Compare Rivet features: break-stem rivets, Aluminum colored blind rivets,
Aluminum Large head open end rivets, Aluminum painted blind
rivets
with steel nail. Multi Grip colored
blind rivets, Multi-grip painted blind rivets, Multi-Grip Big head colored
rivets. Multi grip dome head aluminum rivets.
Cordless Rivet Tools
provide easy method and typically sell for
50% less
when compared to other brands.
Watch our "how to" video for Rivet
Mates, two-piece compression rivets for
material thickness up to 2".
For rivet descriptions, their respective design
intent, Pros and Cons, and their unique features.
Comparison
chart :"Conventional", "Exploding", "Expanding Peel" and "ULTIMATE" rivets.
Exploding, expanding peel rivet page link.
The material that follows will provide a useful planning guide, and
comparison between
"Conventional", "Exploding", aDP's "Exploding
Peel" rivets and aDP's "ULTIMATE"
rivets. Click on photos in left margin for video demonstrations.
| Compare
Rivet types |
application
materials |
application
thickness |
application
Hole size |
Durable strength |
Safety
concerns |
Easy to use |
Cost |
Back side
clearance |
One size fits
all |
Soft, rubber or
plastic materials |
Technology |
| Conventional
rivets |
Fair choice |
Fair choice |
Fair choice |
Fair choice |
Fair choice |
Good choice |
$ Lowest |
Good choice |
Poor choice |
Fair choice |
Circa 1940 |
| Exploding,/bulb
type /tri-fold aluminum rivets |
Fair choice |
Fair choice |
Fair choice |
Fair choice |
Fair choice |
Good choice |
$$$$ Highest |
Good choice |
Fair choice |
Good choice |
Circa 1980 |
| aDP's Exploding
Peel rivets |
Good
choice |
Better choice |
Best choice |
Better choice |
Fair choice |
Better choice |
$ moderate |
Better choice |
Better choice |
Good choice |
Circa 1990 |
| aDP's Ultimate
Strength rivets |
Best choice |
Best choice |
Best choice |
Best choice |
Best choice |
Best choice |
$$ moderate |
Best choice |
Best choice |
Best choice |
Latest Innovations |
Application materials?, (what is being riveted
together):
Both the rivet and the materials to be fastened will affect the ultimate
joint strength. As a general rule, the rivet materials should have similar
physical and mechanical properties as the materials to be fastened.
| Conventional rivets |
Fair choice: Limited fit and function range. These rivets require
consistent application conditions and should be used in like
application materials. i.e. aluminum rivets in aluminum sheet, steel
rivets in steel sheet. Aluminum/steel rivets in assorted application
materials. |
| Exploding rivets, bulb-type, tri=fold aluminum rivets |
Fair choice:
Limited
ability to clamp and hold due to lower strength nail and/or only three
point contact with blind side material. May not provide durability
when used in applications where movement is present, such as
vehicles, ATV's, trailers, snowmobiles, etc. |
| aDP's Exploding Peel rivets |
Better choice: Outstanding ability to work in many materials and application
conditions. Very user friendly, tight clamping and holding power.
Works in rubber, plastic, fiberglass, steel
and aluminum sheet. |
| aDP's Ultimate strength rivets |
Best choice: Outstanding ability to work in many materials and application
conditions. Very user friendly, durable clamp and holding in steel
and aluminum sheet and won't crack soft or brittle materials. |
Total Application thickness?,
How thick are materials being riveted? Ability
to pull and clamp multiple application layers together:
Measure the total thickness of the materials to be joined. This determines
the required "grip"of the rivet you select. Refer to the conventional blind
rivet "Grip Range" chart, and select a rivet with a grip range that includes
the work thickness required. Our Ultimate Rivets save you time and
money because one rivet can replace up to SIX conventional rivet sizes.
| Conventional rivets |
Fair choice: Rivets have
limited working range ability, often as little as 1/8" variation or
malfunction may occur.
