Ultimate Guide To Structural Rivets.  

High strength structural rivets are ideal when seeking a super strong vibration resistant solution. They are widely used in heavy duty applications such as the fabrication of utility vehicles, trucks, trains, truck trailers, security fencing and numerous other applications. Structural rivets are commonly referred to as Huck rivets, lock rivet or Monobolt® and their industrial clamping strength comes from the unique combination of internal pin retention & locking mechanism that creates their inner strength. In this blog we will cover a wide range of structural rivets with some guidance to the right rivet gun and structural rivet test lab services to assist in selection.   

Rivets are a popular fastener to join two or more pieces of material. Essentially a rivet is composed of two components, a tube (body) and pin (mandrel). The pin is longer than the body and designed to be pulled up through the tube which enlarges and buckles it in the process. See image on the right showing the anatomy of a typical structural rivet, Huck rivet.

This results in the enlarged body clamping the material between the two ends of the tube. There are numerous rivet types for virtually any application; from connecting your home’s guttering through to the cars we drive and the planes we fly with Huck rivets. In fact Aerobolt® is an award-winning authorised Huck® rivet distributor with a comprehensive range and inventory of structural rivets  including general pupose rivet categories to assist in any application. Along with a great selection of quality cordless and air rivet guns. When considering rivets, remember Riley the rivet lad @ Aerobolt.  

What are the main structural rivets types?

There are three different type of structural rivets from the renowed Huck rivet collection to the very specialised Bulb-Tite and so much more. Listed here is an overview of the main structural rivet options and grouped accordingly to their key attribute relating to material grip range; multigrip structural rivet, standard grip structural rivet and trifold structural rivet.    

1. Multi-Grip Structural Rivets. (Huck Rivet Magna-Lok, Hucklok®,  Monobolt®)

Huck rivet Magna-Lok® is a versatile structural fastener that is ideal for multiple material grip ranges. This rivet has Huck’s unique internal locking mechanism that provides a high resistance to vibration & moisture. Fast and easy to install using conventional Huck gun or a structural rivet gun as a standard rivet gun is not equipped with the correct jaws nor does it have the power or stroke to install structural rivets on a continuous basis. 

2. Standard Grip Structural Rivets.( Allok Rivet, High Strength Rivet, Hemlok®, BOM, Orlock Rivet)

Allok structural rivets feature a double-locking system that secures the material on both sides of the panel for great strength, providing a vibration and weather resistant joint. It has a non-protruding blind side bulb that spreads the load, whilst avoiding pull-through. Easy to install via a Huck gun & other structural rivet tools as a standard rivet gun is not built to install structural rivets. Also known as Orlock® rivets or Hemlok® rivets. Check the blog "Orlock Rivet Verses Magna-Lok Rivet".  

3. Tri Folding Load Spreading Aluminum Rivets. (Bulb-Tite, Huck-Tite, Tri-Bulb)

These rivets have a slotted body that form a propeller shape blind-side anchor upon installation. The Bulb-Tite® and many other Tri-Folding structural rivets spread their clamping force through their anchor blades which combines with a washer to provide a waterproof joint. Great for motor body fabrication where composite materials like those associated with refrigerated or pantech trucks are used. Select Bulbtites are also used in the installation of safety roof anchor points  including the fall arrest systems + the rope access systems. Read how the Bulb-Tite is better than Tri-fold rivet. 

How do structural rivets work?

Structural rivets work a little differently to standard rivet, 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 rivets  strength, whilst interlocking with the material and creating their inner strength.  

When installing a structural rivet the body changes in one of the following ways as it interlocks itself into place. 

1. Broadening of the Body (Multi-Grip Structural Rivet)

Body widens when the cap of the pin is pulled up, resulting in the body expanding against the material. Example; Magna-Lok rivet.

