Tips on How to Choose the Right Rivets

Rivets are commonly used to attach two or more pieces of metal together, especially on large-scale industrial jobs that require the strength and durability that rivets can provide. But picking the correct rivet can be difficult if you’re unfamiliar with what goes into making them, so here are some tips to help you find suitable rivets for your job:-

Materials

When choosing rivets online, you’ll want to make sure you have a clear understanding of what type of material is being used for construction. Rivets come in a range of materials, including aluminium, steel, stainless steel, copper, nickel copper, zinc and more, sometimes a mix of different materials for the body and the mandrel. Each type of material comes with its own set of features. You will need to pick the correct material rivet for both sides of the workpiece to avoid galvanic corrosion. For example, you may use stainless steel rivets for an aluminium workpiece, but not the other way around. It’s always safe to use the same material fasteners as the workpiece.

Grip Range

It is one of the major elements you will need to consider. The thickness of the materials being joined must be within the grip range of the rivets. Otherwise, the rivets may not be installed properly. If the materials happen to be at the exact maximum thickness of the grip, having the next grip up is recommended.

Flange

The rivet flange remains on the visible side after installation. There are various flange options available, shape and size wise. Pick the most suitable flange for your application. For example, the large flange is perfect for soft or brittle materials such as plastic or fibre glass. It provides enough surface area to prevent pull-through, yet without damaging the workpiece; The countersunk head, however, leaves a beautiful flush finish, but needs to be wide enough to fight against pull-through.

Diameter

The diameter refers to how thick or thin a rivet body or head is (do not measure the rivet mandrel), and it’s typically measured by vernier calliper or gauges. While diameter can sometimes impact strength, you should choose your rivet based on its diameter, which can affect its usability. For instance, if you need to hold two large pieces together, go with a larger diameter; if two small pieces need extra security, consider smaller diameter rivets.

Cost

The cost of a rivet is mainly affected by its sizes, materials and grip ranges. Generally, structural rivets or high-performance rivets tend to be more expensive than standard rivets. For the same type of rivets, price increases as size goes up or grip range goes wider. When buying large quantities for commercial jobs or similar endeavours, it’s important to be aware of bulk discounts that may be available through your rivet suppliers.

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