Common types include R-type rivets, fan rivets, blind rivets (knock-rivets), tree-shaped rivets, round head, flat head, half-hollow rivets, solid rivets, countersunk rivets, blind rivets, and hollow rivets. These are usually connected by their own deformation. Generally, cold riveting is used for sizes less than 8 mm, while hot riveting is used for larger sizes. However, there are exceptions, such as nameplates on certain locks, which are riveted using the interference fit between the rivet and the lock body hole.
R-type plastic rivets, also known as expansion rivets, consist of two parts: a plastic pin and a nut. During installation, no installation tools are required; the base is placed in a smooth hole, and then the head is pressed down. The specially designed legs expand under pressure, securely locking into the installed surface. They are commonly used to connect plastic housings, lightweight panels, insulating materials, circuit boards, or any other lightweight materials, being both aesthetically pleasing and easy to use.
Fan rivets are specifically designed for manual installation. They can be pulled through the holes of a panel or base, made from elastic materials that provide good toughness, allowing for quick installation even in interference fits. The clever design with elastic functionality makes it difficult to slip out after being pulled into the corresponding hole. Fan rivets are mainly used in electronic computer case fans and for fixing between heat sinks and chips, providing vibration resistance and noise reduction.
Knock-rivets are a new type of fastening device that is very convenient for riveting. In relatively small spaces or environments where a rivet gun cannot be used, knock-rivets can show their unique advantages. By striking the pin with a hammer or similar tool, two or more connected parts can be riveted together successfully. Knock-rivets can be categorized into flat round head and countersunk head types based on the shape of the head. Depending on the material combinations, they can be divided into all-aluminum, aluminum-steel, all-stainless steel, steel-steel, aluminum-stainless steel, and plastic knock-rivets. Knock-rivets do not require the use of manual or pneumatic rivet guns like blind rivets, offering better riveting capability and convenience, making them widely applicable for various connected parts.
Plastic tree-shaped rivets, also known as reverse tooth plastic rivets or Christmas tree-shaped plastic rivets, have a tooth-shaped design that allows for good elasticity. They can be manually pressed into round holes during interference fits, and the tooth shape can adjust according to the actual thickness for secure fixing. The reverse tooth design ensures that the rivet is firmly fixed to the installed surface and is not easily pulled out, making them suitable for fixing between soft materials such as foam, wood, rubber, and automotive interiors. Plastic tree-shaped rivets possess excellent insulation, fire resistance, non-magnetic properties, heat insulation, lightweight, high-temperature resistance, high strength, and corrosion resistance, and are widely used in various industrial fields.
Blind rivets can be roughly divided into open type, closed type, double dome type, and single dome type series. Below is a brief description of each type. Countersunk blind rivets: Used for riveting parts that require a smooth and aesthetically pleasing surface after riveting. Double dome blind rivets: During riveting, the pin pulls the end of the rivet body into a double dome shape, clamping the two structural parts together and reducing the pressure on the surface of the structural parts. Applications: Mainly used for riveting various thin structural parts in vehicles, ships, construction, machinery, electronics, and other industries. Large cap blind rivets: Compared to ordinary blind rivets, the aluminum cap diameter is significantly larger, providing a greater contact area and stronger support, thus enhancing torque strength and allowing for higher radial pull. Suitable industries: Suitable for fastening soft and fragile surface materials and oversized holes, with the increased cap diameter providing special protection for soft materials. Closed blind rivets: Designed to cover the core shaft head after riveting, very suitable for applications requiring waterproofing. They have high shear strength, vibration resistance, and high pressure resistance.
All-aluminum blind rivets use high-quality aluminum wire for the rivet body, making them aesthetically pleasing and durable after riveting, and they will never rust. Compared to ordinary blind rivets, they have lower riveting strength and are suitable for connecting softer materials. Open stainless steel rivets: These rivets are a choice for high tensile strength requirements and corrosion resistance. Half-round head rivets are mainly used in applications with larger lateral loads and are the most widely used. Flat cone head rivets, due to their large head size, are corrosion-resistant and are commonly used in riveting applications in harsh environments such as ship hulls and boiler water tanks.
Countersunk, half-countersunk, 1200 countersunk, and half-countersunk rivets are mainly used in applications requiring a smooth surface and low load. Flat head rivets are used in applications with general loads. Flat head and flat round head rivets are mainly used for riveting thin metal sheets or non-metal materials such as leather, canvas, and wood. Large flat head rivets are mainly used for riveting non-metal materials. Half-hollow rivets are mainly used in applications with low loads. Headless rivets are mainly used for riveting non-metal materials. Hollow rivets are lightweight and have weak heads, used in applications with low loads for non-metal materials. Tubular rivets are used for riveting non-metal materials without load. Nameplate rivets are mainly used for riveting nameplates on machines, equipment, etc.
Blind rivets are a type of rivet used for single-sided riveting, but they require a special tool—a rivet gun (manual, electric, pneumatic) for riveting. These rivets are particularly suitable for applications where ordinary rivets (which require riveting from both sides) are inconvenient, thus they are widely used in construction, automotive, shipping, aviation, machinery, electrical appliances, furniture, and other products. Among them, open type flat round head blind rivets are the most widely used, countersunk blind rivets are suitable for applications requiring a smooth finish, and closed blind rivets are suitable for applications requiring higher loads and certain sealing performance.
The impact core rivet is another type of single-sided rivet. During riveting, a hammer is used to strike the head of the rivet, exposing the core, which is then made flush with the end face of the head, thus completing the riveting operation. This method is very convenient, especially suitable for situations where ordinary rivets (which require riveting from both sides) or blind rivets (which lack a pull rivet gun) cannot be used. Typically, flat round head impact core riveting is applied, while countersunk impact core rivets are suitable for situations where a smooth surface is required. Some rivets can also be used in clothing, becoming popular elements today, often representing punk style. Additionally, there are also insert rivets, which are quite special. They are divided into two parts: a thicker section with a cap and a hole in the center, and a thinner section that fits tightly with it. During riveting, the thin rod is driven into the thick rod.