Multi grip rivets Vs Open end rivets.

There are numerous rivet types on the market which can sometimes complicate selection. In this article we are covering the pros and cons of the most popular rivet types on the market. When does one select a Multi grip rivet over an open-end rivet? What's the difference? Does one type have an advantage over the other? These are some of the questions customers ask when seeking to understand multigrip rivets compared to open end rivets. Rivets are a versatile and a low-cost method for fastening two components together. Typically they are used to attach thin sheet or structural members, and in most cases only require access to one side of the joint to install. Rivets are the fast and easy that come in a range of different metal materials like steel, aluminum, or stainless steel.  

Before we dive into the blog, lets cover the basics. What is a rivet? A rivet is a fastener that is composed of two components, a metal tube or the body & pin, commomly known as the mandrel. The pin is normally longer than the tube and designed to be pulled up through the tube whilst enlarging it in the installation process. As the body expands it secures the material between its two ends. At a predetermined point, the pin used to pull up the body will break and drop off. For more information check the rivet blog

Rivets are the great go-to fastener for the joining of numerous materials including thin sheet metals, plastics, fibreglass, composites and more. And some rivets are better than others. The flexible material grip range of Multi-Grip rivets makes them the ideal choice when working with materials of varying depths. Instead of using a couple different size open-end rivets, you can use one size multi-grip rivet; this means cost and time savings. Either way using a rivet over another fastener type has many advantages.

Some of the key benefits associated with pop rivets include:

• Blind side assembly meaning quick installations, as access to the rear is not required.
• Highly resilient, long-lasting forming a mechanically activated permanent joining solution.
• Easy to use air, cordless, & manual rivet-tools that require minimal know-how.

What is an Open-End Rivet?

An open-end rivet is the default general purpose rivet that most people envision when we think of blind rivets. This rivet is the go-to type for fastening materials together. They are a viable choice for just about anything that can be riveted. One key benefit of an open-end rivet is that they are generally less expensive than multi-grip rivets. Additionally, ordering them is a straightforward process—if certain grips are needed, the corresponding rivets are ordered to fit.

However, any variation outside the given material depth can compromise the joint. In other words, open-end rivet selction must be correct to work well. Rivets with too much grip require extra effort for the correct installation—and even then, the resulting strength may be reduced. For projects that have a wide range of material depths you will need a comprehensive range of open-end rivets. Inventory management becomes a challenge, and if you discover an area for which you don’t have the right-sized grip on hand, delays can occur.

What is a Multi-Grip Rivet?

 

Multi grip rivets are the superior alternative to most other general purpose rivets because as the name suggests they are flexible with material depth, making them the efficient rivet option. Their versatility means they fit a wider range of material grip so that if the application depth differs the rivet can accommodate the change. Open-end rivets aren’t flexible with material grip range.

Multi-grip rivets offer 3 main benefits.

• Better inventory management: Multi-grip rivets generally fit three different open-end & sealed rivet grips; stocking one rivet for three grips makes sense—rather than three separate rivets for three depths — this streamlines inventory and makes ordering easier + reduces the chance of using an incorrect rivet..
• Better hole filling capacity: Multi-grip rivets expand radially to deliver a better fit, even with irregular, oversized, and misaligned holes. This is not a licence to be dodgy with drilling. 
• Weather & vibration resistance: Moisture is less likely to seep through the setting because of their better hole filling capacity. They are also more resistant to light vibration compared to open-end rivets. If vibration is an on-going issue, you should consider structural rivets like the MagnaLok®, or Allok® rivet.

Multi-grip rivets are ideal for projects where the material depth varies, this can sometimes occur over a short distance. They are also better at filling oversized holes for a stronger joint. Multi-grip rivets are often used for the following applications: automotive, domestic appliances, electronics, electrical equipment, light industrial, and HVAC.

Pros and Cons of Multi-Grip Rivets.

The versatility of multi-grip rivets is unmatched. They typically cover three grip ranges of an open-end rivet, so as the thickness of a work piece begins to vary, you won’t be scrambling to find another rivet. These rivets expand radially, resulting in a greater hole filling capacity with a neater finish compared to open-end pop rivets.

Because projects won’t require so many specific sizes of standard rivets, ordering becomes simpler, and you are less likely to run out of a certain size. Also, aesthetic consistency improves because your work piece isn’t populated with several different types of rivets.

If your application has several different rivets populating a small area, the resulting hodgepodge may detract from the product’s appearance, particularly with consumer goods. Multi-grip rivets offer a uniform look.

For many projects, the multi-grip rivets offers flexibility and better resource management that you often don’t experience with standard-grip rivets. Moreover, benefits such as stronger fit and better durability are added bonuses that improve performance and profitability in the short and long term.

How to identify a multi-grip rivet?

How do multi-grip rivets work? 

Multi-grip rivets work a little differently to a standard rivet, as there is an internal  mechanism that holds a small portion of the pin (mandrel) inside the rivet's body. This creates an additional layer of material that assists in increasing the multi-grip's rivet strength over other standard rivets like open end rivets and sealed rivets.   

When installing the rivet body gets compressed, which in turn creates 1, 2 or 3 bulges depending on the material depth with a large bearing surface that avoids rivet pull-out. Multi-grip rivets work similar to Allok® rivets or High Strength Rivets. 

Multi-grip rivets V’s Open-end rivets wrap

It's clear multi grip rivets offer superior fastening capabilities compared to open end rivets. Multi-Grip rivets are a strong & highly flexible option due to their extended material grip range. The multi-grip is the strongest standard pop rivet choice, for many people this rivet helps reduce stock options as one multi-grip rivet replaces a three different grip size open end rivets. This assists to reduce cost and minimise operator errors. Also, a multi-grip rivet, compared to an open-end rivet of the same size & material, provides greater shear and tensile strength.

Seeking assistance to select the correct rivet type? Please don’t reach out by contacting us or calling 02 9755 3747.

Aerobolt® is the leading wholesaler of  pop  rivets , structural  rivets, Huck® bolts, nutserts, rivnuts, adhesives & power tools, like nutsert tools and rivet guns including some popular cordless riverter options.

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