Huck structural rivet and the 5 types of high strength Huck blind rivets.   

In today's article we are providing the definitive guide to the Huck range of structural rivets, exploring their key features and explaining their differences. The wide range may seem like you are spoilt for choice, however you will find the opposite is true. The big range means there is bound to be the one right rivet to suit your specific application. We have the complete Huck® rivet range including the original multi-grip Huck rivet "Magna-Lok®", the extra strong "MagnaBulb®" and a combo of these two structural rivet types; "HuckLok®". Plus a few other Huck rivet types that may not well known but are popular for certain situations, like the Huck-Tite rivet, which is suitable for riveting metal extrusions onto a composite or fibreglass base with weather proof properties.    

Magna-Lok® (ML) is Australia's #1 Huck rivet due to it's hassle-free flexiability with material grip range. This means they are versatile with the material depth; as an example one "ML" rivet has a material grip range of 1.6 - 15.9 mm - clever huh! A heavy duty rivet with an internal 360° locking mechanism which provides a high resistance to vibration & moisture. The circle-lock is also useful for quick visual inspection for correct installation. A long lasting maintenance-free rivet that is fast and easy to install using a Huck® brand air or cordless gun or a structural rivet gun, as a standard rivet-tool does not have the power or jaw capacity to install structural rivets in high volumes. In challenging applications you can always rely on Huck® + Aerobolt® to provide the world's strongest, and most reliable rivets. Plus the know-how to assist in your application, think of Aerobolt as the structural rivet experts who can help with all things rivets. Below we have an image showing the anatomy of a typical Huck Rivet.

Huck® rivets are ideal for the joining of materials together permanently and are able to withstand vibration and tension better than a screw or bolt. In fact, the Magna-Lok® has been tested against its nearest competitor fastener and outlasted it by almost 20 to 1. In laboratory settings, Huck structural rivet ML lasted 2 million cycles whilst the other lasted 100,000. Huck® rivets are engineered with an internal locking system that mechanically interlocks the pin into the sleeve during installation, whilst embracing the material at the same time. To read more about the Magna-Lok's lab performance click here.

Five Huck Rivet Types. 

Here we provide an overview of the five key Huck rivet types, for a complete list of Huck rivets + a few alternative high strength rivets go to structural rivets. You will find Aerobolt® has Australia's biggest range and inventory of high strength Huck structural rivets and is the only award-winning authorised Huck distributor in Australia. When seeking technical know-how, and competitive prices with a high level of customer service you will find Aerobolt tick all the right boxes. 

1. Huck Rivet Magna-Lok® (ML).

Huck Rivet Magna-Lok  is a high performing structural rivet with extended material grip range, along with Huck's unique 360 degrees internal locking mechanism ensuring great resistance to vibration and moisture through outstanding hole filling capacity on the blind side. A high performing industrial strength versatile rivet that will reduce inventory, cost, and labour.

2. Magna-Bulb® Rivets.  

Huck Pop Rivet (MagnaBulb) are renowned for their excellent shear & tensile strength among most other structural rivets on the market. MagnaBulb® Huck rivet is regarded as the best-in-its class structural rivet. When installed they produce a wide blind side bulge that is engineered to spread the load, making them ideal in thin sheet fabrication. 

3. Hucklok® Structural Rivet.

Huck Rivet Hucklok® is a double locking wide-grip range rivet, combining the extended grip range of the original Magna-Lok® and the strength of the MagnaBulb® has resulted in a rivet like no other, a rivet that locks material from both sides on the parent material with excellent shear and pull-up force. The Hucklok® is the innovator in heavy duty lock rivets.  

4. Huck-Tite Structural Rivet.

Huck-Tite is an all-aluminium structural rivet that pulls up into a propeller shape configuration; making them ideal for lightweight material with a unique sealant under the head for weatherproofing the joint. How clever is Huck®!  The ideal choice for the fabrication of refrigerated trucks, pantechs and so much more.

5. Huck Rivet BOM®.

Huck BOM® Rivets are often used as a replacement for welding, Huck® BOM® rivets are so strong that one BOM® fastener does the work of up to four conventional fasteners. Ideal for military vehicles, high security fencing, and so much more. So if you want to avoid welding and all the heath and fire risks associated with it, consider this Huck blind rivet on your next project.    

What are the key advantages of Huck rivets?

