Choosing the right rivet—size, material, & design type

Rivets offer contractors numerous benefits: easy and efficient installation, lasting durability, and lower costs. However, when it comes to selecting the best rivets for your project, there’s no room for error. Choose the wrong size, and it will be impossible to install or the strength of the connection will be compromised. Choose the wrong material, and the rivets’ integrity may diminish with time. Below are points to consider when determining which ones to buy.

How to determine the right size rivet

As with all fasteners, rivets come in a full range of sizes. Ultimately, the more surface area behind the substrate, the stronger the connection. Keep the following rivet size measurement guidelines in mind:

Diameter. Considering that most rivets need pre-drilled holes, you must measure accurately or else installation will be impossible. Note that diameter measurements refer to the size of the shank rather than the mandrel. The most common sizing for the rivet diameter is 1/8th of an inch.

Grip Range. Easily confused for the length of the rivet, the grip range indicates the combined thickness of the fastened materials that the rivet is capable of connecting. Most rivets will offer diverse grip ranges; it’s best if your particular application thickness falls in the middle of this range rather than towards the minimum or maximum, if possible.

Still unsure about the proper size rivet for your needs? SFS can answer your questions and provide greater insights so you can move ahead with confidence.

Blind versus solid rivets

There are two main classifications of rivets, each with their own benefits.

Blind rivets. As the name implies, the distinguishing characteristic of this type of rivet is the fact that contractors don’t need to access both sides of the fastened materials. To understand how it works, it’s important to know that there are two main parts to the fastener: the body (the widest component) and the mandrel (the longest component). The installer uses a riveting tool to push the rivet through a pre-drilled hole before drawing the mandrel out of the rivet so it acts like a cork on a bottle on the “blind side.” The exposed part of the mandrel then pops off to leave a clean look and strong connection.

Solid rivets. The older of the two types, solid rivets is more simplistic in their design. Access to both sides of the attached materials is required to hammer or “deteriorate” the ends for a tight clamp.

The profile of the head matters

Contractors will have a surprising number of head shapes from which to choose, but not all are equally suited to the project’s specific needs. For example, if they choose to use blind rivets, they’ll find that the most common head design available is the “dome.” Additionally, if flush installation is a priority, contractors can only choose from “countersunk-head rivets” which are flush with the top surface.

Though such variations may seem minor, selecting a rivet head that misaligns with your project’s unique requirements may jeopardize the overall integrity.

Be strategic when choosing the metal

Ideally, the material and alloy of the rivet are the same as the items you’re attaching. However, if this is not an option, feel free to contact SFS for guidance on which material to use. Avoid rivet materials that are highly vulnerable to corrosion and rust if you anticipate exposure to moisture.

Don’t forget about color options

Color will obviously not impact the performance of the rivet, but it does influence the overall attractiveness of the project. To see what sort of options are available, check out SFS’s rivet color chart.

Turn to SFS to find blind rivets of all sizes

SFS manufactures blind rivets available in the United States, Canada, and internationally. Our many product lines are designed to withstand the rigors of high vibrations, tampering, and aging. What’s more, users can choose from corrosion-resistant options and a multitude of rivet dimensions and colors.

Explore the many rivet sizes we offer or, if you need help picking the right measurements, our team will gladly guide you through the process. Call 1 800 234 4533 to start the process today!