A rivet is a metal fastening system consisting of a straight cylindrical shaft with a head on one end, which is deformed on the offered end. Rivets are considered permanent fasteners used to join two or more pieces of metal together. When rivets are installed, an inner material is placed in the end of the fastener and deformed to permanently lock the materials in place.

Key Features:

• Permanent Fastening—Rivets create a joint that is structurally strong and durable. Once installed, rivets cannot be removed separately without destroying/over deforming the fastener.
• High Strength—Rivets are excellent shear and tensile strength fasteners and are used for structural and load-bearing applications.
• Wide Industrial Use—Rivets are typically used in construction, automotive, aircraft manufacturing, and metal fabrication due to their inherent reliability and simplicity.

Rivets are valuable fabrication fasteners in industries requiring a strong, vibration-resistant joint. Common applications for rivets include aircraft skins, metal frames, bridge fabrication, and machinery. It is important to note that rivets hold their integrity under stress, making them desirable fasteners for the fabrication of heavy equipment or where welding is complicated or where consistent mechanical fastening is required. Rivets remain a significant technology in metal fastening and have many subtypes, including solid rivets, blind rivets, and tubular rivets.