6 examples where rivets are more practical than screws
Published on 24.09.2024
The differences between blind rivets and screws
Blind rivets and screws are both fasteners that are capable of joining different materials together. The difference between the two fasteners is that blind rivets are primarily suitable for permanent, non-detachable connections. Blind rivets also have the advantage that one-sided access to the workpiece is sufficient to set the rivet. If, on the other hand, an application is screwed together, it can be loosened again if necessary or may come loose again on its own. To summarise, the choice between blind rivets or screws depends on the requirements of the application.
Content: Examples of where rivets are better than screws
1. Blind rivets are resilient and vibration-proof
2. Blind rivets are lighter and save space
3. Blind rivets are quick to process
4. Blind rivets are corrosion resistant
5. Blind rivets form an aesthetically pleasing fastener
6. Blind rivets only require accessibility from one side
Conclusion
Frequently asked questions
1. Blind rivets are resilient and vibration-proof
Blind rivets are an advantage when high load-bearing capacity and stability are required. Unlike screws, blind rivets do not loosen over time, but keep the connection stable. Especially in applications where vibration, shocks and movement are an issue, rivets are often the better alternative. This is an important issue in the automotive industry, for example, and wherever materials need to be joined securely over the long term, such as in the construction or mechanical engineering industries. The big advantage of blind rivets in such safety-relevant applications is that, unlike screws, they do not come loose on their own.
2. Blind rivets are lighter and save space
If you consider both fasteners for the same application, blind rivets are usually lighter than screws. This is due to the fact that rivets require less material than screws to create a secure connection. But not only that, in addition to the weight, blind rivets are often more space-saving compared to screw connections, as screws are often used in conjunction with washers or nuts for a better hold. Blind rivets are therefore the better choice over screws when the overall weight of the end product needs to be minimised or the size needs to be reduced. Industries where this often plays an important role are the automotive and electronics industries.
3. blind rivets are quick to process
To set a rivet, all you need are holes in the materials to be joined, the blind rivet and the setting tools. A blind rivet can therefore be set quickly and efficiently - even if the workpiece can only be accessed from one side. In industrial production, riveting processes can also be automated, which increases efficiency in the production line and reduces labour costs. Once the blind rivets have been set, the connection is secure and holds the materials firmly together. With screws, on the other hand, the fasteners may need to be reworked because a screw is still too loose or several screws in the same application have been tightened to different strengths. These corrections slow down the production process and, in the worst case, penalise the quality of the fasteners.
4. Blind rivets are corrosion resistant
In many applications, materials have to be joined that are subsequently exposed to extreme weather conditions or corrosive substances. An important factor in choosing the right fasteners in these environments is the material. Fasteners made of stainless steel, plastic or Monel® offer a high level of corrosion protection. The advantage of blind rivets over screws in corrosive environments is that they are a relatively closed connection. This does not mean that the connection is completely watertight, but screw connections can have gaps to the adjacent material due to the threads, which favour the penetration of moisture. In addition, the threads required in screw connections can damage the material to be joined, which also makes it more susceptible to rusty spots in the application.
5. Blind rivets form an aesthetically pleasing fastener
Sometimes it is not enough to simply join materials together; the visual perception of the joint plays an equally important role. Blind rivets or screws are not always hidden, but are a visible part of the application. The aesthetics of set blind rivets or screws often play a major role in architectural buildings or furniture. Blind rivets can be more practical to use here than screws, as they create a smooth surface when set and are flush with the set material. Blind rivets are available in various head shapes, from dome heads and countersunk heads to large flanges. Coloured rivets are also an option for matching the colour of the fasteners to the design of the application. This enables a wide selection for the desired design in the application.
6. Blind rivets only require accessibility from one side
To set a blind rivet, only one-sided access to the workpiece is required. This means that you can use a blind rivet to join materials together even if the back is difficult or impossible to access. With a screw connection, on the other hand, you often need to have access from both sides in order to be able to process it properly. Blind rivets are often the better alternative, especially for applications that are difficult to access and require a permanent and secure connection.
Conclusion
To summarise, it always depends on the individual case whether it is better to use screws or blind rivets. However, blind rivets offer various advantages over screws that make them the more popular fasteners in many areas. It is important to consider the above-mentioned aspects for each application and to weigh up which ones have particularly high priority for the project in question. This ultimately results in the decision as to whether the selected materials are better processed with rivets or screws.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to undo screw and blind rivet connections?
Existing screw connections can be loosened again afterwards. If the screw is turned anti-clockwise with a screwdriver or a suitable spanner, the connection can be loosened again. The screw connection is practical if an application has to be dismantled again or if, for example, a component has to be removed from the application for maintenance.
A set blind rivet, on the other hand, cannot simply be loosened again. The blind rivet joint is designed to create a permanent and non-detachable connection. However, if necessary, a blind rivet can also be removed from the connection. To do this, it must be drilled out, which damages it. The blind rivet cannot be reused once it has been removed from the connection.
Can blind rivets and screws be set with the same tool?
The answer is no - blind rivets and screws cannot be processed with the same tool, even though both fasteners can be used to join materials together. For a blind rivet, you need special blind rivet pliers that deform the rivet accordingly and securely join the materials together. Blind rivets can be set either with manual riveting pliers, battery-powered or pneumatic blind rivet tools or semi- or fully automated robots.
A screwdriver or cordless screwdriver, on the other hand, is required to insert a screw. The screwdriver can be used to insert or remove the screw by screwing it in or out.
Which is more stable - screws or blind rivets?
To answer the question of whether screws or blind rivets are the more stable fasteners, you always have to look at the application, including the requirements for the fastener. Both fasteners have advantages for different areas of application. Screws, for example, are the better choice in applications that need to be assembled and disassembled regularly. Screws are also the more stable alternative if the connection needs to be adjustable in the application.
Blind rivets, on the other hand, are usually more stable in applications where vibration plays a role. As rivets create a non-detachable connection, they join material securely, even when the application is in motion. Screws could possibly come loose here without the bit of additional locking elements.
