When joining soft or thin materials where a standard rivet head might pull through, mushroom head half tubular rivets provide the ideal solution. The broad, domed head distributes clamping force over a larger area while the hollow tail allows low-force installation.
Nuote Metals has engineered precision fasteners for over twenty years. Our mushroom head half tubular rivets serve industries ranging from leather goods and upholstery to automotive trim and agricultural equipment—anywhere a wide, low-profile head is required to prevent material tear-out.
Mushroom head half tubular rivets feature a wide, rounded head that resembles the cap of a mushroom, combined with a shank that contains a shallow hollow cavity at the tail end (typically 40–60% of the shank length).
The distinguishing characteristics of mushroom head half tubular rivets include:
Large head diameter – typically 2.0–2.5 times the shank diameter
Low dome profile – the head rises only 0.6–1.2mm above the surface
Smooth, radiused edge – no sharp corners to damage adjacent materials
Half tubular tail – reduces setting force by approximately 70% compared to solid rivets
This geometry makes mushroom head half tubular rivets particularly suitable for:
Soft materials such as leather, rubber, plastics, and composites
Thin sheet metal where a small head would pull through
Textile assemblies including canvas, tarpaulin, and upholstery
Applications requiring vibration resistance without damaging the substrate
Before examining technical specifications, consider where Nuote Metals recommends mushroom head half tubular rivets over alternatives.
| Head Style | Head Diameter / Shank Ratio | Bearing Area | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mushroom Head | 2.0 – 2.5 : 1 | Very large | Soft materials, leather, plastic, rubber |
| Flat (Countersunk) | 1.8 – 2.0 : 1 | Moderate | Flush surface applications |
| Oval Head | 1.6 – 1.8 : 1 | Moderate | General industrial use |
| Round Head | 1.5 – 1.7 : 1 | Moderate | Heavy structural joints |
| Truss Head | 2.2 – 2.8 : 1 | Largest | Extremely soft materials, roofing felt |
Prevents pull-through – the wide head acts as a built-in washer
Reduces material stress – load is distributed over a larger area
Provides a finished appearance – the smooth dome looks professional
Minimises snagging – the radiused edge does not catch on fabrics or hands
Compatible with soft substrates – plastic and rubber do not crack under the head
We make different kinds of rivets, such as solid rivets, semi-tubular rivets and full tubular rivets and special customized rivets.
1. Solid Rivets, including solid round head rivets, solid flat head rivets and solid countersunk head rivets in different materials.
If you want to know more about our solid rivets, please click
2. Semi-Tubular Rivets, including semi-tubular round head rivets, semi-tubular flat head rivets and semi-tubular countersunk head rivets in different materials.
Click
to view more about our semi-tubular rivets.
3. Full Tubular rivets in brass, copper, stainless steel, aluminum and steel.
If you want to know more about tubular rivets, please click
4. Special Rivets
Cilck
to view more about our special rivets.
All mushroom head half tubular rivets from Nuote Metals are manufactured from low-carbon steel, brass, or aluminium, depending on application requirements. The mushroom head is designed to provide maximum bearing area while maintaining a low profile.
| Parameter | Low Carbon Steel | Brass (C26000) | Aluminium (5056) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 400–500 MPa | 315–390 MPa | 280–350 MPa |
| Hardness (as-manufactured) | HRB 70–85 | HRB 60–75 | HRB 45–60 |
| Head Style | Mushroom (wide dome) | Mushroom (wide dome) | Mushroom (wide dome) |
| Head Diameter Ratio | 2.0–2.5 x shank | 2.0–2.5 x shank | 2.0–2.5 x shank |
| Surface Finishes | Zinc plated, black oxide, phosphate, galvanised | Natural lacquered, antique, nickel-plated | Clear anodised, colour anodised |
| Compliance | ASTM F1941, ASME B18.1 | ASTM B36/B36M | QQ-A-430 |
Nuote Metals manufactures mushroom head half tubular rivets in the following standard size range. Custom dimensions are available for volume orders.