|
| Exploding, tri-fold, splitting type rivets |
Poor choice, somewhat
limited working range variation (about 1/4") as this type of
rivet has limited material clamping range (only clamps half it's
length) as it folds in the middle of it's length. Often will NOT
pull multiple layers of application materials together. It's
tri-fold design only contacts application materials with three
folds, leaving about 35% void of any fastening contact. |
| aDP's Exploding Peel rivets |
Very Good choice: Better ability to work in wider material
thickness ranges from 1/8" thin up to 5/8" thick materials offers
ONE size fastens all with it's 1/2" range variation, which is
twice that of "exploding" rivets. This rivet begins clamping
from it's extreme back side length and pulls multiple layers, sheets
of application materials tightly together. |
| aDP's Ultimate strength rivets |
BEST choice, outstanding
ability to work from paper thin up to 5/8" with XXL length. Great
option for parts consolidation as our XXL length can replace up to
SIX conventional sizes. This rivet clamps multiple sheets or layers
of the application materials tightly together. |
Hole size? (what drill & corresponding rivet
diameter being used):
Hole size can be very important when using conventional blind riveting. Too
small a hole will, of course, make rivet insertion difficult. Too large a
hole may reduce joint strength and/or will require using a "back-up" washer
on the blind side. Oversized holes also may cause the nail head to pull into
the hole, which can cause "high nail breaks". It is a critical practice to follow the hole size recommendations provided. Also, avoid burrs in and
around the holes. Our Ultimate Rivets
eliminate these concerns as their performance fills oversized holes and
never expose "high nail breaks".
| Conventional rivets |
Critical and often
requires use of "back-up" washers which adds costs and annoying task
of inserting the washer over the rivet's blind side. |
| Exploding rivets, bulb-type, tri-fold |
Fair choice: Rivet will
partially fill somewhat oversized holes,
however, only contacts three
points leaving about 35% of the hole unfilled, open and not sealed,
which often leads to loose, vibrating joints. |
| aDP's Exploding Peel rivets |
Better choice:
Better ability to fill oversized, worn, re-worked holes. This 3/16"
diameter rivet will expand to completely fill 1/4" holes. |
| aDP's Ultimate strength rivets |
BEST choice, outstanding
ability to completely fill oversized holes by forming expanded
layers on the blind side and avoiding high nail breaks |
Durable strength?, (how strong and durable will
rivets be):
First determine the single-joint tensile and shear values required for the
application. These are functions of total joint strength, fastener spacing,
rivet material and diameter. Then refer to the "Shear" and "Tensile" columns
on the product, (catalog) and select a blind rivet that provides the values
required. The shear and tensile values listed in our catalog, and/or web
site represent typical results. Actual application results may vary due to
each applications conditions. aDP rivets are not certified for aerospace applications and such use is not recommended
unless verification process is achieved.
| Conventional rivets |
Fair choice
consideration due to limited fit and function rage ability.
These rivets can be reliable
when rivet selection and applications are optimum and consistent for
the rivet size and material selected. Less forgiving when exposed
inconsistent
conditions. |
| Exploding, tri-fold, bulb or spllitting type rivets |
Poor choice
consideration due to limited hole fill, only three points leaving
about 35% unfilled, and void of contact with rivet.
Exploding rivets are
NOT known for durability and often
loosen up causing vibration, which leads to premature joint failure. |
| aDP's Exploding Peel rivets |
Better choice:
Better ability to expand and fill oversized, worn, re-worked holes.
This high alloy aluminum 3/16" diameter rivet will expand to
completely fill 1/4" holes providing solid, durable joint strength. |
| aDP's Ultimate strength rivets |
BEST choice, outstanding
ability to work in almost any material and 360 degree fill of
application holes, providing optimum joint strength, and highly
durable, mile after mile performance even on rough roads. |
SAFETY concerns?,
both finish and exposed blindside: Safety
is a major concern, especially when both the front and back side of the
rivet are exposed. The finish side (front) should be smooth with only the
smooth rivet head exposed. The back side, when exposed, is preferred to have
a rounded, sealed upset rivet footprint.
| Conventional rivets |
Fair choice: Due to potential of exposed nail
above the finish side if oversized hole and/or if used in thin
materials. |
| Exploding, tri-fold, splitting type rivets |
Poor choice: Consider
potential of both the front and back side
This rivet's back side functions by leaving three split wings,
exposing six sharp aluminum edges, which may cause finger cuts, rag
snags, and collect mud on dirt tracks. In thin materials, the nail
may stick out the finish side of the rivet |
| aDP's Exploding Peel rivets |
Poor choice: Consider potential of back side.
The back side Peeling action results in pedals
of aluminum edges, which may cause finger cuts and rag snags. |
| Ultimate rivets |
BEST choice: Smooth
front side rivet head with no concern for nail sticking out. Smooth
back side shape leaves a rounded, sealed, joint. |
Ease of
use?, User friendly rivet?:
How easy it is to use and/or replace rivets.
| Conventional rivets |
Fair choice when
application conditions are within rivet's limited range.
