Different Types of Rivets and Their Uses: A Practical Selection Guide
- Author: Allen Zhao
- 20+ Years of Manufacturing
There are many types of rivets. To choose the right one, you first need to clarify the purpose of your joint.
If you need to permanently join multiple layers of material, focus on comparing solid rivets, blind rivets, and structural blind rivets. If the materials being joined are relatively soft, you should consider split rivets or other designs that increase the load-bearing area. For automotive automated production, we recommend considering SPRs. If the joint requires the installation and removal of bolts, we recommend using rivet nuts.
| Your Connection Requirements | Recommended Rivet Type |
|---|---|
| High reliability and access from both sides | Solid Rivets |
| One-side installation only | Blind Rivets |
| Light-duty, high-volume automated assembly | Semi-Tubular / Tubular Rivets |
| Fast drive-in installation required | Drive Rivets |
| Wood, plastic, fiberboard, and other soft materials | Split Rivets |
| Automated joining of automotive sheet metal without pre-drilled through holes | Self-Piercing Rivets |
| High strength, high vibration, and one-side installation | Structural Blind Rivets |
| Need to create an internal thread in thin sheet metal | Rivet Nuts |
Table of Contents
What Is a Rivet and How Does It Work?
A rivet is a fastener that creates a permanent mechanical joint by clamping two or more layers of sheet metal together through its own plastic deformation.
The operating principle of a rivet differs from that of bolts and screws. Standard rivets do not rely on threads to maintain the connection. During installation, a rivet gun pulls the rivet mandrel, causing deformation on the blind side of the rivet body and creating a mechanical interlock that permanently joins the materials together. Rivets are suitable for permanent connections that do not require frequent disassembly.
Main Rivet Types and Their Uses
Different types of rivets are used in different applications. Next, I will provide a detailed overview of the eight most common types of rivets used in industrial assembly.
1. Solid Rivets
Solid rivets have the simplest structure among all rivet types, consisting of a solid shank and a rivet head. During installation, the rivet must be supported on one side while the tail is plastically deformed on the other side to form a second rivet head.
Solid rivets are characterized by their simple structure and reliable connections. They do not feature hollow bodies or breakable cores.
Common Applications:
- Aircraft structures
- Metal frames
- Heavy machinery
- Bridges and steel structures
TIPS: There are restrictions on the installation of solid rivets. Access to both sides of the workpiece is required to ensure a reliable, permanent connection.
Therefore, if the back of your structure is enclosed, solid rivets are not suitable, and you should consider blind rivets instead.
2.Blind Rivets
Blind rivets are a very common type of fastener in modern sheet metal assembly. The overall structure consists of two parts: the rivet body and the mandrel.
During installation, simply insert the rivet from the front of the workpiece, then use a rivet gun to pull the mandrel, causing the rivet body to expand and deform on the back side, thereby clamping the material. Finally, the mandrel breaks off at the predetermined position.
Common Applications:
- Sheet metal
- HVAC ductwork
- Electrical cabinets
- Household appliances
- Metal furniture
- Roofing
- Automotive and trailer bodies
- Various enclosed structures
3.Semi-Tubular and Tubular Rivets
The most distinctive feature of semi-tubular and tubular rivets compared to other rivets is their hollow structure. In semi-tubular rivets, the tail end of the shank features a hollow section of a certain depth. In contrast, the hollow section of tubular rivets is deeper.
Compared to solid rivets, they require less riveting force to form during the riveting process. They are particularly suitable for high-speed, automated production methods involving light to medium loads.
Common Applications:
- Hinges
- Furniture
- Electronic products
- Luggage
- Children’s products
- Leather goods
- Small mechanical components
4.Drive Rivets
Compared to standard blind rivets, Drive Rivets have a unique installation method. This is because Drive Rivets do not require a rivet gun during installation. Instead, the central pin is driven in by striking or pressing, causing the rivet tail to expand and secure it within the hole.
