Rivets
These are small metal pins (in schools from about 3 mm diameter to about 10 mm diameter. The three main head shapes are - round countersunk and flat. Flat and round stick up above the surface of the metal when they are in but countersunk are level with the surface.
Rivets withstand sheer stresses and are made of malleable metals such as iron, mild steel, copper, brass and aluminium. The pieces of the job are drilled with holes of the correct size. The rivet is passed through the holes. The tail of the rivet which sticks out is then shaped with a hammer. If a flat head or countersunk is used the head of the rivet is supported on a flat surface. If a round head is used a rivet snap is required. This is a domed piece of metal which supports the round head of the rivet and prevents it from becoming flattened when the tail end is beaten with the hammer.

'RIVET' 'RIVET'

Round head

Countersunk head

Flat head

Stages in inserting a round headed rivet.

Stages in inserting a countersunk headed rivet

Pop rivets
These have the advantage of being able to be set quickly from one side only. They are weaker and are used for securing thin sheet metal. The holes are drilled, the pop rivet is inserted into the holes, the riveting pliers are placed over the mandrill (like a nail which sticks out). As the pliers are squeezed together the ball at the end of the mandrill breaks off securing the rivet in place. The mandrill is thrown away.

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