Pop rivet

A pop rivet is one fastener that steals the show in the manufacturing industry. These rivets have a wide range of applications. Since they are available in various materials and styles, they can be used in any project. “Why the name?” One might ask. Pop rivets get their name from the sound they make during installation. The mandrel gets expelled from the sleeve, producing a popping sound. They are also commonly referred to as blind rivets. A pop rivet consists of two parts: the rivet body and the mandrel. The mandrel is inserted through the body and expands to join two pieces of material together. The result is water-tight. Therefore, popping a rivet is a good idea when steam retention is paramount.

Types of Pop Rivets

Pop rivets can be classified based on the head shape. One of the most common types is the open-end head pop rivet. This type of rivet has a head on one end that is larger than the body. The head rests on the material’s surface, while the body goes into a hole drilled in both pieces of material. Another common type is the dome head blind pop rivet. It is typically used to join plastics, aluminum, and steel. Other popular types include flat heads, large flange heads, and countersunk head. The choice of a pop rivet depends on the desired finish.

Materials Used for Making Pop Rivets

Pop rivets are made from different materials to serve different purposes. Aluminum is used because it’s lightweight. On the other hand, steel has good resistance to vibration and shock. Stainless steel makes a good choice when there is a need to avoid rust. Copper comes in handy in construction because it’s a good conductor of heat. Monel rivets are also used, especially in corrosive environments.

Advantages of Using a Popped Rivet

The main advantage of using popped rivets is that they allow users to rivet a material even if they can’t reach the backside. They are also relatively quick and easy to install compared to alternatives like welding. Therefore, they are common in several industries, including automotive, military equipment, leather works, electrical motors, and décor. There are different pop rivet sizes to cater to all these applications.

Do Pop Rivets Need Washers?

Rivet backup washers come in handy when the application holes are either oblong-shaped or worn larger. Rivet backup washers are used in stainless steel and other soft metals. They prevent pull-through by distributing force over a larger area than the standard blind rivet.