The key advantage of a Huck rivets is that "they are a long-lasting fast & easy to use fastener" for the joining of many types of materials. Unlike welding using a rivet allows the joining of different type of materials. 

• One side assembly means quick installations, as access to the rear is not required.
• Highly resilient, forming a mechanically activated permanent joining solution.
• Easy to use air, or cordless Huck tools that requires minimal effort and training.
• Design flexibility, wide range of types and materials to suit most applications.
• Simple inspection and maintenance, no expensive equipment for quality control.

How do Huck rivets work?

Huck rivets work a little differently to standard rivets, as there is an internal  mechanism that locks a portion of the pin (mandrel) inside the rivet's body. This creates an additional layer of material that assists in increasing the rivet's inner strength. Like humans the inner strength is not easily seen from the outside. When a Huck structural rivet is installed, the body deforms in one of the following ways whilst it locks itself into place. 

1. Broadening of the Body. (Magna-Lok® Rivets).

Body widens when the cap of the pin is pulled up, resulting in the body expanding against the material.

2. Body Compresses & Bulges. (Magna-Bulb® Rivets).

Rivet's body is compressed by the pin cap, causing it to bulge and form a bulb against the material.

3. Body Splits & Folds. (Huck-Tite® Rivets). 

The slotted body folds and splits into a  propeller shape blind–side anchor, ideal for lightweight material.   

How to install a Huck rivet? 

Installing a Huck structural rivet is similar to a standard rivet, the difference being the tool's power and jaws as a structural rivet requires a Huck gun or a structural rivet gun.  A standard rivet gun is not engineered to install high volumes of structural rivets.

To install a Huck structural rivet; pre-drilling of holes is required (our data sheets have this information). Load rivet’s pin tail section into rivet gun. Insert rivet body into hole and activate gun. Upon activation the head of the rivet is pushed against the nose of the tool, whilst the tool pulls up the central pin. As a result, the body compresses, and expands on the blind side until it maxes out to approximately one and a half times the size of the original diameter. Resulting in a larger surface in which the two materials are effectively fastened together.

Which structural rivet gun do you recommend?  

Selecting the correct rivet gun depends on the nature of the project + your specific requirements, below we cover the main rivet gun categories, along with their pros. & cons. At Aerobolt, we stock a wide range of popular brand rivet guns plus a few alternative options that we have rivet gun lab tested for quality and value. Our site has extensive information covering most tools for review, including the Huck Gun blog. To discuss further, simply contact us. 

Structural rivets guns are broken down to two main types

1. Huck guns that install both structural rivets and Huck bolts (pin & collar).
2. Rivet guns that install structural and or standard rivets. Note that not all rivet guns are capable of installing structural rivets. Here at  Aerobolt, we have both options. 

Huck Gun, air + cordless

These tools are suitable for the installation of both Huck bolts and Huck structural rivets with the simple changeover of a nose assembly (priced separately).

Air Huck Guns: For frequent installation, an air-powered Huck gun is the easiest choice for the job. Air powered Huck guns offer fast installations with consistent results. Some of the pros include: Easy to use, economical (cost saving compared to cordless), and no physical exertion required. They will also install to a set pressure / stroke. Cons: Requires an air source such as a compressor, possibly limiting mobility and making remote use impractical.

Cordless Battery Huck guns: Cordless Huck guns run on battery power and provide incredible versatility, allowing you to install Huck fasteners from practically anywhere. Like air tools, battery-powered tools are basically point-and-shoot. Pros: Mobility, speed. Cons: Batteries have limited charge before needing to be plugged in again, cost.

Rivet Guns, air + cordless

These guns are suitable for the installation of both structural and standard rivets, i.e. they do not install pin and collar Huck Bolts. They do not require a separate nose assembly and are generally an economical alternative to a Huck guns.  

Air Rivet Guns: For frequent rivet installation, an air-powered riveter is the easiest choice for the job. Air rivet guns offer fast installations with consistent results. Some of the pros include: Easy to use, economical (cost saving compared to cordless), and no physical exertion required. They will also install to a set pressure / stroke. Cons: Requires an air source such as a compressor, possibly limiting mobility and making remote use impractical.

Cordless Battery Rivet Guns: Cordless structural rivet guns run on battery power and provide incredible versatility, allowing you to install rivets from practically anywhere. Like air tools, battery-powered tools are basically point-and-shoot. Pros: Mobility, speed. Cons: Batteries have limited charge before needing to be plugged in again, cost.