The key features of Drive Rivets are simple and fast installation.
Common Applications:
- Signs
- Nameplates
- Decorative parts
- Lightweight metal components
- Plastic parts
- Architectural hardware
Based on our team’s testing, Drive Rivets are not designed for high structural loads. Although Drive Rivets are easy to install, they are not suitable for applications where the joint must withstand high tensile forces, high shear forces, or vibration.
5.Split Rivets
The tail of a Split Rivet is split into two or more sections. During installation, the tail spreads outward and embeds itself into the material, thereby securing the joint.
The key advantage of Split Rivets is their simple structure and good gripping ability on soft materials. They are more suitable for low- to medium-load connections.
Common Applications
- Wood
- Leather
- Cardboard
- Plastics
- Fiber materials
- Certain lightweight decorative products
6.Self-piercing rivets
Self-Piercing Rivets are a typical application of riveting technology in automotive manufacturing. A key feature of Self-Piercing Rivets is that, under appropriate process conditions, they do not require pre-drilled through holes.
SPRs require specialized riveting equipment, matching dies, appropriate sheet thickness combinations, and strict process parameters.During installation, the rivet penetrates the upper sheet under pressure, and then the rivet tail expands under the action of the lower die, forming a mechanical interlock with the lower sheet.
Common Applications:
- Automotive bodies
- Aluminum alloy structures
- Steel-aluminum hybrid joints
- New energy vehicles
- High-volume automated thin-sheet assembly
7.Structural Blind Rivets
Simply put, a Structural Blind Rivet is one of the high-performance variants of a standard Blind Rivet.The operating principle of a Structural Blind Rivet is the same: a riveting gun pulls the mandrel to deform the rivet body on the back side of the workpiece, thereby clamping the sheets together.
The difference is that some structural blind rivets retain and lock a portion of the mandrel after installation. Both the mandrel and the rivet body contribute to load-bearing, enhancing the strength of the joint.
Common Applications:
- Trucks and trailers
- Commercial vehicles
- Rail vehicles
- Heavy machinery
- Industrial equipment
- High-vibration structures
- Single-sided assemblies requiring high connection strength
8.Rivet Nuts
The main difference between rivet nuts and standard rivets is that, once installed, they create a reusable internal thread in thin sheet metal. This allows bolts and screws to be screwed in repeatedly. They are particularly suitable for structures where the material is too thin to directly cut a reliable thread.
Common Applications:
- Automotive components
- Electrical cabinets
- Enclosures
- Sheet metal
- Square tubing
- Aluminum profiles and other profiles
- Home appliances
- Mechanical equipment
- Furniture structures
Blind Rivet Variants Explained
Different blind rivet designs address different issues. Those commonly used in general industrial assembly include open-type blind rivets, closed-type blind rivets, multi-grip blind rivets, peel-type blind rivets, and grooved blind rivets.
- Open-Type Blind Rivets
Suitable for general sheet metal joints that do not require special sealing or high strength.Their advantages include a simple design, quick installation, relatively low cost, and the ability to be installed from only one side of the workpiece. - Closed-Type Blind Rivets
Unlike Open-Type Blind Rivets, which have an open end, Closed-Type Blind Rivets feature a closed structure at the tail end. They are particularly suitable for preventing liquids, air, or contaminants from entering the joint from inside the rivet. - Multi-Grip Blind Rivets
The key advantage of Multi-Grip Blind Rivets is that a single size can accommodate multiple sheet thickness combinations, effectively reducing inventory and costs. - Peel-Type Blind Rivets
The key advantage of peel-type blind rivets is that, after installation, when the mandrel pulls the rivet body, the tail of the rivet splits and spreads outward into multiple petal-like structures. They are particularly suitable for joining wood, plastic, fiberglass, or other relatively soft materials. - Grooved Blind Rivets
A key feature of grooved blind rivets is the grooves on the surface of the rivet body. After installation, these grooves embed into the surrounding material, creating a mechanical interlock with the base material.
