Bay Supply Blog - Rivets, Fasteners, and Tools | Mike Eichinger (8)

Rivets have been used for more than 5,000 years, and although we have come a long way since blacksmiths had to forge rivets by hand, their basic shape and applications have not changed. What has changed is that we have more types of rivets and rivet designs that make them more versatile, with different features for specific applications.

Copper rivets are a popular choice for fasteners because they can be used for a wide range of applications. They are durable as well as attractive, which is why they are used in everything from clothes, belts, and leather goods to electronics and even construction applications. 

Blind rivets have come a long way in the last 100 years. What makes blind rivets so useful in a wide range of industries is the fact that you can drive them in from only one side. Additionally, once sealed, they have excellent load-carrying capacity and are less prone to failure caused by vibration or corrosion.

Above all, the rivets used on projects must be reliable and enduring. A fastener that fails can lead to more problems, so ensuring you have the right hardware for the job—and then doing the job right—is imperative.

Beyond this, the choice of rivet can affect other critical work factors. How much will this rivet cost? How difficult will it be to install? Do I have the right rivet on hand for the job? Without the right answers to these questions, costs can add up.

You’ve narrowed down your fastener specifications—but now you are wondering, “Which supplier should I use?”

Having a supplier who truly knows the industry is crucial. You need a supplier who can source the right products from top manufacturers and who provides knowledgeable, high-quality customer service. In order to find out if you are talking with the right supplier, start by asking questions about a variety of topics.

When selecting a rivet gun, you have different designs and manufacturers to choose from, which makes it even harder to find the right tool.

Review our infographic on the three steps for choosing the best rivet gun for your needs.

Throughout the history of mechanical construction, there has always been a need for a completely permanent fastening system—one that essentially becomes a part of the piece on which it is used. Welding two objects together is one such fastening method, but it requires expert installers using high temperatures, gases, and heavy protective equipment, all of which make it difficult to accomplish, especially in hard-to-reach locations.

Putting our customers first has made Bay Supply the authorized master distributor for so many of the top brands in engineered fastening systems and tools. Take that customer-first philosophy and add more than a half-century of industry knowledge and technological leadership to drive the company forward.

If you’re working with thin materials and need a strong, durable fastener that is removable and reusable, blind threaded inserts are the solution. Not only are they incredibly easy to install, but they’ll also enhance your application by ensuring production efficiency and durability.

When you need a structural fastener that delivers more strength and adaptability than a typical rivet or weld, there is nothing like a blind bolt.