Understanding how to measure structural rivets
Rivets are the most popular type of fastener in the market. Professionals know that a pop rivet provide a lasting joint which won’t loosen over time in the same way as a bolt or screw. Easy to set, extremely strong, and can be used with all sorts of materials from steel to plastics. Blind rivets need to be properly set for maximum performance and the starting point in selecting the correct rivet is by understanding the dimensions associated with rivets + the material thickness of the items you will be riveting.
Used in a variety of applications including construction, manufacturing, and around the home, rivets are often lightweight and made of various materials for specific applications and different finishes. Rivets are set from one side of the joint with an air or cordless riveting gun and sometimes via a manual rivet tool. Like other blind fasteners, pop rivets are designed to be installed from one side of the material. This means you don’t need to access the backside. They are fast, easy to install, and often used in assembly lines and manufacturing settings to make everything from aircraft to automobiles to consumer electronics.
The name “pop rivet” comes from the sound the mandrel makes when it is snapped off. Pop rivets were initially developed for aircraft manufacturing in the early 20th century. British inventor Hamilton N. Wylie created the method to install tubular rivets from one side rather than have two installers use a hammer and bucking board from either side. Since pop rivets could be set on one side by one worker, they were immediately adopted for assembly work.
Measuring Huck Rivets Overview
Measuring a rivet involves determining several key dimensions to ensure you choose the right size fastener for your application. Here we provide a quick step-by-step guide on how to measure a rivet, starting with rivet diameter.
1. Rivet Diameter (Body Diameter)
What it is: The diameter of the rivet's body, also known as the sleeve. A blind rivet typically consists of two main components: the rivet body and the mandrel (pin). During installation, the rivet gun pulls the mandrel to expand and secure the rivet body. The exposed pintail then breaks off and is discarded. In many structural blind rivets, including Huck Magna-Lok®, a portion of the mandrel remains mechanically locked inside the rivet body to provide additional joint strength.
How to measure: Use a calliper to measure the outside diameter of the rivet body, excluding the head and mandrel. This measurement helps identify the rivet's nominal diameter.
Why it matters: Rivet body diameter is an important factor when selecting the correct fastener, installation hole and rivet gun nosepiece. Always refer to the manufacturer's specifications for the required hole diameter, tolerance and material grip range.
Pro Tip. Make the hole slightly bigger than the rivet body. For instance a 6.4 mm rivet body may need a 6.8 mm hole. Refer to manufacturers data sheet for hole size.
3. Rivet Grip Range
What it is: Grip range refers to the minimum and maximum combined material thickness that a particular rivet is designed to securely fasten.
How to measure: Measure the total thickness of all materials being joined using a calliper or other suitable measuring tool.
For example, if you are joining two steel sheets measuring 3 mm each, the total material thickness is 6 mm.
How to select the correct rivet: Refer to the manufacturer's technical data sheet and choose a rivet with a published grip range that accommodates your total material thickness.
Why it matters: Selecting the correct grip range is essential for achieving a reliable installation and the intended performance of the rivet.
A rivet installed outside its specified grip range may not form correctly or achieve the required joint strength.
Pro Tip: Grip range and rivet body length are not the same measurement. For structural blind rivets such as Huck Magna-Lok®, always use the manufacturer's specified grip range and part number when selecting the correct fastener.
3. Grip Range
What it is: The combined thickness of materials the rivet is going to be clamping.
How to check: Refer to the manufacturer’s specs.
4. Head Diameter and Type
What it is: The diameter and style of the rivet head (e.g., dome, countersunk, large flange).
How to measure: Measure the diameter of the head across the top.
Why it matters: Head type affects the finished appearance and how the load is distributed.
Rivet Measuring Example
Let's say you're joining two pieces of steel, each measuring 3 mm thick.
Your combined material thickness is 6 mm.
To select the correct blind rivet, you'll need to consider:
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Rivet Diameter: Select the appropriate rivet diameter for your application, such as 4.8 mm (3/16"), subject to the manufacturer's requirements.
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Material Grip Range: Choose a rivet with a published minimum and maximum grip range that includes your combined material thickness of 6 mm.
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Rivet Head Type: Select a suitable head style, such as dome, countersunk or large flange, depending on your application.
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Rivet Material: Choose a material suitable for the strength, corrosion resistance and environmental requirements of your application.
Remember, two rivets with the same diameter may have different grip ranges depending on their design and part number.
Always confirm the correct rivet size, grip range and installation requirements using the manufacturer's technical data sheet.
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