Looking for a One-Stop Shop for Rivets?
Have you ever experienced production delays due to a rivet supply issue? At Aerobolt, we follow the three R’s when it comes to riveting supplies: Reliable, Responsive, and Rapid Delivery. No need to go back to school—we’ve got you covered. First, reliability ensures your orders are accepted and processed without constant chasing. Second, responsiveness means acknowledging and handling backorders promptly. Lastly, rapid delivery—most of our orders ship within hours of receiving your purchase order because we maintain extensive inventory and variety. If your business uses Huck rivets, pop rivets, or other structural blind rivets in the manufacture of goods, you likely understand the importance of sourcing quality products with fast deliveries from trusted suppliers.
Whether you're looking for a comprehensive range of blind rivets that includes standard Open-End Rivets, Sealed Rivets, specialized Tri-Fold rivets, or Peel rivets, Aerobolt has everything you need. We also supply genuine Huck structural rivets like the ¼†Magna-Lok® rivets or the hard-to-find 5/16†countersunk Allok® rivets. As an official Huck distributor, we purchase directly from the manufacturer. So when it comes to rivets, think Aerobolt because we excel in rivet range, inventory, air rivet guns, manual rivet tools, cordless riveters, and rivet test services.
When evaluating any rivet supplier, one of the first things to consider is their ability to fulfill orders for all rivet types and sizes. When ordering Huck rivet Magna-Lok, you expect the genuine article. Aerobolt should be your first stop for Huck rivets. We are the only award-winning authorized Huck® distributor, so from repairing the Sydney Harbour Bridge to truck body building, and much more, choose us as your first option. In today’s rivet blog, we’ll provide a beginner’s guide to rivet types, how rivets work, and more. Let’s start with the benefits of rivets.
What Are the Advantages of Blind Rivets?
The primary advantage of a pop rivet is that it is fast, easy to use, and cost-effective. Rivets work well for joining various materials, including thin sheet metals, composites, and more.
- One-sided assembly allows for quick installations since access to the rear is not required.
- Highly resilient, forming a permanently joined solution that resists mechanical stress.
- Easy to use with air, cordless, or manual rivet tools that require minimal effort and training.
- Design flexibility with a wide range of types and materials suitable for most applications.
- Easy inspection and maintenance without requiring expensive equipment for quality control.
What Are the Main Pop Rivet Types?
Here, we list different subcategories of pop rivets along with some specialized industrial-strength structural rivets. While there are many other types of rivets like semi-tubular, split rivets, and solid rivets, this blog focuses on blind pop rivets. Pop rivets are the most common style on the market. Your selection criteria should depend on the application connection required, whether it’s lightweight guttering and fascias or heavy-duty truck fabrication.
General Purpose Pop Rivet Types:
Open End Pop Rivet (Pop Rivet or Blind Rivet)
An open-end rivet means the rivet body is hollow, i.e., an "open-end tube (body)." This is the most common rivet and the least expensive. Available in various materials, including steel & aluminum, all steel, all aluminum, stainless steel & steel, all stainless, nickel & copper. This rivet also has the widest range of head styles: dome head, truss, or large flange, and countersunk.
Closed End Rivet or Sealed Rivet
Sealed rivets or closed-end rivets have a cup-shaped end configuration that prevents water ingress from within the body of the rivet but not between the outside of the body and the material. Many customers mistakenly believe sealed rivets are 100% waterproof, but this perception is incorrect. Compared to an open-end rivet of the same size and material, a closed-end rivet offers better shear and tensile strength.
Multi-Grip Rivet
Multi-Grip rivets are a strong and highly flexible option due to their extended material grip range. The multi-grip rivet replaces several different-sized open-end rivets, reducing costs and minimizing operator errors. Compared to an open-end rivet of the same size and material, a multi-grip rivet provides greater shear and tensile strength. Check out the blog Multi Grip Rivet vs. Open End Rivet.