2. Body Compresses & Bulges (Standard Grip Structural Rivet)

Rivet's body is compressed by the pin cap, causing it to bulge and form a bulb against the material. Example; Allok rivet, Orlock rivet, High Strength Rivets.      

3. Body Splits & Folds (Tri-Fold Load Spreading Rivet)

The slotted body folds and splits into a propeller shape blind–side anchor, ideal for lightweight material. Example; Bulb-Tite Rivets, Tri-Bulb Rivets.  

See diagrams below of the installed structural rivets to understand the blindside formation. 

Magna-Lok® Structural Rivet

1. Flush pin break eliminates grinding and filling, leaving an even surface.
2. Unique, solid-circle lock ensures maximum strength and vibration resistance.
3. Excellent gap pull-out and high retained clamp.
4. Sleeve expands during installation to fill the hole and create a moisture-resistant joint.

Orlock® Structural Rivet

1. Positive mechanical pin retention ensures structural integrity
2. Band annealed bulbing system for superior blind side strength.
3. Tapered hole seeking tip for quick and easy installation.

Huck-Tite® Structural Rivet

1. Shaveable head styles allow similar appearance to OEM rivet installations.
2. Large blind-side footprint for installation in thin or compressible materials where controlled strength is required.
3. Unique embedded sealant applied between the pin and sleeve.

What are the advantages of a Huck Rivet?

Renowned for their strength and being a superior option compared to most other fasteners, key advantages include but not limited to the following:

• 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.  

How do you install a Huck rivet? 

Installation of a structural rivet is similar to pulling up a standard rivet, however you will require a special tool, as a structural rivet needs a Huck gun or a structural rivet gun for a successful installation. Standard rivet guns are not equipped to install these special type of rivets.

To install a structural rivet, pre drilling of holes is required. Load rivet’s pin tail section into rivet gun. Insert rivets 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 is the best Huck rivet tool?  

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 you to review. To discuss further, simply contact us. 

Huck Structural rivets tools 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. At  Aerobolt, we have both options. 

Huck Gun; air + cordless Huck guns.

Huck 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-Tools; air + cordless rivet guns.

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 gun.  

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-Tool. 

For the occasional installation of structural rivets, a manual riveter like the RT-33 (picture on the right) might be the most cost-effective option. Hand rivet tool 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's the difference between Monobolt® and the Huck rivet Magna-Lok®?

Both Monobolt® and Huck rivet Magna-Lok® are popular multi-grip structural rivets that share many physical similarities however their longevity is the key difference. In laboratory rivet tests, the Huck Magna-Lok® rivet has outlasted the Avdel® Monobolt® by 20 to 1. Magna-Lok rivet lasted 2 million cycles whilst the other lasted 100,000.  Another key difference is that 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. Read more about how these lab results expose differences.

How do I select the right Huck structural rivet?

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

Materials.

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 material type like for like for maximum life. Stainless with stainless, aluminium with aluminium, etc.

Rivet Diameter & Hole Size.

Structural rivet diameter is guided by the material depth, 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.

In order to ensure a strong and secure, it's important to drill the right size hole for the structural blind rivet. If the drill hole is too small you will not be able to insert the rivet into the hole. If it's too big the rivet will clamp into itself rather than the material. Refer 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 for all rivet sizes.  

Structural Rivet Sizes.

Structural rivet diameter sizes are is available in 4.8MM, 6.4MM, 9.5MM & 12.7MM. We have noticed other structural rivets sizes online, this is not correct.     

Material Grip Range.

The material grip range refers to the material thickness or the depth the rivet can be effectively installed. For example, if two 1.5 mm plates/items need to be riveted, a blind rivet with a material grip range between 2- 5 mm is required. For best practice in rivet selection aim for the middle of the material range, 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; many people mistakenly believe the length is the amount of material the rivet will pull up.

Structural 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 items like thin steel sheeting. The countersunk option provides a flush neat finish subject to countersinking the hole, allowing the head to sit level with the surrounding material.