Manual Structural Rivet tools

For the occasional installation of structural rivets, a hand tool is your most cost-effective option. They work by adding the rivet to the end of the tool, squeezing the handles, and retracting the tool from the now applied rivet. Some of the pros include: Inexpensive, easy to use, great for the handy person. Cons: They require physical force.

What are the benefits of Huck structural rivets?

Huck structural rivets are renowned for their strength and are the superior option compared to most other fasteners, key advantages include:

• One side assembly for fast installations as access to the rear is not required.
• Super strong, forming a mechanically activated permanent joining solution.  
• Vibration and weather resistant. Offering high shear & tensile strength.
• Easy to use air, cordless, air and manual tools that are rugged & robust.  
• Design flexibility, wide range of types, material, etc. to suit most applications.   
• Easy inspection and maintenance, no expensive equipment for quality control. 

What's the difference between Monobolt® & Magna-Lok® rivets?

These are popular brands of structural rivets that have many physical similarities, however their strength is a key difference. Magna-Lok® rivet is a much stronger rivet, in lab results the MagnaLok® outlasted the Monobolt® 20 to 1. Another key  difference is Magna-Lok does not require a special nose tip to be installed correctly, unlike the Monobolt® which requires a special nose tip. Huck’s locking mechanism has been engineered into the rivet to eliminate tooling and operator error (subject to using the correct installation gun).  Read more about these  differences. 

How to select the right Huck rivet?

When considering selection you will need to look at; materials, diameter (size), material grip range, head style, and strength. Here we look into the important criteria to consider prior to making a final decision. 

Huck Rivet Material.

Ensure the rivet material is compatible with the material being joined to avoid galvanic corrosion. As a rule, avoid using aluminium and stainless steel together, we recommend keeping the metal material like for like for maximum life. Stainless with stainless, aluminium with aluminium, etc.

* Above table is a guide only

✓ Compatible

x Incompatible, must not be in contact

Compatible in rural & mild environments (some corrossion may occur in marine/industrial environments. Painting both metals will reduce reaction)

Huck Rivet Diameter & Hole Sizes.

Huck rivet diameter is guided by the material depth, for instance use small diameter rivets for lightweight application and larger diameter rivets in heavy duty fabrication. The larger the diameter the stronger the rivet, as a general rule the rivet diameter should be about three times the thickness of the thickest piece of joined material.

The size of the rivet diameter & the drill hole size is critical for success. Referring to the hole diameters before drilling is an easy way to avoid issues later, as a general rule the hole size should be 0.2-0.5MM greater that the rivet diameter. Our product data sheets have detailed information. 

Huck Rivet Size.

Huck rivets "Magna-Lok" is available in 4.8MM, 6.4MM, 9.5MM & 12.7MM.   

Huck Rivet Material Grip Range.

The material grip range refers to the material thickness or the depth the Huck rivet can be effectively installed. For example, if two 1.5 mm plates/items need to be riveted, a Huck blind rivet with a material grip range between 2- 5 mm is required. Best practice dictates that the middle grip range of a rivet is the preferable, followed by the minimum then the maximum. The middle grip range assists in achieving correct shear and tensile strength whilst ensuring the longevity of the rivet. Please note that the grip range is not the length of the rivet as many mistakenly believe the length is the amount of material the rivet will pull up.

Huck Rivet Head Type.

The rivet head type assists in holding the material together and enhancing its appearances. Dome heads sit proudly above the material, whilst large flange or truss head is a shallower broader head profile & suited for thin or soft material. The countersunk head provides a flush neat finish subject to countersinking the material, allowing the head to sit level with the surrounding material.

Frequently Asked Huck Structural Rivet Questions.

How do you install Huck rivets?

To install a Huck rivet, pre drilling of hole is required. Load rivet’s pin mandrel into rivet gun. Insert rivets body into hole and activate gun. Upon activation the head of the rivet is pushed against the outer surface of the tool, whilst the tool pulls up the central pin (mandrel). As a result, the bottom portion of the rivet compresses, and expands on the blind side. This expansion maxes out when it reaches approximately one and a half times the size of the original diameter. Resulting in a larger surface in which the two materials are effectively fastened together.

How does a Huck rivet work?