| Shank Diameter (mm) | Head Diameter (mm) | Head Height (mm) | Barrel Length Range (mm) | Hollow Depth (mm) | Recommended Grip Range (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 | 4.5 – 5.0 | 0.8 – 1.0 | 3.0 – 8.0 | 1.5 – 4.0 | 1.0 – 2.5 |
| 2.5 | 5.5 – 6.0 | 0.9 – 1.1 | 4.0 – 10.0 | 2.0 – 5.0 | 1.5 – 3.0 |
| 3.0 | 6.5 – 7.5 | 1.0 – 1.2 | 5.0 – 12.0 | 2.5 – 6.0 | 2.0 – 4.0 |
| 4.0 | 8.5 – 10.0 | 1.2 – 1.5 | 6.0 – 16.0 | 3.0 – 8.0 | 2.5 – 5.5 |
| 5.0 | 10.5 – 12.5 | 1.4 – 1.7 | 8.0 – 20.0 | 4.0 – 10.0 | 3.0 – 7.0 |
| 6.0 | 12.5 – 15.0 | 1.6 – 2.0 | 10.0 – 25.0 | 5.0 – 12.5 | 4.0 – 9.0 |
| 8.0 | 16.0 – 20.0 | 2.0 – 2.5 | 12.0 – 32.0 | 6.0 – 16.0 | 5.0 – 12.0 |
| 10.0 | 20.0 – 25.0 | 2.5 – 3.0 | 15.0 – 40.0 | 8.0 – 20.0 | 6.0 – 15.0 |
Tolerances: Shank diameter ±0.05mm, head diameter ±0.15mm, head height ±0.10mm, overall length ±0.15mm. Hollow depth is approximately 50% of barrel length for standard half tubular rivets.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Single Shear Strength (Steel) | 38,000 – 42,000 psi (260–290 MPa) |
| Tensile Pull-Out Force (Steel, 2mm leather) | 150 – 200 kg (330–440 lbs) |
| Head Pull-Through Force (2mm soft plastic) | 120 – 160 kg (265–353 lbs) |
| Recommended Hole Size | Shank diameter + 0.25mm to 0.30mm |
| Recommended Setting Force | 0.8 – 1.5 tons (depending on diameter) |
| Setting Force Relative to Solid Rivet | Approx. 25–30% |
Nuote Metals supplies mushroom head half tubular rivets to diverse industries. Below are the most common use cases:
Belt hole reinforcements
Handbag handle attachments
Leather wallet corner fastening
Work boot lace hooks mounting
Saddle and equestrian equipment assembly
The wide mushroom head prevents pull-through on soft leather while providing a classic, decorative appearance.
Fabric attachment to wooden frames
Webbing strap fastening
Spring clip mounting
Outdoor cushion assembly
Marine upholstery (with brass or stainless steel material)
Carpet and floor mat grommet replacement
Headliner fabric attachment
Door card trim fastening (where plastic clips fail)
Convertible top fabric assembly
Seat cover attachment points
Tarpaulin reinforcement at tie-down points
Conveyor belt fastener attachment
Protective curtain grommets
Agricultural shade cloth joining
Sandbag and flood barrier assembly
Plastic enclosure assembly (where screws strip)
Composite panel fastening
Rubber mat and gasket attachment
Kayak and canoe accessory mounting
Children’s playground equipment assembly
Nuote Metals demonstrates Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trust through documented manufacturing processes and transparent quality data for mushroom head half tubular rivets.
Our production facility has manufactured mushroom head half tubular rivets for over 20 years. We use progressive cold heading machines with custom tooling that forms the wide mushroom head and hollow tail in a single stroke. The head shape is then finish-trimmed to achieve a smooth radiused edge without burrs.
Different substrates require different rivet materials. Nuote Metals provides application-specific guidance:
Leather and fabric – Brass or steel with zinc plating (prevents tannin staining)
Marine and outdoor – Brass or galvanised steel (saltwater resistance)
Food processing equipment – Stainless steel or uncoated brass (hygienic)
Electrical assemblies – Aluminium (non-magnetic, conductive)
Our mushroom head half tubular rivets are manufactured to:
ASME B18.1.2 (Small Solid Rivets – head dimensions reference)
ISO 1051 (Rivets for general purpose – dimensional standards)
ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems
REACH and RoHS compliance for European markets
Every batch of mushroom head half tubular rivets from Nuote Metals undergoes:
Dimensional inspection – head diameter, head height, shank diameter, hollow depth
Hardness testing – Rockwell scale appropriate to material
Pull-through testing – on representative substrate (leather, plastic, or fabric)
Salt spray testing – for coated products (zinc plated: 72 hours minimum)
Proper installation of mushroom head half tubular rivets requires attention to hole size and setting tool selection. Follow these steps from Nuote Metals:
Select the correct hole diameter – 0.25–0.30mm larger than shank diameter
Punch or drill clean holes – avoid tearing the substrate material
Deburr both sides – especially important for plastics and rubber
For leather only – slightly wet the hole area to allow natural contraction
Method 1 – Manual Rivet Setter with Hammer (Low Volume)
Insert the rivet through the prepared holes (mushroom head on the visible side)
Place a concave setter over the hollow tail (match setter diameter to head shape)
Strike the setter with a hammer to roll the tail outward
Stop when the tail forms a flat or slightly rounded clinch
Method 2 – Pneumatic Squeezer (Medium Volume)
Use a rivet squeezer with mushroom-shaped anvil on the head side
Apply gradual pressure until the tail rolls fully
This method provides consistent clinch without impact damage to soft substrates
Method 3 – Hydraulic or Kick Press (High Volume)
Ideal for production runs exceeding 10,000 pieces
Nuote Metals can supply matched setting tools (punch and die) calibrated to our rivet dimensions
Set pressure to 0.8–1.5 tons depending on diameter
Head inspection – the mushroom head should sit flat against the substrate with no gap
Clinched tail – should be fully rolled, without cracks or asymmetrical expansion
Substrate inspection – no cracking around the hole (especially for plastic or leather)
Pull test – sample rivets should withstand expected working load
Below are the most common technical inquiries received by Nuote Metals regarding mushroom head half tubular rivets.
