Structural Rivets

How Do You Drive Large Structural Rivets?

Driving large structural rivets requires specific steps to ensure a secure and reliable fastening. Here's a guide on how to drive large structural rivets:

Preparation

• Select the appropriate rivet size and type based on the application requirements.
• Gather the necessary tools, including a rivet gun, bucking bar, and appropriate drill bits.
• Ensure you have a solid work surface and proper safety equipment.

Marking and Drilling

• Mark the desired location for the rivet holes on the materials to be joined.
• Use a suitable drill bit to drill holes through both materials at the marked locations.
• Ensure the hole size matches the rivet diameter for a proper fit.

Inserting the Rivet

• Place the rivet through the holes, ensuring the head is on the side where you want the finished appearance.
• Align the materials, keeping the rivet centered within the holes.

Securing the Rivet

• With the rivet in place, use a rivet gun to secure it.
• Position the gun's nosepiece against the rivet's tail (or mandrel).
• Apply pressure to the rivet gun trigger to pull the mandrel through the rivet, expanding the tail and creating a secure joint.

Inspecting the Fastening

• Once the rivet is set, visually inspect the joint to ensure it is tight and secure.
• Verify that the rivet head is properly formed and flush with the materials.
• Perform any additional testing or inspections required by the specific application.

Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult a professional if you are unsure about any steps in the process. Proper training and experience are crucial for safe and effective rivet driving.

What Are Blind and Structural Rivets?

Blind rivets and structural rivets are two different types of fasteners commonly used in various industries. Here's a brief explanation of each:

Blind Rivets

• Blind rivets, also known as pop rivets, are fasteners used to join materials together when access is limited to only one side of the joint. They consist of a cylindrical body with a mandrel through the center.
• During installation, the blind rivet is inserted into a pre-drilled hole in the materials to be joined. As the mandrel is pulled, the blind end of the rivet expands, creating a secure connection and a neat appearance on the visible side.
• Blind rivets are available in different styles, such as dome head, countersunk, large flange, and more. They offer quick and efficient installation without requiring access to the opposite side of the joint.

Structural Rivets

• Structural rivets, also referred to as solid rivets, are high-strength fasteners used in heavy-duty applications that require exceptional strength and load-bearing capacity. They consist of a solid cylindrical shaft with a formed head on one end.
• Structural rivets are installed by driving them into pre-drilled holes using a rivet gun and a bucking bar. The bucking bar supports the tail end of the rivet while the rivet gun deforms the other end, forming a strong and permanent joint.
• These rivets are commonly used in construction, aerospace, automotive, and other industries where reliable and robust connections are crucial.

Both blind and structural rivets offer unique advantages and are selected based on specific application requirements. It is important to choose the appropriate type of rivet to ensure a secure and long-lasting connection.

Besides Structural Rivets, What Other Types of Rivets Do You Offer?

Bay Supply offers a wide range of rivets and fasteners to meet all your requirements. Some of the types of rivets we offer include:

• Interlock rivets
• Monobolt rivets
• Sealed rivets
• Avinox rivets
• And more!