What is Riveting? A Brief Guide


In literal terms, a rivet is a type of fastener used in the making of machines. In structure, a rivet looks like a screw without threaded ends. It is challenging to pin down the uses of rivets because there are no machines or equipment where they are not used. From most miniature tools to mega-production machines, rivets are used in their assembling. For instance, contact rivet manufacturers use buffer beams, bridge assembling, ships, cars, CNC machines, and whatnot!

Here's the deal, read this blog post, and we assure you that by the end of the last sentence, you will be pro at understanding rivets.

What is a Contact Rivet?

A rivet is a short metal pin or a bolt that holds together two metal objects, including plates, rods, and pipes. It contains two ends, headless and head-on ends. The former end is pressed out during installation. A rivet acts as a permanent mechanical fastener. Before installation, a rivet comprises a cylindrical shaft that contains a head on one end.

The other end is called a tail. Upon installation, a rivet is punched inside in the drill hole with the help of a gun. As a result, the tail is upset and bucked out. It expands twice the size of the rivet's diameter. To simply put, the installation of the rivet creates another head giving the rivet the shape of a dumbbell. The workers distinguish the original head and deformed head by naming the former as factory head and the latter as shop head or bucktail.

What are Types of Rivets?

Based on different costs, accessibility, and strength requirements, there are various types of rivets. Some of them are discussed below:

Roundhead Rivets

Roundhead rivets are considered to be the oldest and highly reliable type of fasteners. Their use dates back to the bronze age. These rivets consist of a shaft and head, which upon installation, get deformed when a hammer is applied. Roundhead rivets are used for making permanent joints towards the edges of the machinery. However, these rivets cannot be used for assembling objects that require in-depth connections.

Steel Rivets

Long before steel rivets were used, people used to weld the metallic plates. Steel rivets are sturdy, durable, and practical. These rivets provide a permanent riveting connection for a broad range of applications. Steel rivets consist of a shaft ahead. Like most steel fasteners, steel rivets offer a good combination of strength, durability, and cost-effective prices.

Semi-tubular Rivets

Semi-tubular rivets are similar in function to round head rivets. But unlike solid rivets, they have a hole inside the tail region. The hold ensures reducing the amount of force required to install the rivet, thereby reducing the pressure applied. For instance, the power required for semi-tubular rivets amounts to 1/4th of the power needed to install solid rivets. 

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