Q1: What is the difference between mushroom head half tubular rivets and standard round head rivets? When should I use each?
A: The primary difference is the head geometry and its functional purpose. Mushroom head half tubular rivets have a wider head (2.0–2.5 times shank diameter) with a lower, more radiused profile compared to standard round head rivets (typically 1.5–1.7 times shank diameter with a taller dome). The wider head of mushroom head half tubular rivets provides a larger bearing surface, making them ideal for soft materials like leather, rubber, plastic, and fabric where a smaller head would pull through. Standard round head rivets are better suited for metal-to-metal joints where the substrate strength is high and pull-through is not a concern. For example, use mushroom head half tubular rivets when attaching a fabric strap to a plastic component; use standard round head rivets when joining two steel brackets. Nuote Metals can provide sample packs so you can test both head styles on your specific material.
Q2: Can mushroom head half tubular rivets be used in applications with high vibration, such as agricultural equipment or automotive interiors?
A: Yes, mushroom head half tubular rivets perform very well in high-vibration environments, provided the substrate material is appropriate. The half tubular tail expands and fills the hole, creating a tight interference fit that resists loosening under vibration. For metal-to-metal applications, we recommend steel mushroom head half tubular rivets with a zinc or phosphate coating. For automotive interiors where plastics or composites are common, the wide mushroom head actually improves vibration resistance by distributing cyclic loads across a larger area, reducing stress concentration. However, for extreme vibration applications (e.g., engine components), Nuote Metals recommends pairing the rivet with a thread-locking compound or selecting a different fastener type such as a lockbolt. For most agricultural equipment (guards, trim, signage) and automotive interior applications, mushroom head half tubular rivets are a proven, reliable choice.
Q3: How do I prevent cracking or splitting when installing mushroom head half tubular rivets into brittle plastics or thin acrylic?
A: This is a common challenge. To prevent cracking when installing mushroom head half tubular rivets into brittle plastics, Nuote Metals recommends the following steps. First, increase the hole diameter slightly – for brittle plastics, use a hole that is 0.05–0.10mm larger than our standard recommendation (e.g., shank + 0.35mm instead of +0.25mm). Second, chamfer the entrance and exit of the hole with a 45° countersink to remove sharp edges that initiate cracks. Third, use a controlled pressure setting method – a manual or pneumatic squeezer applies gradual force, whereas a hammer blow can shock-crack the plastic. Fourth, consider using a backing washer under the clinched tail to distribute the expansion force. For extremely brittle materials (acrylic, polycarbonate), Nuote Metals offers a soft-set version of mushroom head half tubular rivets with a slightly thinner wall at the hollow section, which expands with lower radial force. Contact our technical team with your specific plastic type and thickness for a custom recommendation.
Q4: What is the maximum grip range for mushroom head half tubular rivets? Can you make longer barrel lengths for thick material stacks?
A: The standard grip range for mushroom head half tubular rivets from Nuote Metals is typically 1.0mm to 15.0mm, depending on shank diameter. For thicker material stacks, we offer custom barrel lengths up to 50mm for diameters 8mm and above. The rule for selecting barrel length is: barrel length should exceed the total material thickness by 1.0–1.5mm for proper clinch formation. For example, if your material stack is 8.0mm thick, select a rivet with a barrel length of 9.0–9.5mm. Nuote Metals maintains tooling for barrel lengths in 0.5mm increments from 3mm to 25mm for most diameters. For lengths beyond 25mm, custom tooling is required with a minimum order quantity of 50,000 pieces. Contact us with your exact material stack thickness, and we will calculate the optimal barrel length and provide a quotation.
Choosing the right supplier ensures consistent head geometry, reliable clinching, and expert technical support. Nuote Metals offers:
Stock availability – 3000+ common sizes in steel and brass, ready for dispatch within 3–5 days
Custom manufacturing – tooling for non-standard head diameters, barrel lengths, or hollow depths (25,000-piece minimum for custom dimensions)
Material options – steel (zinc/black oxide/phosphate), brass (natural/antique/nickel), aluminium (clear anodised)
Free samples – available for all stocked sizes (customer pays shipping)
Technical documentation – dimensional drawings, installation guides, and material certificates provided with every order
Global shipping – logistics support to North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and South America
100% quality inspection – each batch inspected before shipment, with retained samples for traceability
Contact Nuote Metals today to request a sample kit, technical datasheet, or quotation for your mushroom head half tubular rivets application.