rivets

Rivets are permanent fasteners used to join two or more pieces of material, typically metal, by inserting a smooth cylindrical shaft through aligned holes and forming a second head on the tail end to clamp the parts together. The rivet is deformed, or upset, during installation to create a strong joint without relying on threads or nut-and-bolt assemblies.

Riveting has ancient origins, with bronze and iron rivets used in early ships and structures. The development of solid and tubular rivets enabled larger steel and aircraft structures in the modern era. The term rivet comes from the French rivet, meaning a pin or peg. Today rivets are used in aerospace, automotive, construction, shipbuilding, and many manufactured products, especially where a permanent, vibration-resistant joint is needed.

Common rivet types include solid rivets, blind rivets (pop rivets), tubular rivets, and semi-tubular or drive rivets. Solid rivets are a basic form used with access to both sides; they are heated for high-strength joints or cold-worked with a hammer and bucking bar. Blind rivets consist of a rivet body and a mandrel; they can be installed from one side, and the mandrel is pulled to form the second head while the mandrel breaks off. Tubular and semi-tubular rivets require less force to deform and are useful for lighter assemblies or restricted workspaces. Drive rivets are driven into a predrilled hole and expand to grip.

Materials commonly used include steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and titanium, chosen for strength, weight, and corrosion resistance. Rivets provide durable joints but may require access to one or both sides for installation, can be susceptible to galvanic corrosion with dissimilar metals, and are generally non-reusable. Proper selection and inspection are essential for structural integrity.