Solid Rivets vs. Ordinary Rivets: A Strength Revolution from Hardware Stores to Aircraft Wings

This article explains the differences between two types of rivets using everyday language, particularly highlighting their differences in strength and application.  

When it comes to rivets, you might first think of the ordinary small nails found in hardware stores. However, in the industrial field, there are actually two completely different types of rivets: Solid Rivets and ordinary rivets. Don’t be fooled by their similar appearance—the differences between them are significant.

Let’s start with ordinary rivets. There is a big difference between solid rivets and common rivets. These common rivets have a hollow center. During installation, a specialized rivet gun is used to break off the tail, causing the rivet to expand and secure the joint. It’s as simple and quick as attaching rivets to jeans. Ordinary rivets are suitable for thin metal sheets and plastic parts, such as the outer casing of your air conditioner or aluminum alloy doors and windows.

Solid rivets, however, are an entirely different matter. They are solid metal rods that must be heated to red-hot temperatures before installation, then hammered at both ends to deform and secure them. These rivets have extremely high strength and can withstand immense tensile forces, making them ideal for critical applications like aircraft wings and bridge steel structures.

The most obvious difference is strength. A standard rivet can withstand up to 50 kilograms of tensile force, while a Solid Rivet as thick as a finger can easily handle over one ton of tensile force. However, Solid Rivets are much more complicated to install, requiring professional workers and incurring significantly higher costs.

Now you know why airplanes don't use ordinary rivets, right? Next time you fly, take a look at the wings—those countless tiny dots are Solid Rivets that have been forged through rigorous testing, safeguarding your safety!

Nuote Metals Technology CO. ,Ltd(Notin) established in 2018, is a professional manufacturer of metal parts, We are technical in the development and design of precision metal parts, such us rivets, eyelets, stamping parts, CNC turning parts, special srews. We also provide assembling and fitting service of metal accessories.

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