4 Considerations When Buying Multi-Grip Rivets Online

Precision is essential for many manufacturing and construction applications. Sometimes the required precision can vary across applications, and even among different areas of the same application.

From a fastening standpoint, multi-grip rivets can help address precision needs. These rivets offer versatility in that they can be set in a variable grip range depending on the combined thickness of the two materials being fastened. In other words, the same rivets can be used on an application, even if the surface gets a little thinner or thicker.

Multi-grip rivets offer other benefits, including:

• Better hole fill: Multi-grip rivets expand radially to deliver a better fit, even with irregular, oversized, and misaligned holes.

• Added weather resistance: Moisture is less likely to seep through the setting because of the better hole fill.

• Better inventory management: Multi-grip rivets generally fit three different grips; stocking one rivet for three grips—rather than three separate rivets for three sizes—streamlines inventory and makes ordering online easier.

• Aesthetic consistency: If an application has several different rivets populating a small area, the resulting hodgepodge may detract from the product’s appearance, particularly with consumer goods. Multi-grip rivets offer a uniform look.

• High vibration resistance: The improved hole fill also results in joints that better withstand vibration.   

Common uses for multi-grip rivets include automotive, recreational vehicles, HVAC, appliances, electrical equipment, and garage doors. Purchasing these rivets involves some key considerations, including four we detail here:

1. Domestic versus Imports

A recent trend in the fastening industry is the increased availability of foreign-made rivets. Although some international manufacturers, such as Ornit, deliver high quality and dependability, many foreign fastener companies, particularly in Asia, use cheap materials and shoddy construction to sell their goods at a lower price. Unfortunately, you get what you pay for—substandard imported multi-grip rivets can lead to work delays and poor results. The savings aren't worth the risk; stick with domestic manufacturers and imports from established, trusted brands.

2. Ring Groove versus Crimped

Two basic body styles of multi-grip rivets are available: ring-groove rivets, popularized by POP, and crimped rivets by Avdel. Ring-grooved style multi-grip rivets feature rolled rings that allow for a clean, circular collapse of the body when rivets are set, thus providing more aesthetic appeal. Crimped style multi-grip rivets have some excess flashing on the outside of the rivet body. This visual difference may be of concern to some users. The original Avex brand multi-grip rivet also has a unique tapered bore hole in the rivet body which optimizes clamp-up and collapse consistency. The Avdel Avex, which is considered the first multi-grip rivet and has been used for decades, offers more strength, though both ring-groove and crimped styles are excellent choices for multi-grip applications.

3. Price versus Need

Multi-grip rivets are generally more expensive than standard blind rivets, but users find the cost is offset by efficiency gains and fastener performance. In addition, one grip size of a multi-grip rivet can replace 2-3 sizes of an individual grip size blind rivet, allowing a reduction in overall inventory of rivets and enabling cost reduction. Stainless steel multi-grip rivets are also available and are perfect where corrosion resistance or performance with elevated temperatures are required.

4. Bulk Purchases versus Packets

Because multi-grip rivets require added cost, conventional wisdom might be to buy packets in limited supply. This might be sensible if you only rarely or occasionally use them, but remember, multi-grip rivets are designed to fit a range of grips and holes. This versatility can make buying these rivets in bulk a more economical choice. Online distributors that offer quantity break discounts are your best bet to get the multi-grip rivets you need at competitive prices.

Great distributors are also great partners—answering questions, offering suggestions, providing favorable shipping terms, and delivering excellent customer service. If you're unsure what rivets are best for your applications, choose an online vendor that goes the extra mile to deliver the fastening solutions you need.