What are Structural Rivets?

Structural Rivets, also known as Structural Pop Rivets and Structural Blind Rivets, are high-strength rivets designed with a locking mechanism to hold the mandrel inside the rivet body after installation. As a result, they provide a watertight, vibration-resistant connection between multiple materials, with increased shear and tensile strength.

Structural Rivets are optimal for structural or demanding applications. They can be used in industries such as aerospace, truck, trailer, RV, locomotive, commercially used vehicles, HVAC, sheet metal, and even agricultural equipment.

Installing structural rivets requires a rivet gun with higher pulling force and a suitable nosepiece and jaws. When making your selection, consider the tool's working capacity.

How do I measure structural rivets?

Structural rivets are measured using their rivet diameter and grip range. The diameter of the rivet is the diameter of the rivet body, the part being inserted in the pre-drilled hole. (Note: Always prepare the hole size according to the manufacturer's specifications.) The grip range is the material thickness that the rivet is capable of joining.

Types of Structural Rivets

Structural rivets come in various types, each designed to cater to specific applications and industries. The main types of structural rivets include:

• Rivlok® - is available in different materials and features a broad "grip range", allowing a single rivet to accommodate different material thicknesses. The mandrel is designed to break flush with the dome head, providing excellent shear strength and a clean, professional finish. Examples of this type of structural rivet on the market include the Huck Magnalok® rivets, Hucklok®, Monobolt®, and Interlock® rivets.
• Bulblok® - has a more limited grip range but forms a neat, low-profile bulb on the blind side, creating a large surface area. These rivets are ideal for increasing pull-out or tensile strength between materials and are particularly effective for joining thin materials, as the bulb evenly distributes the load. Examples of this type include the Ornit Orlock® and Huck Magna-bulb® rivets.
• Bulb Tite - a type of tri-fold rivet, was initially designed for construction applications like assembling Butler building frames and later adapted with an EPDM washer for enhanced water resistance in roofing. Recently, this type of structural rivet has become the preferred choice for installing safety roof anchor points, walkways, and ladder systems.

It is crucial to select the correct blind rivet based on material thickness (grip range) and rivet diameter. A proper grip range ensures effective installation and the rivet's longevity, while precise hole sizing maintains the integrity and strength of the connection.

Different rivet head designs, such as dome heads, large flanges, and countersunk options, impact the functionality and aesthetics of the materials they are used with.  Use the filter on the left side of this page to find the structural rivet you need.

Expert Fastening Solutions at RivetLab

The RivetLab team’s many years of experience can assist you with your most difficult fastening requirements. You can always rely on prompt and dependable service, covering everything from tools right through to structural pop rivets! Let us demonstrate how rivets can be the most cost-effective solution for almost any of your fastening application problems.

For more information on structural rivets, read Structural Rivets: Enhancing Strength and Reliability in Construction and Manufacturing. For technical advice on choosing the most appropriate structural rivets, call our expert sales team at 02 9882 1112 or email us at sales@rivetlab.com.