Solid Rivets

These simple devices consist of a solid shaft with a head on one end; once installed, the headless end of a solid rivet is deformed with a hammer or rivet gun to hold it in place. Perhaps the most widely-used style of rivet, solid rivets are utilized in applications where reliability and safety are important.

Search for Solid Rivets By Head Type

Solid rivets, much like other fasteners, come in a variety of head types, including flathead, buttonhead, and countersunk. Each head type has its own unique characteristics and advantages, making it important to select the right type for your specific application.

Countersunk Solid Rivets

Countersunk solid rivets have a flat head with a conical-shaped underside that sits flush with the surface of the material being joined. This conical shape allows the rivet to fit snugly into a countersunk hole, creating a smooth, flat surface.

Buttonhead Solid Rivets

Buttonhead solid rivets are low-profile rivets with a rounded head that is slightly convex on the top and flat on the bottom. The head of the rivet is larger in diameter than the shaft, giving it a button-like appearance.

Buttonhead rivets are commonly used in applications where a smooth, low-profile surface is required, such as in the manufacturing of consumer goods like furniture and appliances.

Flathead Solid Rivets

Flathead solid rivets have a flat, circular head that sits flush with the surface of the joining material. The head of the rivet is typically larger in diameter than the shaft, providing a wider bearing surface for increased strength and load-bearing capacity.

Commonly used in applications where a strong, permanent joint is required, flathead solid rivets are used in the construction of bridges and other large structures.

Available Solid Rivet Materials

When it comes to selecting the right solid rivet for your application, one of the most important factors to consider is the material it is made from. Solid rivets come in a variety of materials, each with its own unique set of properties and advantages.

From lightweight aluminum and corrosion-resistant stainless steel to high-strength titanium and versatile copper, the available options can be overwhelming. Choosing the right material for your solid rivet will depend on a variety of factors, such as the application's environmental conditions, strength requirements, and weight limitations.

Let's take a closer look at the most common materials used for solid rivets, their properties, and their applications.

Aluminum Rivets

A popular choice for many applications, solid aluminum rivets are lightweight and corrosion-resistant. They are made from a soft, malleable aluminum alloy that is easy to form and deform, making them ideal for applications where a strong, permanent joint is required.

Solid aluminum rivets are commonly used in the aerospace industry, where their light weight is essential for achieving maximum fuel efficiency. They are also used in the construction of boats, trailers, and other vehicles, as well as in the manufacturing of consumer goods such as furniture and appliances.

Copper Rivets

Solid copper rivets are known for their excellent conductivity, corrosion resistance, and malleability. They are commonly used in electrical applications, as copper is an excellent conductor of electricity. Solid copper rivets are also used in applications where their corrosion resistance is desirable, such as in marine environments. These rivets are soft and ductile, making them easy to form and deform during the riveting process.

Inconel Rivets

Inconel rivets are made from a nickel-chromium alloy utilized for its high-temperature resistance and strength. Inconel rivets can withstand extreme temperatures and are commonly used in high-temperature applications, such as gas turbine engines and aerospace components. Inconel rivets are more expensive than other materials like aluminum or steel but are essential for high-temperature and high-stress applications.

Stainless Steel Rivets

Stainless steel solid rivets are a popular choice for applications that require excellent corrosion resistance, strength, and durability. They are made from a variety of stainless steel alloys that contain chromium, nickel, and other elements, which give them their corrosion-resistant properties. Stainless steel solid rivets are commonly used in the construction of boats, aircraft, and other vehicles, as well as in architectural applications such as building facades and roofing.

Titanium Rivets

Applications that require high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and lightweight properties use titanium rivets frequently. Titanium is a strong, lightweight metal that is highly resistant to corrosion and can withstand extreme temperatures. Titanium rivets are commonly used in the aerospace industry, as well as in other applications where high strength and corrosion resistance are required, such as in the manufacturing of medical implants and equipment. They are also used in the construction of boats, bicycles, and other vehicles.

Titanium rivets are more expensive than other materials like aluminum or steel, but their high strength and corrosion resistance make them ideal for high-stress applications in harsh environments. They can be formed and deformed relatively easily, making them easy to install with standard riveting tools.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Solid Rivets

Solid rivets, much like semi-tubular rivets, are a popular and reliable fastener choice for a wide range of applications. As with any type of fastener, it's common to have questions about solid rivets and their use. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions we receive regarding solid steel rivets.

How to Install Solid Steel Rivets

Installing solid steel rivets requires a few tools and steps. Here is a general guide:

Gather the necessary tools, such as a rivet gun or bucking bar
Prepare the materials by drilling holes of the appropriate sizes
Insert the rivet with the head on the desired side of the joint
Support the tail and set the rivet with the gun or bar
Inspect the joint to ensure proper joining and security

Can Solid Rivets Be Removed After Installation?

If a solid rivet needs to be removed, it is generally not recommended as it can damage the materials being joined. If the rivet must be removed, it can be drilled out using a special tool called a rivet remover. However, this process can be time-consuming and may cause damage to the surrounding materials.

How Do Solid Rivets Work?

Solid rivets create a permanent mechanical joint between two or more materials. They are typically composed of a cylindrical shaft with a head on one end and a tail on the other.

To create a joint, a special tool called a rivet gun is used to hold the head of the rivet in place while a bucking bar or other solid surface is used to support the tail. The gun applies force to the head of the rivet, causing it to deform the tail and form a mechanical bond between the materials being joined.

As the rivet is deformed, it expands and fills the hole in the materials, creating a secure and permanent joint. The deformation also causes the shaft of the rivet to expand, which helps to increase the joint's resistance to shear forces and prevent the rivet from pulling out of the materials.

Source Your Solid Rivets From Bay Supply

When it comes to sourcing solid rivets, Bay Supply is your trusted partner. We carry a wide range of high-quality solid steel rivets in various materials, head types, sizes, and finishes to meet your unique needs and specifications. When you need solid steel rivets for your project, trust Bay Supply to provide you with the best products and services in the industry. Contact us today to learn more about our solid steel rivet offerings or to place an order.

Shop Solid Rivets