Stainless Steel Half Tubular Rivets

For assemblies exposed to moisture, chemicals, or salt spray, a standard steel rivet will eventually rust and fail. Stainless steel half tubular rivets offer the ideal combination of marine-grade corrosion resistance and low-force installation. The hollow cavity reduces setting force by approximately 70% compared to solid rivets, while the stainless body provides long-term durability in harsh environments.

Nuote Metals manufactures stainless steel half tubular rivets from 304 and 316 grades using high-speed cold heading. Our process ensures consistent cavity depth, smooth head geometry, and burr-free shearing. This guide presents real-world case data, full technical specifications, and our transparent quality policies.

Different Material of Rivets We Make

We make different materials of Rivets, such as brass rivets, steel rivets, stainless steel rivets, aluminum rivets, and copper rivets.

1. Brass Rivets, including brass solid rivets, brass semi-tubular rivets, brass tubular rivets.

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2. Stainless Steel Rivets,including stainless steel solid rivets,stainless  steel semi-tubular rivets, stainless steel tubular rivets.

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3. Aluminum Rivets, including aluminum solid rivets, aluminum semi-tubular rivets, aluminum tubular rivets.

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4.  Copper Rivets, including copper solid rivets, copper semi-tubular rivets, copper tubular rivets.

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5.  Steel Rivets, including steel solid rivets, steel semi-tubular rivets, steel tubular rivets.

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Real-World Applications of Our Rivets

Case 1 – Offshore Solar Panel Mounting

A floating solar project in Southeast Asia required fasteners that could withstand continuous saltwater spray. We supplied 316 grade stainless steel half tubular rivets (5mm diameter, 12mm barrel length) to attach aluminum brackets to composite floaters. After 18 months of tidal exposure, no pitting or crevice corrosion was observed. The customer reported zero fastener-related failures.

Case 2 – Medical Sterilization Tray Assembly

A surgical instrument manufacturer needed a rivet that could survive repeated autoclave cycles (steam, 134°C). Our 304 stainless steel half tubular rivets (4mm diameter, 8mm barrel length) were used to join wire mesh to tray frames. The rivets showed no discoloration or loosening after 500 cycles. The semi‑hollow design allowed fast automated setting without cracking the thin stainless sheet.

Case 3 – Food Processing Conveyor Belt

A food plant required a washdown‑resistant fastener for stainless steel conveyor belt links. We provided 304 stainless steel half tubular rivets (3mm diameter, 6mm barrel length) with a passivated finish. The semi‑hollow tail rolled smoothly without trapping food debris. After one year of daily high‑pressure cleaning, none had corroded or loosened.

Technical Parameters

We produce these rivets from certified stainless steel wire. All dimensions are verified by optical sorting.

Material Grades and Properties

Standard Dimensional Range (304 / 316)

Tolerances: Shank dia ±0.05mm, head dia ±0.15mm, length ±0.15mm. Custom head styles and barrel lengths available.

Mechanical Properties (5mm 304 Grade, Set into 2mm Steel)

Our Seven‑Step Production Process

We follow a disciplined workflow for every batch of stainless steel half tubular rivets.

1. Material Sourcing – We purchase certified 304 or 316 wire from approved mills. Each coil has a heat number for full traceability.

2. Material Inspection – Incoming wire is tested with a spectrometer and tensile tester. We verify surface condition and diameter.

3.Tooling Customization or Setup – For new dimensions, we design carbide cold‑heading dies (lead time 15–25 days). For standard sizes, our technicians install and align existing tooling.

4.First Article Inspection – The cold header runs 50 sample rivets. We measure head diameter, head height, shank diameter, total length, and cavity depth. A full FAI report is sent to you for approval.

5.Mass Production – Upon approval, we run at 200–400 pieces per minute. In‑process checks occur every 2,000 pieces for critical dimensions.

6.Subcontracted Passivation (if required) – For applications needing enhanced corrosion resistance, we send batches to our certified passivation partner. We verify free iron removal per ASTM A967.

7.Final Outgoing Inspection – We use optical sorting machines to inspect 100% of parts for head geometry, length, and cavity depth. An AQL sample (Level II, 1.0) is pulled for shear testing. A Certificate of Conformance accompanies every shipment.

Quality Assurance and Certifications

Our production of stainless steel half tubular rivets is supported by:

Certification Scope

• ISO 9001:2015 Quality management system
• RoHS (2011/65/EU) Compliance for all materials
• REACH SVHC declaration
• ASTM F467/F468 Reference for nonferrous fasteners

Each shipment includes:

• Mill test certificate (material chemistry and hardness)
• Dimensional inspection report (10 pcs per batch)
• Passivation certificate (if applied)
• Signed Certificate of Conformance

Transparent Policies

• Sample policy – 20 free pieces for any standard size (customer pays shipping)
• Minimum order quantity – 2,000 pieces for 304; 3,000 for 316
• Lead time – 7–10 business days for stocked sizes; 15–20 days for custom dimensions
• Tooling charges – None for round/oval/flat heads in standard diameters
• Return policy – Defective parts replaced at no cost

Nuote Metals does not charge for re‑sampling if first articles fail to meet your drawing tolerances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between a stainless steel half tubular rivet and a solid stainless steel rivet? When should I choose the half‑tubular version?

A: The primary difference is the hollow cavity in the tail. A stainless steel half tubular rivet requires only 25–30% of the setting force needed for a solid rivet of the same diameter. This makes it ideal for automated assembly, soft materials (plastic, composites, leather), and applications where access is limited. Solid rivets provide slightly higher shear strength but need heavy squeezing or a bucking bar. For most industrial, marine, and medical applications where installation speed and material protection matter, we recommend the half‑tubular design. Only choose solid rivets for extreme structural loads or where the joint will be subjected to continuous high impact.

Q2: How do you prevent work hardening cracks in stainless steel half tubular rivets during cold heading?

A: Stainless steel (especially 304) work hardens rapidly. We use polished carbide heading dies and a multi‑stage cold heading process (three blows: squaring, pre‑forming, and final cavity extrusion). This distributes strain and prevents micro‑cracks. We also apply a chlorine‑free extreme‑pressure lubricant. For 316 grade, which is more ductile, cracking is rarely an issue. Our internal rejection rate for stainless steel half tubular rivets is 0.4%, significantly below the industry average of 2–3%. Every batch undergoes dye penetrant testing on 10 samples per 10,000 pieces.

Q3: Can stainless steel half tubular rivets be used in direct contact with aluminum without galvanic corrosion?

A: Yes, but precautions are necessary. Stainless steel is cathodic (noble) relative to aluminum. In the presence of an electrolyte (saltwater, high humidity), galvanic corrosion can attack the aluminum. To prevent this, we recommend: (1) using a nylon or EPDM isolating washer between the rivet head and aluminum surface, (2) applying a sealant such as polyurethane around the rivet after setting, or (3) specifying a coated rivet (e.g., with a thin epoxy layer). For dry indoor applications, the risk is negligible. If your assembly will be submerged or used in marine environments, we suggest switching to aluminum rivets or using 316 stainless with a thick isolating barrier. Contact us for a galvanic compatibility chart.

Why Choose Us for Stainless Steel Half Tubular Rivets

• In‑house cold heading – full control from wire to finished rivet
• 304 and 316 always in stock for diameters 3–8mm
• Passivation available in‑house (optional)
• 100% optical sorting for critical dimensions
• Free sample program – test setting before committing to production
• Full traceability – MTC, CoC, and passivation reports with every order

Contact Nuote Metals today to request a sample pack or a compliance package for your stainless steel half tubular rivets project.