When Would You Use a Rivet Instead of a Bolt?

Choosing the right fastener for your project is crucial for ensuring a strong and secure assembly. While both bolts and rivets are popular options, they each have distinct advantages and disadvantages.

In this article, we'll explore the key differences between riveting and bolting to help you decide which method is best suited for your needs.

Bolts: Flexibility and Adjustability

Bolts are threaded fasteners consisting of a head and a shank. They require a nut to create a secure joint. Bolts offer several benefits:

• High Clamp Load: By tightening the nut, a strong clamping force can be achieved, creating a tight and secure joint.
• Reusability: Bolts can be easily removed and reused simply by unscrewing the nut, making them ideal for applications requiring disassembly for maintenance or repairs.
• Accessibility: Through-hole installations are common for bolts, but tapped holes can also be used, allowing access from one side for fastening.
• Simple Tooling: Standard tools like wrenches and sockets are all you need to install and remove most bolts.

However, bolts do have some drawbacks:

• Vibration Resistance: Standard bolts can loosen under constant vibration. While Nord-Lock washers can address this issue, they add complexity.

Overcoming Vibration with Nord-Lock Washers

As mentioned earlier, a major drawback of standard bolts is their susceptibility to loosening under constant vibration. This can lead to joint failure and pose safety risks. Here's where Nord-Lock washers come in:

• Unique Wedge-Locking Design: Nord-Lock washers feature a wedge-locking mechanism. They are comprised of a pair of specially designed washers with cams on one side and radial teeth on the other. The key is the angle of the cams, which is greater than the thread pitch of the bolt.
• Creating a Self-Tightening Effect: When tightened, the cams of the Nord-Lock washers interlock with the radial teeth, creating a wedging action. This wedging action actually increases the clamping force as external vibration occurs.
• Securing Joints in Harsh Environments: This ingenious design ensures that the bolts remain securely tightened even under extreme vibration and dynamic loads. This makes Nord-Lock washers ideal for critical applications in industries like construction, transportation, and manufacturing.

In essence, by utilising Nord-Lock washers, you can leverage the benefits of bolts – such as high clamp load, reusability, and ease of installation with standard tools – without compromising on vibration resistance.

Rivets: Permanent Strength for Specific Applications

Rivets are permanent fasteners with a shaft and a head. The shank is inserted through pre-drilled holes and then deformed or expanded on the backside of the material to create a secure joint. Here's what makes rivets a good choice:

• Vibration Resistant: Rivets are excellent for applications experiencing constant vibration as their design prevents loosening.
• One-Sided Accessibility: Blind rivets, a specific type, can be installed from just one side, making them ideal for situations where access to the backside is limited.

However, rivets also come with limitations:

• Limited Clamp Load: Rivets cannot achieve the same level of clamping force as bolts.
• Permanence: Rivets are considered permanent fasteners and require drilling out for removal, making disassembly difficult and potentially damaging to surrounding materials.
• Installation Tooling: Specialised tools like rivet guns are usually needed for installation.

Riveting vs. Bolting: Making the Right Choice

So, when should you choose a rivet over a bolt? Here are some key considerations:

• Application Needs: If your project requires a permanent joint resistant to vibration and only needs access from one side, rivets might be the better option.
• Disassembly Requirements: If future disassembly is a possibility, bolts are the clear choice due to their reusability.
• Material Thickness: Rivets can be a good option for thinner materials where a high clamp load is not critical.

Ultimately, the best choice between rivets and bolts depends on your specific project requirements. Consider the factors above to ensure you select the most suitable fastener for a strong and reliable assembly.