Tri-Fold Rivet
Aluminum tri-folding rivets are split or slotted body rivets designed for assembling lightweight materials such as fiberglass, plastics, thin steel sheeting, and composite material. This rivet forms a propeller shape anchor connection on the blind side of the material without damaging it. Tri-folding rivets are installed with the same type of rivet gun used for all other standard rivets.
Peel Rivet
Peel rivets are ideal for joining softer materials like timber, plastic, rubber, fiberglass, and laminates. Upon installation, the rivet body splits into petals that bend outward, similar to peeling a banana. The petals bend out and contact the blind side of the material, creating a large anchor head.
Groove Rivet
Groove rivets are designed to be installed within a hole as they infuse themselves into the material, making them ideal for soft materials like timber, plastics, and other fibrous materials. When set correctly, the annular rings around the body expand and embed into the surrounding material. This means the rivet does not require an open hole to work as it sets itself within the material.
Structural Pop Rivet. Heavy Duty Rivets.
Huck Rivet MagnaLok
Huck Magna-Lok® is a versatile structural rivet ideal for multiple material grip ranges. This rivet features Huck’s unique internal locking mechanism, providing high resistance to vibration and moisture. Fast and easy to install using conventional Huck brand guns or a structural rivet gun. Aerobolt is Australia's number #1 Huck distributor with the complete range of structural rivets and structural rivet tools.
Allok® Rivet. (High Strength Rivets, Orlock® Rivets).
Orlock®, High Strength Rivets, and other standard material grip range bulb-forming rivets feature a double-locking system that secures the material on both sides of the panel for great strength, providing a vibration and weather-resistant joint. It has a non-protruding blind-side bulb that spreads the load while avoiding pull-through. Easy to install via a Huck gun and other structural rivet tools, as a standard rivet gun is not built for installing structural rivets. This rivet type is also known as Allok® rivet, Hemlok® rivet, or an Ornit® rivet.
Bulb-Tite® Rivet (Huck-Tite, Tri-Bulb)
These rivets differ from others due to their slot body that creates a propeller shape blind-side anchor combined with a washer to provide a weatherproof joint. Bulb-Tite®, Huck-Tite, and many other tri-folding split-body rivets spread their clamping force through the anchor blades while offering excellent pull-through resistance, making them an ideal choice for lightweight panel applications, humid conditions, or where water might be an issue.
How Do I Select the Right Pop Rivet?
Rivet selection is straightforward. Consider the rivet material, rivet diameter size, and the thickness of the material being riveted.
Pop Rivet Material
The rivet is categorized by the material of the body and then the material of the pin. For example, you might see "aluminum/steel," which means an aluminum body with a steel pin. These fasteners typically come in steel, stainless steel, or aluminum or in a combination of these materials.
Rivet material type provides a good guide to their strength. As a general rule: an aluminum body with an aluminum pin is not very strong; an aluminum body with a steel pin is a bit stronger; a steel body with a steel pin is stronger still; and a stainless-steel body with either steel or stainless-steel pin is the strongest rivets. Use steel rivets for heavy-duty applications and aluminum rivets for lightweight jobs.
Ensure the rivet material is compatible with the material being joined to avoid galvanic corrosion. Avoid using aluminum and stainless steel together; we recommend keeping the metal type like-for-like for maximum life. Stainless with stainless, aluminum with aluminum, etc. You'll also need to consider environmental factors, such as extreme temperatures or salt sprays. See the table below as a general guide.
Pop Rivet Diameter & Hole Size
Rivet diameter selection is guided by the material gauge. Use small-diameter rivets for lightweight work and larger-diameter rivets in heavy-duty applications. Generally, the rivet diameter should be about three times the thickness of the thickest piece of joined material.
Drill hole size is also important. If the rivet's diameter is too small for its hole, the fastener will fail to clamp the material. Referring to the hole diameters before drilling is an easy way to avoid issues later.
Refer to the table below covering diameters and corresponding hole sizes.
