« Back to Dictionary Index

Tubular Rivet

A tubular rivet is a type of rivet characterized by a coaxial cylindrical hole in the headless end. It is designed to be secured by splaying, or spreading out, the end of the rivet.

Components

  1. Head:
  • The part of the rivet that remains visible after installation.
  • Can come in various shapes such as round, flat, or countersunk.
  1. Shank:
  • The cylindrical body of the rivet that is inserted into the materials to be joined.
  • Features a hollow, coaxial cylindrical hole at the headless end.
  1. Tail:
  • The headless end of the rivet which is deformed during installation to secure the rivet in place.

Features

  1. Coaxial Cylindrical Hole:
  • Allows the end of the rivet to be splayed outwards, securing the rivet more effectively.
  1. Material:
  • Typically made from metals such as steel, aluminum, or brass for strength and durability.
  1. Variety of Sizes:
  • Available in different diameters and lengths to suit various applications.

Applications

  1. Leather Goods:
  • Commonly used in the manufacture of belts, bags, and other leather products due to their secure hold and ease of installation.
  1. Electronics:
  • Used in electronic enclosures and assemblies where a secure yet removable fastening is required.
  1. Automotive:
  • Utilized in various components of vehicles, especially where a strong yet flexible fastening is needed.
  1. Metal Fabrication:
  • Ideal for joining thin sheets of metal in various fabrication processes.
  1. Textiles:
  • Employed in securing materials in the textile industry, including tents, sails, and tarpaulins.

Advantages

  1. Ease of Installation:
  • Can be easily installed using simple tools such as a hammer and rivet setter.
  1. Strong Hold:
  • The splayed end provides a secure hold, making it suitable for high-stress applications.
  1. Versatility:
  • Can be used in a wide range of materials including metal, leather, and fabric.
  1. Cost-Effective:
  • Generally inexpensive, making them a cost-effective solution for many applications.

Installation Process

  1. Drill Hole:
  • Drill a hole in the materials to be joined that matches the diameter of the rivet shank.
  1. Insert Rivet:
  • Insert the tubular rivet into the hole, with the head resting against one side of the material.
  1. Splay End:
  • Using a rivet setter and hammer, splay the headless end of the rivet by striking it to spread out the material, securing the rivet in place.
  1. Finish:
  • Ensure the splayed end is evenly spread and firmly secures the materials together.

Tools for Installation

  1. Rivet Setter:
  • A tool specifically designed to splay the end of the tubular rivet.
  1. Hammer:
  • Used in conjunction with the rivet setter to deform the rivet end.
  1. Drill:
  • To create the initial hole in the materials for the rivet insertion.

Maintenance and Removal

  1. Inspection:
  • Regularly inspect the rivets for signs of wear or loosening.
  1. Replacement:
  • If a rivet becomes loose or damaged, it can be drilled out and replaced with a new one.
  1. Removal:
  • Drill out the splayed end carefully to remove the rivet without damaging the surrounding material.

Tubular rivets are a versatile and reliable fastening solution suitable for various materials and applications. Their ease of installation, strong hold, and cost-effectiveness make them an excellent choice for both industrial and commercial uses.

« Back to Dictionary Index