Bay Supply Blog - Rivets, Fasteners, and Tools | Rivets

When we think about constructing ships or airplanes, we may visualize large industrial equipment and machinery compiling sizable masses of metal. However, the smallest pieces of hardware can make a big difference in the functionality of these common commercial products.

In terms of structural stability, the installation of the right fasteners often has a huge impact on product quality. Naturally, delivering premium results requires the appropriate development methods and materials.

Blind rivets, pop rivets, POP® rivets—what’s the difference? In the world of fasteners, the subtle differences in hardware can make a huge difference to the success and quality of your project.

Rivets are designed to provide a permanent joint, but sometimes they have to be removed. Maybe a rivet was installed incorrectly or cracked during installation, or perhaps the rivet has started to corrode and needs to be replaced. When you have to remove a rivet, it pays to use the right rivet removal tool.

One of the most popular forms of blind rivets is pop rivets because they are easy to set and extremely strong. Pop rivets can be used for everything from construction applications to manufacturing to making lasting repairs. Pop rivets are effective in wood, metals, and even plastic, but you have to use a pop rivet gun to install them. There are different types of pop rivet tools, and it is important to choose the right tool for the application.

Whether you’re installing an LED sign or repairing a boat, knowing the differences between open- and closed-end rivets is vital. Here are some of the crucial differences to be aware of so you can pick the right blind rivets for your job.

Although the name “pop” is widely used as a generic term for blind rivets, it started out as a brand name for a specific style of rivet patented by the George Tucker Eyelet Company, which was acquired by the United Shoe Machinery Corporation (USM). USM later became part of STANLEY Engineered Fastener, which now owns the POP® trademark.

Goebel Fasteners Inc. is one of the leading makers of threaded inserts and tools. Bay Supply has been an authorized distributor of Goebel threaded inserts and tools for more than a year, and we wanted to share some of the specifics about Goebel threaded inserts and tools so you can see why they are becoming popular.

Solid rivets are perhaps the oldest known fastener. Rivets have been found in archaeological sites and are still used in construction, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, boat building, and for hundreds of other applications. Rivets outperform screws, bolts, and even welds, but rivets must be properly installed to create a tight and lasting joint.