Pop Rivet's Material Grip Range
The material grip range refers to the material thickness or the depth the rivet can be effectively installed. For example, if two 1.5 mm plates/items need to be riveted, a blind rivet with a material grip range between 2-5 mm is required. Best practice dictates aiming for the middle grip range of a rivet, followed by the minimum then the maximum range. The middle assists in achieving correct shear and tensile strength while ensuring the longevity of the rivet.
Below we have a table listing standard blind rivet material grip ranges and their corresponding grip code.
Pop Rivet Head Type
Rivet head holds the material together and enhances its appearance. Dome head is shaped like a small portion of a ball that sits proudly on top of the material, while the large flange or truss head is a shallower broader profile. The large flange or truss head has double the bearing area of the dome head, making it ideal when fastening rubber, plastics, or fiberglass as the head has greater coverage. The countersunk option provides a flush neat finish, subject to countersinking a hole first, allowing the head to sit level with the surrounding material. The image below covers the typical head types plus a few specialized rivet type profiles.
Pop Rivet Versus Blind Rivet
This is a common customer clarification. The answer is there is little difference between Pop® rivet, pop rivet, and blind rivet. These are different rivet labels for the same item, a blind rivet means you do not need access to the other side of the material, or you can't see the other side of the material. Also known as pop rivets because this is the name of the original rivet company-Pop® and this is the sound rivets make upon installation.
FAQ. Frequently Asked Pop Rivet Questions.
How Do I Order Pop Rivets?
There are number of different types of rivet code formats. Aerobolt uses the same product code as "Marson® Rivets," which is a division of Howmet Aerospace. Rivet code begins with the "body material," followed by the "head type," "body diameter" dash, and then "grip range" (both of which are representative numbers, rather than actual measurements). The code concludes with the pin material.
In the above product code example (in the red box), beginning from left to right we have:
A = Aluminum body material. Other options include (S = Steel, SS = Stainless, etc.).
B = Button / Dome Head. Or you can select (T/LF = Truss/Large Flange, C = Countersunk).
6 = 4.8mm (3/16") body diameter. Other options are; 4 = 3.2mm (1/8"), 5 = 4.0mm (5/32"), 8 = 6.4mm (1/4").
6 = 7.9 - 9.5mm this is the material grip range. See grip codes number table in previous section.
S = Steel pin/mandrel material. The other options are (SS = Stainless, A = Aluminum etc.).
How Do I Remove a Pop Rivet?
Rivet removal is straightforward with the right tools. This requires the destruction of the rivet, and the best method is to drill it. You will need, a drill, drill bit, long nose pliers, and safety accessories such as glasses and gloves.
Steps: Use your safety glass and gloves before starting the drilling process. Place the drill bit against the rivets' center pin and drill through the body at a low but steady speed. Once drilling is completed, pull the rivet off with your long nose pliers. How easy was that!
How Do I Install a Pop Rivet?
To install a rivet is simple with practice, pre-drilling of holes is required. Load rivet's pin tail section into rivet gun. Insert rivets body into hole and activate gun. Upon activation the head of the rivet is pushed against the outer surface of the tool, while the tool pulls up the central pin. As a result, the bottom portion of the rivet compresses, and expands on the blind side. This expansion increases until it reaches approximately one and a half times the size of the original diameter. Resulting in a larger surface in which the two materials are effectively fastened together.
How Does a Pop Rivet Work?
How rivets work is ingenious. Essentially a rivet is composed of two components, a metal tube (body) & pin (mandrel). The pin is normally longer than the tube and designed to be pulled up through the tube while enlarging it in the process. This results in the expanded tube clamping the material between the two ends of the tube. See the image below to better understand how a rivet works.
Which is the Best Pop Rivet Gun?
Selecting the correct rivet gun depends on several factors that relate to your specific requirements, rivet gun section is covered in the blog; Ultimate Guide to Rivet Guns.
Which is the Strongest Rivet?
