What are Structural Rivets?

Structural Rivets, or Structural Pop Rivets and Structural Blind Rivets, are high-strength rivets. They have an internal locking mechanism that holds 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 many industries. These include aerospace, trucks, trailers, RVs, locomotives, and commercial vehicles. They are also used in HVAC, sheet metal, and agricultural equipment.

Installing structural rivets requires a riveting tool with a higher pulling force and a suitable nose-tip and jaws. Check the tool's configuration to determine if you need to purchase a separate nose assembly. We recommend an air-powered riveting tool or a battery-powered tool. When making your selection, consider the tool's working capacity.

How do I measure structural rivets?

Measuring structural rivets involves using their rivet diameter and grip range.

The diameter of the rivet is the size of the rivet body. This is the part that goes into 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® comes in various materials and has a wide grip range, allowing one rivet to fit different material thicknesses. The design of the mandrel breaks flush with the dome head, providing excellent shear strength and a clean, professional finish. Examples of this type of structural rivet include Huck structural rivets Magnalok®, Hucklok®, Avdel 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 great for boosting pull-out or tensile strength between materials. They work incredibly well when joining thin materials because the bulb spreads the load evenly. Examples of this type include the Ornit Orlock® and Huck Magna-bulb® rivets.
• Bulb Tite - is a type of tri-fold rivet. It was first made for construction tasks, like building Butler frames. Later, it was improved with an EPDM washer. This washer helps make it more water-resistant for roofing. This type of structural rivet is now the preferred choice for installing safety roof anchor points, walkways, and ladder systems.

Selecting the correct blind rivet based on material thickness (grip range) and rivet diameter is crucial. A proper grip range helps with effective installation and makes the rivet last longer. Precise hole sizing keeps the connection strong and intact.

Rivet head designs come in different types, such as dome heads, large flanges, and countersunk options. These designs affect both the functionality and the appearance 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! We will show you how rivets can be the most cost-effective solution for many of your fastening needs.

For more information on structural rivets, read Structural Rivets: Enhancing Strength and Reliability in Construction and Manufacturing. To buy structural rivet guns online, visit our riveting tools range. For help choosing the most suitable structural rivets in Australia, call our sales team at 02 9882 1112. You can also email us at   sales@rivetlab.com.