Solid Rivets

Solid Rivet Sizes, Head Styles & Specifications

The tables below list standard oval head and truss head solid rivet sizes, including part number, rivet diameter, length, material and finish. Select a size to add it directly to your RFQ. Custom diameters, lengths, head styles, materials and finishes are also available.

What Is a Solid Rivet?

A solid rivet is a one-piece permanent fastener consisting of a manufactured head and a solid cylindrical shank.

During installation, the rivet is inserted through aligned holes in the materials being joined. The tail of the rivet is then compressed or driven to form a second head, commonly called the shop head, permanently clamping the components together.

Unlike blind rivets, solid rivets generally require access to both sides of the assembly. They are commonly installed using a rivet press, rivet squeezer, impact riveter, rivet gun or orbital riveting machine.

Solid rivets are also commonly called:

• Solid metal rivets
• Solid shank rivets
• Solid fastening rivets
• Driven rivets
• Compression rivets
• Permanent metal rivets
• Industrial solid rivets

Solid rivets are widely used where joint strength, vibration resistance and long-term reliability are more important than future disassembly.

Available Solid Rivet Sizes

Our standard solid rivet range includes diameters from 1/16 in. through 3/16 in., with multiple lengths according to head style and material.

Oval Head Solid Rivet Diameters

• 1/16 in. Oval Head Solid Rivets
• 3/32 in. Oval Head Solid Rivets
• 1/8 in. Oval Head Solid Rivets

Truss Head Solid Rivet Diameters

• 9/64 in. Truss Head Solid Rivets
• 3/16 in. Truss Head Solid Rivets

Standard lengths range from approximately 3/32 in. through 5/8 in., depending on rivet diameter, head style and material.

Refer to the specification tables above for available part numbers, diameter and length combinations.

Oval Head Solid Rivets

Oval head solid rivets provide a rounded, finished appearance with a moderate head diameter.

Their curved head profile makes them suitable for visible assemblies where a smoother appearance is preferred. Oval head styles are commonly used in equipment, hardware, metal products and general industrial assemblies.

Standard oval head rivets are available in:

• Aluminum 5050
• Stainless steel 304
• CR3 zinc-plated steel

Standard diameters include 1/16 in., 3/32 in. and 1/8 in.

Truss Head Solid Rivets

Truss head solid rivets feature a low-profile head with a wider bearing surface.

The larger head diameter helps distribute the clamping load over a broader area, making this style suitable for sheet metal, softer materials and applications where pull-through resistance is important.

Standard truss head rivets are available in:

• Aluminum 5050
• Stainless steel 304
• CR3 zinc-plated steel

Standard diameters include 9/64 in. and 3/16 in.

Additional Head Styles

In addition to oval and truss head solid rivets, other head configurations may be manufactured for production requirements, including:

• Round Head Solid Rivets
• Flat Head Solid Rivets
• Countersunk Solid Rivets
• Universal Head Solid Rivets
• Button Head Solid Rivets
• Custom Head Solid Rivets

Head style affects the finished appearance, bearing surface, clearance and load distribution of the installed rivet.

When requesting a nonstandard head style, provide a drawing, sample or complete head diameter and head height requirements.

Materials & Finishes

Solid rivets are available in several materials for different strength, weight, corrosion and electrical requirements.

Aluminum Solid Rivets

Aluminum solid rivets are lightweight, corrosion resistant and easy to form. Standard stocked products include aluminum 5050 with a clean, unplated finish.

Steel Solid Rivets

Steel solid rivets provide strength and economical performance for general industrial assemblies. Zinc plating is available to improve corrosion protection.

Stainless Steel Solid Rivets

Stainless steel solid rivets provide strength, durability and corrosion resistance. Standard products include stainless steel 304, with 18-8 and 316 stainless steel options available for applicable production requirements.

Brass Solid Rivets

Brass solid rivets provide corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity and a decorative appearance. Standard or custom sizes may be manufactured according to quantity requirements.

Copper Solid Rivets

Copper solid rivets offer electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance and good formability. They are commonly used in electrical, decorative and specialty industrial applications.

