As a company with rivet in our name, Brainard Rivet Company certainly knows, understands, and appreciates rivets. However, the term rivet is not a catch-all for a single type of fastener. There are various styles, applications, and categories that can be defined by the term rivet. Two of the major categories of rivet classifications are solid and “blind” or pop-rivets. While our style of manufacturing, cold-heading only allows for us to produce the solid variety, we receive enough inquiries about both styles that we wanted to offer some education.
Solid rivets and pop rivets are fasteners commonly used in various industries throughout the world. While they both serve the purpose of joining two or more materials together, there are several differences between them ranging from design to installation method, strength, and application requirements.
The outline below covers key areas to help consumers differentiate between the two different rivet types. This information may clarify when and why solid versus pop rivet is the best choice.
I. Design and Construction:
- Solid Rivets: Solid rivets consist of a solid cylindrical shaft (or shank) with a formed head on one end of the fastener. They are a unibody fastener typically manufactured using one of various types of ferrous or non-ferrous materials. To install a solid rivet, it needs to be inserted into pre-drilled holes and deformed, hammered, or upset on the other end to create a second head, forming a permanent bond.
- Pop Rivets: Pop rivets, also known as blind rivets, have a more complex design. They consist of a hollow cylindrical body with a mandrel (or stem) passing through it. The mandrel has a head on one end and a gripping mechanism on the other end. During installation, the mandrel is pulled, causing the rivet body to deform and form a second head while securing the materials being joined. The mandrel is then typically snapped off and discarded.
II. Installation Method:
- Solid Rivets: Solid rivets traditionally require a skilled operator for proper installation. They can be installed with a high-power riveting gun or a press. Both options deform the un-headed end of the rivet by striking it or peening over. This process creates a permanent connection between the materials being joined.
- Pop Rivets: Pop rivets are relatively easier to install and do not require as much skill. They are typically installed using a specialized pop rivet gun, which pulls the mandrel through the hollow rivet body, causing it to deform and create a second head. The mandrel is then snapped off using the same gun or a separate tool.
III. Accessibility:
- Solid Rivets: Solid rivets require access to both sides of the materials being joined since they are installed by physically deforming both ends of the rivet. This means that solid rivets cannot be used in situations where one side of the joint is not accessible or there is not much room for the upset process.
- Pop Rivets: Pop rivets are designed to be installed from one side of the joint only. They are considered “blind” rivets because they can be installed in applications where access to one side of the joint is limited or completely inaccessible. This allows for quick and easy installation.
IV. Strength and Load Bearing Capacity:
- Solid Rivets: Solid rivets generally have higher load-bearing capacity and strength compared to pop rivets purely due to their solid nature. They form a solid and permanent connection between the materials being joined, making them suitable for applications that require high strength and structural integrity.
- Pop Rivets: Pop rivets have lower load-bearing capacity compared to solid rivets. They are typically used in applications that do not require as much strength or where disassembly may be necessary in the future.
V. Applications:
- Solid Rivets: Solid rivets are commonly used in heavy-duty, long-lasting applications such as construction, automotive, aerospace, and structural engineering. They are preferred when a permanent and strong connection is required. Examples of where solid rivets can be found in the car are along the seat rails or even the pivot point in an arm rest.
- Pop Rivets: Pop rivets are widely used in a range of applications including automotive, appliances, electronics, sheet metal fabrication, and DIY projects. They are suitable for joining thin materials, non-structural applications, or situations where disassembly may be necessary. Pop rivets can easily be found joining the panels of a semi-truck trailers or other box-style truck trailers.
It’s important to consider the specific requirements of your project or application to determine which type of rivet is most appropriate for you and most importantly for your application. Our team is happy to speak with you about your solid fastener needs. Email sales@brainardrivet.com with any questions.
For any pop rivet inquiries, please email our sister company Buckeye Fasteners: info@buckeyefasteners.com.
–Article written by: Donnie Kirkwood / Director of Sales at Brainard Rivet