Rivet Materials and Galvanic Corrosion
Different materials directly affect a rivet’s strength, weight, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with the materials being joined. You need to select the appropriate rivet based on the actual environment in which it will be used.
| Rivet Material | Main Features | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Lightweight, good atmospheric corrosion resistance, easy to form during riveting, and requires relatively low installation force. | Aluminum sheets, HVAC systems, home appliances, light-duty sheet metal, and aluminum alloy structures. |
| Carbon Steel | Higher strength and relatively low cost, but limited corrosion resistance; usually requires zinc plating or other surface treatments. | Steel sheets, machinery, automotive components, and general industrial structures. |
| Stainless Steel | High strength and good corrosion resistance, suitable for wet and corrosive environments. | Outdoor equipment, food-processing equipment, chemical equipment, marine applications, and high-humidity environments. |
| Copper | Good ductility, excellent electrical conductivity, and a certain level of corrosion resistance. | Electrical equipment, copper sheet connections, decorative components, and specialized applications. |
What Is Galvanic Corrosion?
When two different metals come into electrical contact at a joint, and the surrounding environment contains moisture, salt water, or other conductive media, a small-scale electrochemical corrosion system is formed.
Conditions required for galvanic corrosion:
- Two metals with different electrochemical properties
- Conductive contact between the two metals
- The presence of an electrolyte, such as water, salt water, or moist contaminants
- A complete current path
How to Reduce Galvanic Corrosion
- Choose materials with similar electrochemical properties.
- Use physical methods to isolate the two metals, including designs such as gaskets, coatings, and barrier layers. Make every effort to break the current path between the two different metals.
- Prevent water and salt from entering the connection area through a sealed design.
- Ensure there is no coating damage around the edges of mounting holes to prevent localized corrosion.
- In highly corrosive environments, monitor salt spray test results and verify the corrosion resistance of the joints.
Head Styles and When to Use Them
The shape of a rivet head not only affects the load-bearing area on the front face and the protrusion height after installation, but also determines whether thin sheets are prone to being crushed or torn through. Therefore, you need to select the appropriate head style. The most common head styles are Dome Head / Protruding Head, Large Flange Head, and Countersunk Head.
Dome Head
After a Dome Head rivet is installed in a workpiece, the rivet head protrudes slightly above the surface of the workpiece. You can clearly see a round or slightly arched rivet head.
Dome Heads are easy to install, offer a balanced cost, and have a wide range of applications.
Common applications:
- HVAC ductwork
- Electrical cabinets
- Equipment enclosures
- Metal furniture
- Household appliances
- General sheet metal parts
- Non-critical automotive
- structural components
- General industrial equipment
Large Flange Head
Compared to the Dome Head, the Large Flange Head has a larger head diameter. As a result, the same clamping force is distributed over a larger material area, reducing localized stress concentration. It is better suited for joining thin sheets, plastics, or other materials prone to localized deformation,
Common Applications:
- Thin steel sheets
- Thin aluminum sheets
- Plastics
- Fiberglass panels
- Soft materials
- Certain joints with large holes or relatively wide hole tolerances
- Structures requiring a larger frontal support area
Countersunk Head
The head of a countersunk rivet is conical. A suitable countersink hole must be pre-machined before installation. When installed correctly, the rivet head sits flush with or nearly flush with the workpiece surface.
Common Applications:
- Surfaces that must remain flat
- Parts that need to slide over the rivet location
- Applications with high aesthetic requirements
- Surfaces must not have noticeable protrusions
- Certain aerospace or automotive structures
- Equipment panels
- Metal furniture
- Assemblies requiring minimal surface interference
Based on customer feedback, if the countersunk hole is too deep, the rivet head may sit below the material surface. If it is too shallow, the rivet head will still protrude. If the material itself is too thin, there may not be sufficient thickness to form a proper countersunk structure. Therefore, the standards for using countersunk rivets are relatively high.
