What are pop rivets?

Pop rivets are a threadless fastener that allows for an effective fixing where there is limited or no access to the rear of the parts to be joined together.

Being available in various materials, heads, and flange sizes, sees them used across many industries by DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Let's take a more detailed look at pop rivets and how they work!

Also known as blind rivets, the pop rivets consist of two main parts which includes the rivet body and the mandrel. The rivet body is typically a smooth, cylindrical shaft with a head at one end, while the mandrel is a long, narrow pin that extends through the body and is inserted into the rivet gun during installation.

When installed, a rivet gun pulls the mandrel through the body, expanding the rivet on the blind side of the material which forms a tight bond between the materials being joined. The mandrel then breaks off leaving a clean and secure rivet in place.

How do pop rivets work?

Pop rivets work due to a straightforward process where the rivet is pushed into a pre-drilled hole with the rivet body / flange being in contact with the materials surface, which then allows the mandrel to be placed into a rivet gun.

The rivet gun then pulls the pop rivet mandrel into the gun and in turn pulls the rivet body against the material on the blind side allowing for a secure hold.

A threadless fastener that allows for an effective and secure fixing where there is limited or no access to the back / blind side of the material.

What are pop rivets used for?

Pop rivets are manufactured to allow for high strength and a reliable fixing where there is limited or no access to the back of the material.

Often used to secure and fix thinner sheets of material together they are used across many industries from the automotive to construction buy DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.

When were pop rivets invented?

Like many fixings and fasteners, they just seem to have been around for years, but when were pop rivets invented?  Not the most important question with regards pop rivets, but interesting none the less.

When researching when and who invented pop rivets, it seems that the following comes to light. We owe the emergence of pop rivets to a British engineer named Hamilton Neil Wylie, who invented the pop rivet and patented it way back in 1916.

Are pop rivets waterproof?

The simple answer is that standard pop rivets are not waterproof but there are variations of pop rivets that are.

For pop rivets to be waterproof they need to be equipped with a small sealing gasket. The addition of this gasket ensures that when the pop rivet is installed the gasket offers a tight waterproof barrier between the rivet and the materials surface.

In addition to the inclusion of the gasket, some pop rivets are coated with an extra waterproof coating which also adds protection against water ingress into the joint.

These waterproof pop rivets are often used in the construction and roofing industries where water ingress is a concern.

The range of pop rivets at Fusion Fixings is growing with waterproof pop rivets coming soon.

Benefits of Pop Rivets

Like many fixings and fasteners, pop rivets have a range of benefits which can be seen below.

Ease of Installation: One of the primary benefits of pop rivets is their ease of installation. Unlike screws or bolts, pop rivets can be installed from one side of the material, saving time and effort. This is particularly useful in situations where access to the back of the material is restricted.

Strong and Durable: Pop rivets create a strong and durable hold when installed correctly and can be capable of withstanding significant stress. This makes them ideal for applications which require long-lasting and reliable fastenings.

Versatility: Pop rivets are available in various materials, sizes, and styles, making them versatile for different applications. Whether you need to fasten metal, plastic, or other materials, there is a pop rivet suitable for the job.

Cost-Effective: Compared to other fastening methods, pop rivets are cost-effective. They require minimal tools for installation, and their durability ensures fewer replacements over time, reducing long-term costs.

Corrosion Resistance: Many pop rivets are made from materials such as aluminium, stainless steel, or copper, which offer excellent corrosion resistance. This makes them ideal for outdoor and marine applications where exposure to moisture is a concern.

See the growing range of stainless steel pop rivets available at Fusion Fixings.

Aesthetic Appeal: Pop rivets provide a neat and clean finish, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the assembled products. They do not protrude like bolts and screws, giving a smooth and polished look.

Pop rivets are a versatile and reliable threadless fastener that offers numerous benefits across various industries.

Their ease of installation, strength, versatility, and aesthetic appeal make them ideal for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike across numerous industries.

Whether in aerospace, automotive, construction, electronics, or home projects, pop rivets provide a durable and cost-effective solution for creating strong and permanent joints.

Why choose Fusion Fixings?

Fusion Fixings is a family run business with over 40 years experience in the construction and fasteners industries.

With a goal to supply a large range of fixings and fasteners for the DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike across a wide range of industries.

The range at Fusion Fixings is growing with many products held in stock ready to go with quantities starting from just one and bulk price discounts across many ranges.