Semi-tubular vs. Solid Rivets: Understanding the Differences

When it comes to fastening and joining materials, rivets have been a go-to choice for decades. Providing a secure and permanent connection, they are ideal for various applications across a wide range of industries. Among a diverse set of types, two popular rivet options are semi-tubular and solid rivets.

Semi-Tubular Rivets

For starters, semi-tubular rivets have a bore-a hollow or partially drilled hole–on one side. Typically made of materials like aluminum, brass, or steel in various sizes and shapes, these rivets also feature a solid head on one end and an open or hollow end on the other.

Advantages of Semi-Tubular Rivets:

Easy Installation: Easy to install, semi-tubular rivets require only one accessible side of a workpiece during the riveting process and can be set with a rivet setter or press, making them suitable for automated or high-volume production.
Reduced Material Usage: Semi-tubular rivets require less material compared to solid rivets, and because their hollow bores allow them to be formed with less force, they save on materials and reduce costs.
Electrical Conductivity: Due to their hollow design, semi-tubular rivets offer excellent electrical conductivity, which makes them suitable for applications that require the flow of electrical currents or grounding.
Versatility: Additionally, these versatile rivets find applications in various industries, including automotive, electronics, and furniture manufacturing. Moreover, they are commonly used for joining thin materials, attaching tags or labels, and creating a decorative or functional connection.

Solid Rivets

As their name suggests, solid rivets do not have a hollow bore; instead, they are solid throughout, incorporating a solid head and shank. These rivets are typically made of materials like steel, stainless steel, or aluminum and are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes.

Advantages of Solid Rivets:

Superior Strength: Solid rivets offer exceptional strength and durability, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications. More than that, they provide a permanent and reliable connection that can withstand high loads, vibrations, and temperature variations.
Excellent Shear Strength: These rivets also have high shear strength, which means they are well-suited to applications where the joined materials will be subjected to lateral or shear forces.
Enhanced Aesthetics: In situations where appearances are important, such as architectural structures or vintage vehicles, the joints’ clean and finished look stands out.
Resistance to Vibration: Their solid construction ensures excellent resistance to vibration, preventing loosening or disassembly of the joint, even under dynamic conditions.

Choosing the Right Rivet for the Job

There are different types of rivets. The choice between semi-tubular and solid rivets depends on an apaplication’s specific requirements. Factors such as material thickness, load-bearing capacity, accessibility, and desired aesthetics play a crucial role in determining the most suitable option for your particular demands.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, both semi-tubular and solid rivets offer unique advantages and applications. At National Stock Number Parts, we recognize that understanding the differences between these types of rivets empowers customers to select the right fastening solution for their specific needs. As a leading supplier of NSN components, including semi-tubular and solid rivets, we host an inventory of over 6 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find parts that have been tested for their durability and function. If you are interested in the items and services we offer, we invite you to browse the various catalogs featured on our website. Additionally, request quotes for your comparisons with ease using our RFQ service, those of which are available 24/7x365!