How to Choose the Right Rivet in 7 Steps
- Step 1: Determine the fastening method and installation space based on the product’s actual application.
- Step 2: Select the rivet material based on the materials to be joined and the operating environment.
- Step 3: Measure the total sheet thickness and select the grip range according to the technical specifications provided by the manufacturer.
- Step 4: Select the appropriate diameter based on the actual load and product data, and verify the shear and tensile strength.
- Step 5: For applications where a flush finish is not required or where exceptionally thin sheets are involved, prioritize the Dome Head. For applications requiring a consistent appearance, select the Countersunk Rivet. For materials that are too soft or thin, the Large Flange Head is recommended.
- Step 6: Consult the data sheet for the specific model and drill holes according to the Recommended Hole Diameter.
- Step 7: Complete the installation using a matching Blind Rivet Tool, and inspect the blind-side formation and the final joint condition.
Installation Methods and Tools
If the installation method or tools used for the rivets are not appropriate, problems such as loosening, sheet metal deformation, abnormal rivet shank breakage, or insufficient joint strength may occur—even if the rivet specifications themselves are correct. Installation methods vary significantly depending on the type of rivet, so you need to select the correct tools for the job.
| Rivet Type | Main Installation Method | Common Installation Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Solid Rivet | The rivet tail is hammered or compressed to form a second rivet head. | Rivet Gun + Bucking Bar, Riveting Press |
| Blind Rivet | The mandrel is pulled to deform the rivet body on the blind side. | Hand Riveter, Pneumatic Rivet Tool, Battery Rivet Tool |
| Semi-Tubular / Tubular Rivet | The hollow tail is flared, rolled, or formed to create the joint. | Riveting Press, Orbital Riveting Machine, Impact Riveting Machine |
| Drive Rivet | The center pin is hammered or pressed into the rivet body, causing it to expand. | Hammer, Press, Dedicated Installation Tool |
| Split Rivet | The split tail is opened outward and pressed against or into the material. | Riveting Press, Setting Die, Anvil |
| Self-Piercing Rivet | The rivet is driven through the upper sheet under high force and flares inside the lower sheet with the help of a die. | SPR Riveting System, Punch + Die |
| Structural Blind Rivet | The mandrel is pulled with high force to set the rivet; some designs also mechanically retain or lock the mandrel. | Heavy-Duty Pneumatic, Hydraulic, or Battery Riveter |
| Rivet Nut | The installation mandrel pulls or rotates the rivet nut, causing the deformation zone to collapse and clamp the sheet. | Rivet Nut Tool |
Rivets vs Screws, Bolts, Welding, and Adhesives
| Comparison | Rivets | Screws | Bolts | Welding | Adhesives |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joining Method | Mechanical locking | Threaded connection | Threaded connection + preload | Metallurgical joining | Adhesive bonding |
| Typically Permanent? | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable for Frequent Disassembly? | Limited | Good | Good | Poor | Poor |
| One-Side Installation | Possible with blind rivets | Depends on the design | Standard bolt + nut usually requires access to both sides | Depends on weld access | Usually possible |
| Thin-Sheet Applications | Excellent | Suitable | Suitable with proper joint design | Requires control of heat distortion | Suitable |
| Dissimilar Material Joining | Good, but galvanic corrosion must be considered | Good | Good | May be limited by material weldability | Excellent |
| Welding Heat-Affected Zone | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Usually Requires Holes? | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| High-Volume Assembly Efficiency | High | Medium | Medium | Depends on automation | Depends on adhesive application and curing process |
| Maintenance & Repair | Limited | High | High | Low | Low |
| Typical Advantage | Fast, permanent, ideal for thin sheet and one-side installation | Easy to assemble and disassemble | High clamping force and serviceability | Continuous, rigid metal joint | Dissimilar material joining and distributed stress |
Common Applications by Industry
Once you understand the different types of rivets, you’ll find that they have a wide range of applications. They are particularly well-suited for thin sheets, lightweight structures, permanent joints, and high-volume assembly. Since riveting requirements vary across different industries, the selection of rivet types and specifications will also differ.
