Completing rivets education and training gives you an edge when applying for a new position. Learn how rivets are used and the best techniques for using them in order to impress employers that use rivets. Having a background in working with rivets before interviewing for a job that works with rivets also gives you an added advantage over other applicants.

There are three areas of rivets education and training. First, learn how to install a rivet. This is a vital skill that all rivet workers need to perfect. Next, discover how to work with and use metal rivets in a variety of processes. Also, be sure to learn how to use pop rivets to join metal pieces. Comprehensive, hands-on training in these three subjects gives you a full knowledge of working with rivets.

1. Practice the basics of installing metal or vinyl rivets.

2. Learn how to use metal rivets.

3. Educate yourself about pop rivets and pop rivet guns.

Action Steps
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Learn the basics of using rivets

Learning to install a rivet is the first step in the training process. Without this information you cannot properly use any rivets. Learning the basics of installing industrial rivets will give you the background you need when learning the rest of the training.

I recommend: Big Flats Rivet provides a detailed guide on how to install a solid rivet or brass rivets. Read The University of British Columbia's "Joining Metal:A “RIVET”ing Experience!" to learn the basics of riveting.

Read articles about different ways to use metal rivets

Metal rivets are used in a variety of industries. Metal rivets are strong and were once used in buildings and the Eiffel Tower. Learn to properly use metal rivets to speed up production of your product.

I recommend: Learn how to use aluminum rivets and a rivet gun on handbags and other leather products at U-Handbag. EHow has an article about using metal rivets to bind a book. TurtleBay Jewelry provides a tutorial that details how to use solid rivet tools and rivets with jewelry.

Watch videos about how to use pop rivets and pop rivet guns

Pop rivets are used to join two plastic or metal sheets. Pop riveting is ideal for joining two pieces where the joint does not have to be strong. Properly using a pop rivet gun can cut your work time in half.

I recommend: Watch videos about how to use pop rivets and rivet tools at YouTube. Expert Village has videos on how to properly use pop rivet guns.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Rivets are available in various types of metal, vinyl and rubber. Each type is used with different products. Be sure to find the rivets and rivet tools that work best for your project.

Rivets provide fastening in many applications. Common uses include roller assembly, ball bearing rollers, vapor plugs, door hinge, metalwork, machinery, construction, binders, brakes and a host of other industrial applications. Rivets remain cost efficient when compared to many threaded fasteners.

Several common types of rivets include the blind rivet, solid, tubular, drive pin, open and closed end and T-rivets among others. Rivets vary in head styles depending on use. They might have a large flange, dome or flat head. Material consists of various metals, nylon and plastic. Special rivet tools include manual, pneumatic, electric, battery operated and machine. Consider the following when ordering rivets:

1. Type of rivet based on use, commercial or industrial.

2. Rivet construction including size and material.

3. Know the required rivet tool if applicable.

Action Steps
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Order industrial rivets

Industrial applications require stronger and larger rivets. These companies carry many different products for your business purpose.

I recommend: Get a price quote for solid, semi-tubular or blind rivets by filling out a short description form at Master Fasteners. This company also schedules weekly to monthly deliveries to save downtime due to any inventory problems. For a split, tubular, blind or solid rivet go to Industrial Rivet & Fastener Co., and click a product from this manufacturer's list. Click “Rivets” from the drop down menu or choose by type at Hanson Rivet & Supply Co. Inc. This company began in 1929 and carries a large inventory of rivets. If you’re looking for 1/2 inch and larger structural rivets see Brainard Rivet Company.

Locate pop rivets (blind rivets) suppliers

Blind rivets enable fastening from one side something inaccessible from the back. They have multi-piece assemblies.

I recommend: For bulk orders of aluminum, steel, brass, copper plate or stainless, closed and blind rivets see the products at Mutual Screw & Supply. Go to Fairway Fasteners and click the type of blind rivet you need for pricing details. For Cherry-Q, high strength, tri-grip and a wide selection of blind rivets click the suitable product at Hanson Rivet & Supply Co. Inc.

Find rivet distributors

These rivet distributors carry large inventories and offer quick delivery service.

