeroplane wing gussets).
Advantage: Blind riveting feature enables one-sided installation, eliminating the need for back support.

Medium to thin material thickness

Suitable materials: aluminium alloy, stainless steel and other lightweight or thin plates (recommended thickness <8mm).
Note: Deep chamfers are required for thicker materials, which may weaken the strength or make installation difficult.

Sealing Requirements

Scenario: Connections that need to be waterproof and gas permeable (e.g., outdoor signage, LED light boxes).
Scenario: Choose closed countersunk head blind rivets (closed-end) with sealing pressures up to 70-100 psi.

The need for lightweight and precise design

Fields: Aerospace, shipbuilding, need to comply with industry standards (e.g. BACR standards).
Material combinations: aluminium/aluminium, aluminium/stainless steel combinations for lightweight and corrosion resistant requirements.

Feasibility of chamfering

Prerequisites: Precise chamfering with matching rivet countersunk head angle (100° or 120°±2°).
Tooling support: Chamfering drills or automated chamfering equipment are available.

Conditions of Non-applicability (need to be circumvented)

1. High vibration or long-term load environments

The countersunk head design has a lower load capacity for shear and fatigue strength than dome head blind rivets, and prolonged vibration may cause loosening. Bolts or high strength round head rivets can be used instead.

2. Extra-thick materials or oversized apertures

When the material is too thick (e.g. more than 15mm) or the hole diameter is too large, the countersink height is difficult to meet, which will easily lead to uneven surface.

3. Budget constraints or quick bulk installations

Chamfer prepping and precise installation can add cost and time. Round head rivets are available for general industrial scenarios.

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Countersunk Head Rivets Uses

From the above information we understand the use conditions of countersunk head rivets, next I will introduce the countersunk head rivets uses.

1. Automobiles and transport

Countersunk head rivets can provide the following three features to the car:

Concealment and safety
Aerodynamic optimisation
Waterproof sealing

To enhance passenger safety and comfort, automakers use countersunk head rivets to hold interior components in place and prevent metal bumps from scratching passengers. The use of countersunk head blind rivets on lights, bumpers and bumpers will result in flat surfaces, less wind resistance and improved vehicle energy efficiency.

2. aerospace industry

Airplanes also use a lot of countersunk head rivets. For example, aircraft skins can use countersunk head rivets to reduce flight resistance while lowering the overall weight. This can improve fuel efficiency, which can reduce fuel costs by millions of dollars.

3. Electronic and electrical equipment

Electrical equipment uses a large number of countersunk head rivets for mounting in order to improve the utilization of space within the equipment and to extend the life of the electronic components. Countersunk head rivets can bring the following effects:

Single side installation is suitable for narrow space.
Countersunk head rivets do not protrude, avoiding physical interference with heat sinks, capacitors and other precision components.
Can provide IP67 sealing to protect outdoor equipment.

4. Architecture and Furniture

Many architectural and furniture manufacturers, in order to provide the visual quality of building facades and furniture, use countersunk head rivets.

In high end furniture (e.g. cabinets, desks), there is a need to hide the joints and keep the surface of the furniture tidy. In curtain wall installations, countersunk head rivets are required to avoid protrusions that could scratch operators and to withstand loads at the same time.

5. Industrial equipment and new energy

With the development of new energy sources, the use of rivets is increasing. Solar panels and battery systems use a lot of rivets to improve reliability. And in these scenarios, the installation of rivets can effectively improve the installation efficiency, which can be increased by 30%.

Photovoltaic mounts are outdoors for a long time, and countersunk head rivets can reduce its stress concentration, more suitable for outdoor wind vibration environment.

Tips of Using Countersunk Head Rivets

In order to achieve the best possible connection with countersunk head rivets, special attention needs to be paid to the following key points when using countersunk head rivets.

Material and design suitability: Countersunk head rivets are recommended for joining thin to medium-thick plates of 0.5-8mm.
Installation process requirements: the hole angle must be consistent with the angle of the countersunk head rivets, the error control within ± 2 °. The hole diameter should be 0.1-0.3mm larger than the rivet diameter.
Performance and load limitations: countersunk head rivets have a lower shear strength than round head rivets by about 15-20%, avoid high shear scenarios.

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Custom Countersunk Head Rivets Solutions for Your Business

Are you looking for reliable countersunk head rivets manfuacturer for your business?Countersunk head rivets can provide your products with a flat surface and higher important product value.

If you want to buy countersunk head rivets, please buy directly from the manufacturer.Rivmate is the top rivets manufacturer in China.

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