Often requires back-up washer, which ads costs, time and labor. Can
be difficult to drill out as nail presents drilling difficulty. |
| Exploding, tri-fold, type rivets |
Good choice when
application conditions are within rivet's range.
Can be difficult to drill out as nail presents drilling difficulty. |
| aDP's Exploding Peel rivets |
Very Good choice with
it's wider application conditions working range, which is at least
twice that of the Exploding type tri-fold rivet. Nail can be popped
out with punch leaving only aluminum for easy drill-out. |
| aDP's Ultimate rivets |
Best choice: Very easy to use, "you
can't make this rivet fail!" Easy to drill out as drill never
touches nail, only aluminum rivet head. Failproof performance and
true "One Rivet fastens all" technology. |
Cost?: How much money will it cost
you, and consider your total cost.
| Conventional rivets |
$ Least expensive rivet.
However, added cost
for back-up washers |
| Exploding, tri-fold, splitting type rivets |
$$$$ Highest cost rivet |
| aDP's Exploding Peel rivets |
$ moderate cost, about
40% LESS than "exploding" rivets, plus save back up washer cost.
Lowest total cost via ease of use and long lasting durability. A "do
it right once" riveting option.
|
| aDP's Ultimate rivets |
$$ moderate cost, about
30% LESS than "exploding" rivets, plus save back up washer cost.
Lower total cost via ease of use and long lasting durability. A "do
it right once" riveting option.
|
Blind Side Clearance, to allow both insertion
and back-side formation: This is the distance from the underside of the
rivet head to the end of the mandrel before setting minus the total
thickness of the materials being fastened. Design must permit enough blind
side clearance to allow complete insertion before set, and enough room for
the after set swell.
| Conventional rivets |
Good choice: When used
within it's limited grip range, however when used at or below it's
minimum grip range it's blindside sticks up. |
| Exploding, tri-fold, bulbex type rivets |
Fair choice: When used
within it's limited grip range, however after set form sticks up
higher than other rivets and requires considerably more blind side clearance than others.
This type of rivet requires more back side space and leaves a higher
footprint or protrusion. |
| aDP's Exploding Peel rivets |
Very Good choice: provides
outstanding ability to clamp materials together while it's expanding
peel action pulls application materials tightly together leaving a
lower shape. |
| Ultimate rivets |
BEST choice: provides
outstanding ability to clamp materials together while compressing
itself against the blind side leaving a lower shape |
Tool Compatibility, and Clearance: With few
exceptions, most Tools and rivets are designed to industrial fastener
standards and universally compatible. However, depending on the country of
origin, standards may not be worldwide. Both our rivets and tools are
designed to U.S. standard specifications. Clearance: Avoid
obstructions that will prevent the tool from setting flush on the work,
and/or the rivet be fully inserted into the tool. If this problem can't be
avoided, try reversing the rivet and setting it from the opposite side.
One size fits all option: Why buy
and/or inventory more than one rivet if it can do it all?
| Conventional rivets |
Poor choice:
These rivets have a limited
working range, only 1/8" |
| Exploding rivets |
Fair choice: These
rivets have a limited working range, only 1/4: |
| aDP's Exploding Peel rivets |
Very Good Choice: 3/16"
rivet
works from 1/8" thin up to 5/8" |
| Ultimate rivets |
Best Choice: 3/16" XXL length
works from paper thin up to 5/8" |
Edge Clearance, (where to drill holes):
For better joint strength, position the rivet centerline to the edge
of a sheet should not be less than twice the rivet diameter. I.E.
for a 3/16" diameter rivet, x 2 =3/8" minimum distance from edge of
sheet to center of drilled hole. Where joint strength is not
critical, this dimension can be reduced, however it is preferred the
head of the rivet be no less than 1/32" from the edge of the sheet
being riveted.
Adverse application conditions
(Thick and/or Thin, or soft and/or firm): Hint, wherever possible, the
blindside material should be the thicker, and or firmer material. If
this isn't possible, you may need a blindside back-up washer for
desirable results.
| Conventional rivets |
Fair choice: Limited ability to perform in
adverse application
conditions |
| Exploding, tri-fold, bulbex type rivets |
Fair choice: fair
ability to clamp soft or thin materials, however may not pull
together multiple layers and leaves about 30% unfilled, and void of contact with rivet.