| Industry | Common Applications | Common Rivet Types | Key Selection Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive | Body panels, brackets, mixed-material joints | Blind Rivets, Structural Blind Rivets, Self-Piercing Rivets, Rivet Nuts | Strength, vibration, weight, automation |
| Aerospace | Aircraft skin, frames, structural panels | Solid Rivets, specialized blind fasteners | Fatigue, weight, reliability, standards |
| Construction / Roofing | Roofing, cladding, gutters, panels | Open-End Blind Rivets, Closed-End Blind Rivets, Large-Flange Rivets | Corrosion resistance, sealing, weather resistance |
| HVAC | Ductwork, housings, sheet-metal assemblies | Open-End Blind Rivets, Closed-End Blind Rivets, Multi-Grip Rivets | Thin sheet, grip range, sealing |
| Electrical / Electronics | Cabinets, panels, brackets | Blind Rivets, Rivet Nuts | Thin sheet, installation access, serviceability |
| Home Appliances | Housings, internal brackets, frames | Blind Rivets, Multi-Grip Rivets, Structural Blind Rivets | Productivity, vibration, appearance |
| Trucks / Trailers | Body panels, floors, frames | Blind Rivets, Structural Blind Rivets, Multi-Grip Rivets | High load, vibration, grip range |
| Solar / Outdoor | Frames, brackets, equipment housings | Blind Rivets, Structural Blind Rivets | Corrosion resistance, galvanic compatibility |
| Furniture / Consumer Products | Hinges, handles, folding parts | Semi-Tubular Rivets, Tubular Rivets, Blind Rivets, Split Rivets | Cost, appearance, automation |
Need Help Choosing a Rivet?
With over 15 years of industry experience and advanced riveting technology, Rivmate offers extensive support for selecting and customizing a wide variety of rivets for different industrial applications. This is also a key reason why customers choose Rivmate as their partner.
If you’re unsure about which rivet to choose, feel free to contact Rivmate. Our team of technical experts will help you select the appropriate rivet type, material, diameter, grip range, and head style to design a suitable riveting solution for your application. We can also provide samples for performance verification.
To help Rivmate recommend the most suitable rivets for your needs, please provide the following information:
- Application
- Materials to be joined
- Thickness of each material layer
- Installation hole diameter
- Load or strength requirements
- Drawings, photos, or samples
FAQs
What is the difference between solid rivets and blind rivets?
The difference between solid rivets and blind rivets lies in their applications and installation methods. Solid rivets require access to both sides of the workpiece for installation. They are installed by hammering or pressing the rivet to cause plastic deformation of the rivet shank. Blind rivets, on the other hand, can be installed with access to only one side of the workpiece. They are installed using a rivet setter, which pulls the mandrel to deform the rivet body and clamp the sheet metal in place.
When should I use structural blind rivets instead of standard blind rivets?
Consider structural blind rivets when your connection must not only be installed on one side but also withstand high shear and tensile loads, continuous vibration, or meet more stringent structural reliability requirements.
What rivets are suitable for thin sheet metal, plastic, fiberglass, or other soft materials?
Thin sheet metal, plastic, fiberglass, or other soft materials are prone to tearing under pressure. It is better to choose rivets that increase the pressure-bearing area, such as Large Flange Blind Rivets, Peel Rivets, and Bulb Tite Rivets.
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Rivmate is blind rivets manufacturers in china. The company is IATF 16949 certified and offers high-strength structural blind rivets that serve as alternatives to Huck and Avdel products.
Hey There, I'm Allen!
I am the boss of Rivmate. For over two decades, we have specialized in the manufacture of blind rivets, providing our customers with reliable riveting solutions. Need riveting services? Feel free to contact us.