Exploring Common Types of Aircraft Rivets

Rivets are fasteners that help join two or more pieces of material, providing the necessary strength for an aircraft’s structure. Given the high demands placed on airplanes, rivets used in the aviation industry must meet strict standards for safety. In this blog, we will explore the most common types of aircraft rivets, their characteristics, and how they are utilized in different applications.

What Are Solid Shank Rivets?

Solid shank rivets consist of a smooth shaft that is carefully inserted into a pre-drilled hole, ensuring a precise fit before being deformed to tightly hold materials together. Known for their exceptional strength, these components are typically manufactured from durable alloys like aluminum, titanium, or steel. The most common subtypes include universal head and countersunk head rivets. Universal head variants are utilized when the head of a rivet can stay exposed, while countersunk versions are used when a surface needs to remain smooth for aerodynamic reasons. No matter the particular type, solid shank rivets are prized in the assembly of aircraft structures like fuselage skins, wings, and control surfaces.

What Are Blind Rivets?

Blind rivets are designed to be installed when access to only one side of the material is possible, making them particularly useful in tight spaces. These components are made up of two distinct parts: a body and a mandrel. During installation, the mandrel is pulled through the rivet, causing the body to expand and form a strong bond between the two materials being joined. Blind rivets are available in a wide range of alloys like aluminum, steel, and stainless steel to suit different environmental conditions. While they are highly versatile, these parts are most commonly used in less critical applications like attaching non-structural panels or securing interior components.

What Are Friction-Lock Rivets?

Friction-lock rivets are specifically designed for situations where materials being fastened require a higher load-bearing capability than what standard blind variants can typically provide. These rivets are widely used in both structural and non-structural applications like fastening aircraft skins, securing wing components, and attaching interior panels. Their ability to create a secure bond without requiring access to both sides of the material makes them an incredibly versatile option.

What Are Huck Bolts?

Huck bolts consist of a pin and collar, and the installation process involves pulling the pin through the collar to create a tight and secure connection. One of the key advantages of Huck bolts is their remarkable ability to withstand constant vibration and dynamic loads, preventing them from loosening over time. This makes them an ideal choice for use in high-stress areas of aircraft construction, such as landing gear assemblies, wing spars, and engine mounts.

What Are Cherry Rivets?

Cherry rivets are equipped with a unique locking collar that enhances their strength, making them highly suitable for structural applications where reliability is essential. They can be installed from just one side of the material, which makes them particularly useful for repairs in situations where the back side is difficult to access. Available in a variety of materials, including aluminum and stainless steel, Cherry rivets are also offered in different sizes to meet specific needs.

Where Can I Find Top-Quality Rivets?

If you are in the market for pin rivets, huck bolts, or other similar parts that are sourced from entities that place quality at the forefront of their operations, turn to ASAP Aero Supplies. Featuring over 2 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find items that are always available for purchase on our database, locating what you require on our website is easy. Additionally, you can submit our online RFQ forms at any time to start the fulfillment process, as our staff works around the clock to review and respond to requests with customized quotes on desired components. Keeping this in mind, see why so many customers steadily choose to shop on ASAP Aero Supplies when you kick off procurement with us today.

1. hannah davis
2. Posted on October 29, 2024
3. aviation

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