Structural blind rivets are the strongest option on the market due to the unique combination of internal pin retention and locking mechanism that creates their inner strength. Aerobolt has the complete Huck Structural Rivet range including the original multi-grip rivet "Magna-Lok," the Huck Rivet "Magna-Bulb" with its superior installation values, and the hybrid of the two "Hucklok Rivet." The strongest structural rivet option is the Huck Rivet "Magna-Bulb." Refer to the table below to compare a range of structural rivet results.
Can I Get Colored Pop Rivets?
Yes, painted rivets are available. They cost a little extra compared to the mill (raw) finish and are available in a wide range of colors. Refer to the Colorbond® color chart for your selection.
Why Have My Pop Rivets Failed?
There are several reasons your rivets may have failed, the issue could be a dodgy rivet from a shifty supplier or an installation issue. Either way, we offer a wide range of technical services, including rivet test lab services. We have teamed up with a NATA approved lab that undertakes laboratory rivet testing services. Should you have a rivet failure, let us know the rivet label, size, and material depth so we can review your application and/or have your rivets sent to the NATA approved lab for laboratory rivet testing.
When Is It Better to Use a Rivet Rather Than a Bolt and Nut?
Bolts and nuts offer a useful combination of strength and convenience and are an ideal solution in static applications i.e. where movement is at a minimum. The disadvantage of these fasteners is their poor resistance to vibration, meaning over time they loosen and lose their grip. Huck bolts and Huck's structural rivets have overcome the issue of loosening, so in this instance, the right answer is in the application.
Who Invented the Pop Rivet?
In 1934, the George Tucker Eyelet Co. was approached by an aircraft manufacturer to develop a fastener that could be set from just one side of the material. This led to the world-famous POP® rivet—named for the “popping†sound it makes during installation—which is now owned by Stanley Black & Decker.
What's the Difference Between a Pop Rivet & Blind Rivet?
This is a popular question that many customers ask. The short answer is there is no difference between Pop® rivets, pop rivets, and blind rivets. These are different labels for the same item, a blind rivet means you do not need access to the other side of the material, or you can't see the other side of the material. Also known as pop rivets because this is the name of the original rivet company-Pop® and this is the sound rivets make when installed.
Why Are Rivets Used on Airplanes?
Rivets are preferred for the construction of airplanes because they can withstand extreme stress. They are said to withstand extreme stress without breaking and they hardly succumb to damage. They are used in aerospace manufacturing because it simplifies both production and maintenance. Another reason why rivets are used is that the aluminum materials used are intolerant to heat.
Can You Assist Me With Pop Rivet Selection?
Sure, the Aerobolt team can assist with rivet selection and so much more. We are one of Sydney's leading rivet suppliers with a comprehensive range of general rivets plus industrial-strength structural rivets with a wide range of rivet guns. You can reach out to us by either telephoning us on 02 9755 3747 or email via the contact us page.
Do You Deliver Pop Rivets Throughout Australia?
Yes, we can deliver Australia-wide through our network team of courier companies. In Sydney, we offer our customers same-day delivery if you order before 10:00 am or the next day. Deliveries to regional New South Wales or major Australian cities such as Melbourne, Brisbane, including regional South Eastern Australia are either next-day delivery or a 2-day turnaround.
Pop Rivet Summary.
Rivets offer excellent fastening capabilities for both heavy-duty and light fabrication applications. In one form or another, rivets have been used by people for numerous centuries, they are found in the metal roofing and guttering that protect our homes, to the air conditioners that make us comfortable to the cars we drive, the planes we fly, and the ships we sail. Wherever there is a construction site or a fabrication workshop, there is bound to be a rivet in use.
At the conclusion of this blog, it is evident that rivets are an important option in numerous building and manufacturing sectors. Irrespective of the rivet type or rivet label required for your project, be assured with a bit of planning your project will end up as a successful one. Here at Aerobolt, we have a comprehensive range of rivet products and can assist in your application, simply call us on 02 9755 3747 or contact us for all your riveting requirements.
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