Frequently Asked Structural Rivet Questions.

How does a structural 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.

Which is the strongest structural rivet? 

Structural rivet is the strongest rivet type on the market and Aerobolt has the complete Huck Rivet range including the original multi-grip rivet "Magna-Lok", the Huck Rivet "Magna-Bulb" with its superior strength and the hybrid of the two "Hucklok Rivet". One of the strongest structural rivet type is the Huck Rivet "Magna-Bulb". For installation values, refer to the table below to compare a range of structural rivet test lab results. 

What's the difference between a structural rivet and a standard rivet?

Structural rivets work differently from the typical blind rivet. A structural rivet has an internal locking mechanism that is engineered to hold a portion of the mandrel inside of the rivet after installation. Notice how in the diagram to the below, the portion of the mandrel to the left of the body is much larger in a structural rivet than in a standard pop rivet.

The benefit of keeping the mandrel locked inside the body include: 

• Increased shear and tensile strength.
• Great resistance to vibrations. 
• Often considered weather-proof. 

Can I get coloured Huck structural rivets?

Yes, Aerobolt can assist with 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.  

How do I remove a structural rivet?

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. 

What’s the difference between Huck Bolt and Monobolt®?

A Huck bolt is a two-piece fastener whilst a Monobolt® is a one-piece fastener.

A Huck bolt is a two-part pin & collar assembly that becomes a single entity through a mechanical process. This occurs when a tool applies pressure to the collar and forces it into the grooves of the Huck bolt pin. This process is known as a swaging process or cold forging.

A Monobolt® is a single fastener that installs like a standard rivet via a tool. Monobolt® is a trademark for fundamentally a structural rivet, a rivet is composed of two components, a metal tube (body) & pin (mandrel). The pin is normally longer than the tube and designed to be pulled up through the tube whilst enlarging it in the process. This results in the rivet clamping the material. 

Does a Huck structural rivet have an advantage over a Huck bolt?

A Huck bolt is more time consuming to install compared to a Huck rivet. To install a Huck bolt you will need access to both sides of the application, whilst a rivet requires access to one side. However, to many a Huck bolt has a much better appearance compared to a Huck rivet due of its neat solid head appearance.   

Why has my structural rivet 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 to right the wrong, including rivet testing lab 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 rivetlabel, size, and material depth so we can review your application or have your rivets sent to the NATA approved lab for laboratory rivet testing. 

How do you remove a structural rivet?

Structural 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 through our network team of courier companies. In Sydney we offer our customers same day delivery if you order before 10.00 am or delivery the next day. Deliveries to regional New South Wales or other major Australian cities such as Melbourne and Brisbane including regional South Eastern Australia are either next day delivery or within 2 days. We also send to New Zealand and Asia.  

Who makes Huck rivets?

Huck rivets are manufactured by Huck International Inc. and is part of Howmet Aerospace Fastening Systems.

Which structural rivet can you use on roof anchor points?

Bulb-tite rivet  is the only approved structural rivet for the installation of roof anchor points. This is subject to using the correct diameter. Contact us for Bulb Tite rivets selection and advice. 

Huck Structural Rivet Summary.

Structural rivets offer superior joining capabilities for numerous applications including both heavy-duty and lightweight situations with a wide range of options from the popular Huck rivets to the specialised Huck tite rivet. Wherever there is a joining application there is bound to be a structural rivet to suit. At the conclusion of this rivet blog article it is evident that rivets play an important role in the fabrication sector and irrespective of the rivet type needed for your project, be assured that your project will end up as a successful one with the use of the correct rivet. 

Aerobolt® is an award-winning wholesaler of structural rivets, Huck bolts, nutserts, rivnuts, adhesives & a wide range of industrial power tools for the installation of fasteners; including air nutsert tools and rivet guns plus 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 always "out of stock" and quick to offer an alternative generic "me-too" option.  

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.

Copyright © 2024 Aerobolt Australia Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.