Below we illustrate how a rivet works. Essentially a rivet is a metal tube with a pin (mandrel) through it, upon installation the pin's head is shaped to expand the tube & lock up the material.

What is the difference between the pop rivet and blind rivet?

Many people ask this question and the short answer is there is no difference. They are two terms for the same item, a blind rivet means you do not need access to the other side of the material, or you can't see the other side of the material. Also known as Pop® rivets because it is the brand name of the original rivet company. 

Which is the strongest Huck structural rivet? 

One of the strongest structural rivet types is the the Huck Rivet "Magna-Bulb". For installation values, refer to the table below to compare a range of structural rivet test lab results. 

Why are Huck rivets used on aeroplanes?

Rivets are the preferred choice of fasteners in the fabrication of planes because they can withstand extreme stress without breaking, whilst barely succumbing to damage. They are used in aerospace manufacturing because it simplifies both production and the maintenance of the aircraft.

Where are Huck rivets used?

Huck Rivets are great in heavy duty industrial applications where a strong secure vibration resistant solution is required for the fabrication of utility vehicles, utes, trucks, trains, truck trailers, and so much more. Including popular brands you know and trust such as Kenworth® trucks, Boeing®, Tesla®, and the Bushranger® defence vehicles. Huck rivets have been engineered to be a fast and easy fastener to install. 

Can I get coloured Huck structural rivets?

Yes, Aerobolt offers painted structural rivets. They cost a little extra compared to the mill (raw) finish and are available in a wide range of colours. Refer to the Colorbond ® colour chart for selection.  

Why have my structural rivets failed?

There are a couple of reasons your rivet has failed. The issue could be a dodgy rivet from a shifty supplier or an installation issue. Either way we offer a wide range of technical services, including rivet testing services. We have teamed up with a NATA approved lab, that undertakes laboratory rivet testing services. Should you have a rivet failure, let us know so we can review your application and or have your rivets sent to the NATA approved lab for laboratory rivet testing. 

How do you remove a Huck® rivet?

Huck® rivet removal is straight forward with the right tools. This requires the destruction of the rivet, and the best method is to drill it. You will need, a drill, drill bit, long nose pliers, & safety accessories such as glasses and gloves.

Steps: Use your safety glass & gloves before starting the drilling process. Place the drill bit against the rivets’ center pin and drill through the body at a low but steady speed. Once drilling is completed, pull the rivet off with your long nose pliers. 

Do you deliver rivets throughout Australia?

Yes, we can deliver Australia wide via our team of courier company contractors.

Why are Huck rivet diameters in imperial measurements? 

The USA still use the imperial measurement system. On this website we present diameter measurements in both imperial and meteric. For instance the diameter 3/16" is 4.8 mm in metric, or 1/4" is 6.4 mm and 5/16" is 7.9 mm. Providing the two measurements is important as the drill hole is critical to the success of the installation. To convert imperial to metric, click here.

Who makes Huck rivets?

Huck rivets are manufactured by Huck International Inc. which is part of Howmet Aerospace.

Huck Rivet Types Summary.

Huck® rivet offer superior long lasting fastening capabilities for heavy and light-duty industrial fabrication applications. They have become the industry go-to structural rivet standard because of their high quality + their extensive range of options. Whether you seek material depth versatility from Magna-Lok® rivet for a wide range of material thicknesses or a high strength Magna-Bulb® with a less-forgiving material grip range or the numerous other Huck rivet type options. Either way there is bound to be a Huck® rivet to suit your situation.  

Aerobolt® is an award-winning wholesaler of structural rivets, Huck bolts, nutserts, rivnuts, adhesives & a wide range of industrial power tools for  fastener installations, like nutsert tools and rivet guns including some popular cordless rivet gun options and cordless rivnut tools. When buying Huck fasteners it's important to buy from an authorised Huck distributor who can provide a total solution with access to the manufacturer's complete inventory + their technical know-how. Avoid resellers who are quick to offer alternative options.  

Proudly, we are Australia's number one Huck Distributor of genuine Huck bolts and Huck rivets plus the sale, service and hire of Huck guns and hydraulic power rigs. 

Committed to providing a total supply solution with a great customer service focus, your one-stop shop for technical know-how, supply of goods & tool hire through to the servicing of your equipment. So for all your fabrication supply requirements - call us on 02 9755 3747 or contact us.

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