Copyright PartsBase ©2023 All Rights Reserved
217 Countries & Territories
99% Search Success Rate
15B+ Aviation Parts
What our customers are saying about us!
on the World’s Largest Online Community for Aircraft Parts & Services
Join the largest community for aviation parts and services!
Access to the largest database of aerospace parts and services.
Cutting-edge technologies for streamlined aviation workflows.
World's largest community of aviation professionals and companies.
PartsBase is a very useful tool I take advantage of daily. When it comes to Sourcing parts I operate on urgent AOG requirements. PartsBase provides me with so many useful tools and diverse vendors to make sure I can satisfy all my requirements!
Zachery Baker,
Emergency Response Coordinator
Jimmy White,
Manager APU Shop
I understand first hand why companies use PartsBase. The PartsBase team is exceptional and the system is top notch. I truly appreciated all the support over the years.
At Duncan Aviation Parts & Rotable Sales, we receive thousands of phone calls from customers wanting to buy parts because they found us in PartsBase.
Chris Gress,
Parts & Rotable Sales Manager
Access to the largest database of aerospace parts and services.
Cutting-edge technologies for streamlined aviation workflows.
World's largest community of aviation professionals and companies.
PartsBase is a very useful tool I take advantage of every day. When it comes to sourcing parts I operate on urgent AOG requirements. PartsBase provides me with so many useful tools and diverse vendors to make sure I can satisfy all my requirements.
Zachary Baker
Emergency Response Coordinator
Jimmy White
Operations Manager APU Shop
I understand firsthand why companies use PartsBase.The PartsBase team is exceptional and the system is top notch. I truly appreciated all the support over the years.
At Duncan Aviation Parts & Rotable Sales, we receive thousands of calls from customers wanting to buy parts because they found us in PartsBase.
Chris Gress
Parts & Rotable Sales Manager
Aircraft rivets are an essential component in the construction and maintenance of airplanes. These small fasteners play a vital role in holding various parts of an aircraft together, ensuring structural integrity and safety during flight.
Find Aircraft Parts For Sale
Find Engines, Aircraft, and Maintenance Companies
Popular Aircraft Rivets Parts
You're in good company.
Trusted by 7,600 industry leaders worldwide.
Join the largest community for aviation parts and services!
Rivets are permanent fasteners that are used to join two or more metal pieces together. They are strategically placed in critical areas of the aircraft, where the highest stress concentrations occur.
IIn this article, we will explore the different types of aircraft rivets, their components, categories, and the materials used to create them. But first things first, what are aircraft rivets?
In this demanding environment, rivets play a crucial role in distributing and absorbing stress loads across the aircraft's structure. Without strong and reliable rivets, the structural integrity of the aircraft could be compromised, leading to catastrophic consequences.
These areas are carefully analyzed and engineered to ensure that the rivets can effectively distribute and transfer the loads, ensuring the overall structural integrity of the aircraft. They are relied upon for their:
Once we have a general understanding of what rivets are composed of, we can now delve into the types of rivets, their installations, and their functions to further understand why rivets are essential in aircrafts.
There are several types of rivets used in aircraft construction, each designed to fulfill specific requirements. Understanding these various types is essential for selecting the most suitable rivet for a particular application, so let’s get into more detail.
Aircraft rivets are constructed from various materials to meet the specific requirements of different applications. The most commonly used materials are:
As aircraft are subjected to high levels of stress, it is crucial to select the appropriate rivets for each application to ensure the integrity of the aircraft structure. But this isn’t the only reason they are important.
Furthermore, rivets are specifically designed to handle the unique challenges of aircraft construction and are selected to ensure maximum strength and durability. However, in order to fully grasp the intricacies of aircraft rivets, it is necessary to examine their components.
Each rivet consists of three main parts. These components work together to ensure a secure and lasting attachment, so let’s get into more detail.
The Component | The Characteristics | The Function |
Rivet Head | It is often round or countersunk, and its size and shape depend on the specific aircraft requirements and desired finish. | The rivet head is the expanded portion of the rivet that holds the joint together. |
Rivet Shank | The long, cylindrical body of the rivet which diameter and length can vary depending on the thickness and material of the aircraft. | When selecting a rivet shank, engineers consider factors such as the shear and tensile strength required for the joint as they are used to keep the rivet together. |
Rivet Tail | The rivet tail is the end of the shank that protrudes through the metal pieces once the rivet is installed. | They create a mechanical lock between the rivet and the metal pieces, preventing the rivet from slipping out or rotating. |
Type of Aircraft Rivet | How they are installed | Function of Aircraft Rivet | Used in |
Solid Rivets | They are installed by heating the shaft and forming a second head on the opposite end. | They consist of a cylindrical shaft with a shaped head and are used for maximum structural integrity. |
|
Blind or Pop Rivets | They are installed from one side of the workpiece in areas that are difficult to access. | They consist of a tubular body with a mandrel inside and are used where disassembly and reassembly may be required. |
|
Semi-tubular Rivets | They are identical to solid rivets but have a hole drilled in them. | They are used in areas where a combination of strength and flexibility is required. |
|
The selection of the appropriate rivet type depends on various factors, including the specific application, the materials being joined, and the required level of strength and accessibility.
By understanding this, you can make informed decisions to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft. Another factor to take into account is the material to use for your aircraft rivets. So let’s delve into more detail on the materials used to manufacture rivets.
Aluminum rivets are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making them the most prevalent choice for aircraft construction. They offer excellent strength-to-weight ratios and are particularly suitable for non-structural applications where weight reduction is a priority.
Steel rivets are known for their exceptional strength and durability. They are commonly used in applications that require higher load capacities or where higher strength is necessary, such as in structural components of aircraft.
Titanium rivets are utilized in specific aircraft applications where lightweight, high strength, and excellent corrosion resistance are paramount. Although more expensive than aluminum or steel, titanium rivets are an excellent choice for specialized applications that demand superior performance.
Aircraft rivets are an essential component in aircraft construction, providing secure and lasting connections between metal parts. Understanding the different types of rivets, their components, categories, and materials allows for informed decision-making when selecting the most suitable rivet for a particular application.