In thin materials, the nail may stick out the
finish side of the rivet causing safety snag, hand injury concerns. |
| aDP's Exploding Peel rivets |
Very Good choice, with
it's
ability to perform in many materials and 360 degree fill of
application holes, and oversized, worn holes, which provides tightly
clamped, durable joint strength |
| Ultimate rivets |
BEST choice, outstanding
ability to work in almost any material and 360 degree fill of
application holes, which provides optimum joint strength without any
nails sticking out the finish side or the rivet. |
Tubing: This common application is found in
many applications where ever flat or contoured sheets are fastened to tube
frame construction. This is a classic blind application as in most cases,
the rivet is inserted thru the sheet and into a hole in the tube,
which is a sealed. For best results, use rivets which provide the maximum
blind side footprint to achieve optimum joint strength and rigidity.
| Conventional rivets |
Critical design
consideration due to limited Blindside footprint size |
| Exploding, tri-fold, bulbing type rivets |
Less critical, good
ability to spreading blindside footprint,
HOWEVER if the tube I.D.
doesn't allow for the blindside spreading the result may be a weak
joint with limited holding. |
| aDP's Exploding Peel rivets |
Less critical, good
ability to spreading blindside footprint,
If the tube I.D.
doesn't allow for the full blindside peeling the result may still be
good as the peeling action will continue and curl upon itself. |
| aDP's Ultimate rivets |
BEST choice, outstanding
ability to work in almost any material and 360 degree fill of
application holes, which provides optimum joint strength without any
nails sticking out the finish side or the rivet. |
Plastic, Rubber and Brittle, acrylic Materials:
(will rivets crack or deform?)
| Conventional rivets |
Fair choice: limited ability to perform in these materials.
Hole size is critical and back-up washer may be needed |
| Tri-fold, Exploding bulbing type rivets |
Better choice with ability
to clamp soft materials by its spreading back side shape,
however only three
points contact leaving about 30% unfilled, and void of contact,
which often loosen yielding poor joint strength. These rivets may
not provide long lasting durability. |
| aDP's Exploding Peel rivets |
Good choice, Will work in
many materials without marring the surface
or causing cracks in lexan, acrylic or plastic. These rivets will
provide long lasting joint strength and durable results. |
| Ultimate rivets |
BEST choice, outstanding
ability to work in almost any material without marring the surface
of causing cracks in lexan, acrylic or plastic. These rivets will
provide long lasting joint strength and durable results. |
Technology:
(Innovation time line)
| Conventional rivets |
Circa 1940: Reliable,
low cost fastener for many decades continues on |
| Exploding rivets |
Circa 1980:
popularity fading due
to poor durability
Expensive $$$$ |
| aDP's Exploding Peel rivets |
Circa 1990: Reliable,
moderate cost fastener for many decades continues on due to it's
wide range of use and ability to clamp tight. |
| Ultimate rivets |
Newest technology provides "fail-proof" performance. No
other rivet comes close. Offers costs savings
prices with "one size fits all" design feature. |
How rivets work:
The material to be fastened together has a
hole drilled (see recommended holes sizes in our downloadable catalog)
through all the materials. With conventional rivets is strongly suggested the back-side or blind
side material has the recommended hole size. The rivet is either fully
inserted into the hole, OR fully inserted into the nosepiece of the rivet
tool, and then fully inserted into the application hole. In either case, it
is important the rivet is fully inserted into the application hole and the
rivet tool is fully against the head of the rivet BEFORE activation the
rivet tool's setting trigger. The rivet is "set" by the tools "jaws"
gripping into the "nail" and pulling it into the tool, thus causing the
"nail" head to bulge the rivet body blindside and clasp the materials
together. The "nail" then breaks at a predetermined location once the
strength
required to "set" the rivet are reached. The tool with the broken or spent
nail is now free from the "set" rivet and the nail is discarded.
How to use
blind rivets with our Cordless Rivet Tools (click
here, or on cordless tool photo). A blind
rivet is a two piece assembly containing a "rivet body" and the setting
"nail" (also referred to as "mandrel"). High speed wire forming machines,
(headers), form solid wire into both the "rivet body" and/or "nail".
Click to watch aDP Rivet factory video.
The success of any
fastener depends on how well it's applied, and all brands of blind rivets,
which are made to the IFI-114 guidelines are included. Blind Rivets
are multi-piece rivet assemblies, capable of being installed from one side
of the work piece. They are referred to as, "blind rivets" because you don't
have to see or have access to the back side of the application. Blind rivet
application opportunities are countless as they offer lower cost per unit,
and lower labor and installation costs. Blind rivets are easy to use and
eliminate many ergonomic and technical concerns other fasteners present.
Once a blind rivet is "set", it won't torque loose as many threaded
fasteners do.
|