A rivet is a permanent fixture and assembly. It is presented in the form of a cylindrical rod, generally metallic, solid or hollow, with a “head” at one of its ends, that is, a part with a larger section.
The other end will be flattened and widened by crushing, to protect the elements we want to rive together.
These elements (eg two metal plates) have been pre-drilled with a hole that allows the rivet shank to pass through both.
standard rivets
It is the traditional cold or hot mounted rivet depending on its size. It can be made of mild steel, copper, aluminum, duralumin or an alloy of sufficient plasticity. The metal chosen depends on the expected strength, but also on the materials to be assembled. Its head can be round, flat or milled (82°, 90, 120°, but usually 100°). Its length is adjusted to the thickness of the set: too short the set will be impossible and too long, the dimension of the protruding head of the set will weaken it.
There are two main types: solid rivets and semi-drilled rivets. The latter went through an additional step during manufacturing with the creation of a cylindrical hole more or less deep in the opposite part of the head. Crimping is done by turning the wall on itself, forming a snap. Typical use: folding chairs.
There are also plastic rivets, with rivets usually made hot, with virtually no pressure.
double rivet
Certain rivets are made of two parts, each comprising a head, the riveting being achieved by engaging the shank of one part with the hollow shank of the other, a slight taper which allows for locking during crimping. These rivets are usually made of brass or plastic.
blind rivet
This rivet is made up of a hollow body (tube with collar) of deformable alloy and a shank with a domed end: the nail. The head can be round, countersunk or wide to better distribute the clamping force. It is applied with rivet pliers, which pulls on the shank, whose swollen tip penetrates the rivet body to perform the riveting.
