Rivets are an important and versatile tool in industrial work, helping to join things together strongly and reliably. They are a relatively low-cost solution that can be used across a large number of different industries and applications. Certified Fastener Specialist John Butler, an Account Manager with Martin Supply, says these fasteners can be a positive addition to many companies’ production processes.

“Rivets can be very low-cost compared to a nut and a bolt,” Butler says. “They’re able to be used in a wide variety of ways.”

Butler says there are many types of rivets, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. However, many of them fall under seven categories: solid, semi-tubular, drive, split, eyelet, speed fastening, and blind rivets.

Solid Rivets

Solid rivets are used in making airplanes, cars, and buildings. They are very strong and good for holding heavy parts together. These rivets are made of one piece of metal. They are installed by hitting them with a hammer or using a rivet gun. Once in place, they make a permanent and secure connection.

Semi-Tubular Rivets

Semi-tubular rivets are used in things like lights, brakes, ladders, and furniture. They are good for jobs that need strong but not the strongest holds. These rivets have a small hole at the tip, which makes them easier to install than solid rivets. They still provide a strong hold.

Drive Rivets

Drive rivets are used in light projects like attaching nameplates, signs, and decorations. These rivets are installed by driving the mandrel into the rivet body with a hammer. This makes the rivet body expand and hold materials together quickly.

Split Rivets

Split rivets are used in softer materials like leather, plastic, or wood. They are popular in making cars and leather goods. These rivets have a split body that bends outward when installed, providing a strong hold in soft materials that might tear or split. Butler says these types of rivets are often found in the fashion industry.

“These are used for leather, handbags, belts, things of that nature, where that rivet is split with a little drive tool and it keeps those pieces together,” Butler says.

Eyelets

Eyelets are also used in fabrics, similar to split rivets. However, they serve a very different purpose. Eyelets are small, hollow rivets that strengthen holes in fabric or leather, preventing fraying and tearing. You can often find them in shoes, belts, and lacing.

Speed Fastening Rivets

Speed fastening rivets are typically used in making electronics, appliances, and cars, where fast assembly is important. These rivets are designed for quick and easy assembly, making them useful in fast-paced production environments.

Blind Rivets

Blind rivets are perfect for situations where only one side of the workpiece is accessible. They are used in making tubular structures or sheet metal applications in construction and car manufacturing. Blind rivets have a mandrel that is pulled through the body to expand it during installation. This creates a secure hold even when you can only reach one side of the material.

“Blind rivets, there’s many different types,” Butler says. “They’re a very versatile product, very low expense to install. It keeps your cost down and applications installing very quickly.”

Knowing about the different types of rivets and their uses can help in choosing the right one for various industrial tasks. Solid rivets are very strong, semi-tubular rivets are easier to install, and blind rivets are great when you can only work from one side, but the correct choice for your facility depends on a lot of different factors.

You can work with Martin’s team of fastening experts to find what works for you, improving the efficiency and overall cost of your production.

Contact your Martin Sales Rep or call 800.828.8116 to learn more.