I recommend: Go to Rapid Rivet & Fastener Corp. and click the rivet of choice to view their catalog of commercial rivets. Go to MetalGrip LLC., and view their product categories of rivets that includes aluminum, brazier, copper, large flange, low profile and multi-grip. Select the type of rivet you need by clicking “Rivet Selector” at Jay-Cee Sales & Rivet Inc. Order nylon tap-its, uni-taps and insulating drive rivets from Byler Rivet Supply, a commercial supplier of these and other types.

Get customized sizes from rivet manufacturers

These companies provide rivets based on your specifications.

I recommend: Contact C & L Rivet Company, Inc., for custom designs that include solid, full or semi-tubular and special sizes. Get a price quote after viewing head and body styles, diagrams, materials and finishes available at Universal Rivet Inc. Select a category to view specific rivet information for semi-tubular, solid, brake, loose leaf binder, material or finish at New Jersey Rivet Co. LLC. This company specializes in semi-tubular and solid rivets made in bronze, brass, steel, aluminum and stainless steel.

Select the right rivet gun or automated machine

The range of tools includes everything from manual to fully automated systems.

I recommend: See Emhart Teknologies for low to automated rivet tools and their list of POP Rivet Systems Solutions. If your business needs rivet setting machines, click “Custom Engineered Machines” or “Rivet Setting Machines" at National Rivet & Manufacturing Company. See Gage Bilt Rivet Tools for hydraulic, pneudraulic and pneumatic rivet guns and blind rivet installation tools.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For custom rivet designs, check the manufacturer's charts for help in measuring the exact size and type needed.

A rivet is a permanent mechanical fastener. Rivets are essential components in various industries, including homebuilding, aerospace and electronics. Rivets are made up of various materials, such as steel, copper, plastic and alloys and come in various types, such as blind rivets, T-rivets, flush rivets and solid rivets.

For smarter selection of rivets for your application, you must be aware of various types, specifications and standards associated with rivets. This guide will introduce you to some key terms, such as metric and imperial dimensions, blind rivets, solid rivets and ASTM A502-503.

Action Steps
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Imperial dimensions

Unlike metric dimensions, the imperial measurement system specifies lengths of rivets in inches.

I recommend: Technology Services provides an informative document that explains relation between the different measurement units. You can also read through the definition for the imperial units by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Solid rivets

A solid rivet is the simplest and probably oldest type of rivet. It has a shaft and head which can be deformed with a hammer or rivet gun. Solid rivets are most suitable for applications where reliability and safety is of utmost importance, such as in aerospace and electronics.

I recommend: For description of solid rivets in the electronics industry, read through the glossary at Brainin, a manufacturer of precision metal stampings and electrical contacts.

Tubular rivets

Unlike a solid rivet, a tubular rivet has a coaxial cylindrical cavity at the tip of the rivet. This reduces the amount of force required for application of the rivet. These rivets come in two types: full tubular rivets and semi-tubular rivets.

I recommend: You can read through the basic information about rivets and their types at GlobalSpec, an information resource. In addition, you can refer to the glossary of cold forming terms at National Machinery (PDF).

Blind rivets

A blind rivet (also known as pop rivet) comes with a spindle through its center. The rivet is inserted into the drilled hole and the spindle is drawn into the rivet using a special tool. This results in expansion of the blind end of the rivet. These rivets are suitable for applications where only one side of the joint is accessible, however, they can't be used for critical structural joints.

I recommend: For description on a blind rivet, you can refer to fastener glossaries at suppliers of fastener products such as Special Bolts and Allmetal Screw Products.

ASTM A502 - 03

ASTM International (originally known as American Society for Testing and Materials) sets standards for various industrial products, including rivets. ASTM A502 - 03 ensures the chemical composition and mechanical properties of steel rivets, which can be used for structural fabricating purposes.

I recommend: To get more information about these standards, read through the scope of standards at ASTM International.

ASME standards

The American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is another reputable organization that sets and publishes standards for industrial products. ASME issues standards related to dimensional accuracy of various types of bolts, screws and rivets.

I recommend: To find standards suitable for your applications, you can browse through fastener standards at ASME International.