What are Flush Rivets and how do they work?
When establishing reliable assemblies for aircraft, automobiles, or other various applications, riveting is a popular and reliable process which allows for two or more pieces of material to be joined together. In general, rivets are cylindrical fasteners made from metal that can be inserted within drilled holes before being permanently deformed to secure parts together. To accommodate the diverse needs of various assemblies, operations, and materials, rivets come in a wide variety of types. One common type of rivet is the flush rivet, which features a unique design that allows it to be suitable for a number of important applications.
As the name suggests, a flush rivet is a fastener that, when properly installed, sits flush with the surface of the materials being joined. This results in a smooth and even appearance, improving overall aesthetics while removing the chance of materials getting caught on the head of the fastener to deter wear and damage. In addition to such benefits, flush rivets are also known for their high strength and durability, making them ideal for use in applications where a joint may be subjected to heavy loads or frequent use.
A large number of flush rivets are made from aluminum, allowing them to be lightweight while still having ample strength. Such rivets feature a smooth, cylindrical shank and head on one side, and the shank is the element that is inserted within a drilled hole. Once the head is sitting on top of the material that is to be joined with, a special tool known as a rivet gun is used to deform the shank, filling the hole and creating a second head on the opposite side of the assembly. In some cases, other Types of rivet installation tools tools may be used, a common alternative being a riveting hammer. If there is excess length on the shank that needs to be removed, a tool like a rivet cutter may be relied on to safely shorten the fastener.
Flush rivets are commonly employed in aerospace and automotive industries where they are used to join various components together for the airframe of an aircraft or the chassis of an automobile. While aesthetics are indeed a concern in both of these applications, the high strength and durability of flush rivets is paramount to ensure that heavy loads can be supported despite frequent use. While flush rivets are commonly found in aircraft for joining skin components to the underlying frame, they may also be found on wing flaps, landing gear, and engine cowls where they perform a very similar role in securing items together.
As rivets are intended to be a permanent solution, they will not need to be replaced as often as other fasteners. Nevertheless, it is imperative that one regularly inspects installed rivets to see if there are any signs of cracking or fatigue that calls for a repair or replacement. To remove rivets, power or blunt-edged tools may be used to physically break the rivet off, allowing the fastener to be slid in before repairs and replacements are carried out.
Whether you are in the market for a flush rivet or various types of rivet installation tools, look no further than Purchasing Sphere and our unrivaled inventory. Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we present customers access to over 2 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find products that trace back to thousands of leading manufacturers that we trust. Take the time to explore our offerings as you see fit, and be sure to utilize our online RFQ forms and service to request quotes on items of interest with ease. Here at Purchasing Sphere, we are more than just a dependable distributor of parts; we are your strategic sourcing partner for all your operational needs.
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