Structural rivets are a mechanically locked fastener offering high shear and tensile strength
Apr 11,2022
Structural rivets are a mechanically locked fastener offering high shear and tensile strength. They are also vibration resistant and offer a wide grip range reducing the amount of different sizes that need to be kept in stock.
These rivets require a Huck or structural rivet gun to install them, standard rivet guns are not suitable. They work by having a mechanically locking mandrel inside the body of the rivet which creates their inner strength.
High Strength
Structural rivets have higher shear and tensile values than standard pop rivets due to their internal pin retention & locking mechanism. These fasteners are also designed with a large secondary flange to create a powerful and durable connection.
Similar to Pop Rivets, structural rivets are installed via a tool which deforms the back of the hat and causes it to be pulled through the material to the point where the mandrel snaps. This shears the hat leaving it with a strong and quick hold.
Easy To Install
There are several different types of rivets. The type used to join two pieces of metal must be matched to the material being joined and the application. Most rivets have a head that is able to support shear and tension loads while others are designed for compression or shear only. The rated strength of each rivet is determined by the head design, diameter and grip range.
To install a rivet you must first drill holes that are the correct size for the type of rivet to be installed. Then load the rivet's head section into a commercial rivet gun and cycle the tool. This causes the mandrel portion to be pulled up which compresses and expands the body. This creates a tight permanent fastener that has high shear and tensile strength.
Easy To Remove
Structural rivets are designed for permanence, but they can be removed if you have the right tools. You'll need a drill, a drill bit, and long-nose pliers. You should also have safety glasses and gloves on hand. First, use the sharp end of a utility knife to score the head of the rivet. Then, drill it off using a low speed and steady pressure.
You can also try using a drill bit to remove plastic screw rivets. This requires a little more effort, as you'll need to push the drill bit into place against the head of the fastener.
For the best results, you should use a drill bit that's one size larger than the rivet's mandrel. Once you've done that, lubricate the drill bit to avoid overheating. Then, simply drill through the rivet. Once you're finished, just pull out the body of the rivet with a pair of pliers. This method is ideal for smaller rivets, such as those found in wheel wells and body panel gaps.
Durability
Structural rivets offer great durability. They can resist shaking, vibration loosening and abrasion and are often used in demanding applications like the transport industry (trucks trailers etc). They also have a good shear and tensile strength.
Unlike common blind rivets, structural rivets have a mechanical locking mechanism that ensures the mandrel stays inside and doesn't fall out. This increases the shear and tensile strength of the rivet.
Riveted metal panels are also less prone to corrosion as they do not require heat to form the joint, unlike welding. This makes them a preferred solution for many manufacturers and consumers, particularly in the manufacture of white goods like refrigerators or air conditioners.
Another benefit of rivets is their easy installation with minimal equipment. They can be installed using air, cordless or manual tools that don't require much training to operate. This is a great advantage for small shops that don't have access to expensive welding equipment.