Available finishes include:

• Clean or plain finish
• CR3 zinc plating
• Nickel plating
• Custom plating and surface finishes

Material and finish availability may vary by diameter, length, head style and production quantity.

How to Select the Correct Solid Rivet

Select a solid rivet according to the material stack thickness, rivet diameter, required finished length, head style, material and installation method.

When specifying a solid rivet, provide:

• Rivet diameter
• Rivet length
• Head style
• Head diameter and height
• Assembly material thickness
• Rivet material
• Finish or plating
• Hole diameter and tolerance
• Installation method
• Required quantity
• Applicable drawing or standard

The selected rivet must have enough shank length extending beyond the assembly to form the required shop head. The correct length allowance depends on the rivet diameter, joint design, material and applicable installation specification.

For production applications, confirm the finished shop-head requirements and installation process through sample testing before mass production.

Solid Rivet Installation

Solid rivets are typically installed by inserting the rivet through aligned holes and supporting the manufactured head with an anvil or bucking bar.

The opposite end is then compressed or driven until it expands and forms the shop head. This deformation fills the hole and permanently clamps the materials together.

Common installation equipment includes:

• Rivet presses
• Rivet squeezers
• Impact riveters
• Pneumatic rivet guns
• Orbital riveting machines
• Radial riveting machines
• Automated riveting systems

For consistent installation:

• Use the correct hole diameter.
• Maintain proper hole alignment.
• Use tooling that matches the manufactured head.
• Apply the correct setting force or riveting cycle.
• Confirm the finished shop-head dimensions.
• Avoid cracking, bending or over-compressing the rivet.
• Test the joint before full production.

Solid rivets normally require access to both sides of the assembly. If only one side is accessible, a blind rivet or another blind fastening system may be more appropriate.

Advantages of Solid Rivets

Solid rivets provide several advantages for industrial production:

• Strong permanent mechanical joint
• Excellent shear-load capability
• Resistance to vibration and loosening
• Simple one-piece construction
• No internal threads to strip
• No mandrel remaining in the assembly
• Multiple head styles and materials
• Suitable for automated installation
• Reliable performance in high-volume production
• Custom diameters and lengths available

Actual joint strength depends on rivet material, diameter, head style, installation quality and the materials being joined.

Typical Applications

Solid rivets are commonly used in:

• Automotive components
• Trucks and trailers
• Appliances
• HVAC equipment
• Electrical equipment
• Sheet metal fabrication
• Industrial machinery
• Furniture and hardware
• Hinges and brackets
• Hand tools
• Cookware and metal products
• Electrical contacts and terminals
• Agricultural equipment
• Transportation assemblies
• General OEM manufacturing

Solid Rivets vs. Semi-Tubular Rivets

Solid rivets have a completely solid shank and generally require greater installation force. They are commonly selected when strength, shear resistance and permanent assembly are primary requirements.

Semi-tubular rivets have a partially hollow end that rolls or flares during installation. They usually require less setting force and may be preferred for hinge points, moving joints and applications where the assembly material could be damaged by higher riveting force.

Choose a solid rivet when:

• High joint strength is required.
• The assembly must resist vibration.
• A permanent rigid joint is preferred.
• The materials can support the required installation force.

Choose a semi-tubular rivet when:

• Lower installation force is required.
• The rivet will act as a pivot or hinge.
• Controlled rivet-end rollover is preferred.
• The assembly includes more delicate materials.

Factory-Direct Supply & Custom Options

Imperial Rivets & Fasteners supplies factory-direct solid rivets for OEM, industrial and commercial production.

Standard oval head and truss head solid rivets are available in aluminum 5050, stainless steel 304 and CR3 zinc-plated steel. Additional materials include brass, copper, 18-8 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel.

Custom solid rivets can be manufactured according to your drawing, sample or application specifications, including:

• Custom diameters and lengths
• Custom head styles
• Special head dimensions
• Material and alloy requirements
• Plating and surface finishes
• Dimensional tolerances
• Production packaging requirements

Select an available part number from the specification table and add it to your RFQ. If your required size is not listed, send us the diameter, length, head style, material, finish, quantity and drawing for evaluation.

Questions, Samples or Custom Requirements?

Contact our sales team at sales@imperialrivet.com or (630) 964-0208.