A hollow rivet, also known as a tubular rivet, is a mechanical fastener with a cylindrical shank that has a hollow interior, unlike a solid rivet. When installed, the hollow tail expands or flares to create a secure connection, and this feature reduces the installation force required compared to a solid rivet. They are commonly used to join materials like leather, fabric, and thin sheet metal, and applications requiring pivot points or lightweight connections.
How it Works
- Insertion: The hollow rivet is inserted through pre-drilled holes in the materials to be joined.
- Deformation: A specialized tool, often a rivet gun, is used to squeeze the hollow end of the rivet.
- Clamping: The force causes the hollow tail to deform and flare outwards, creating a second head and clamping the materials together.
Key Features & Advantages
- Reduced Installation Force: The hollow design allows the rivet to deform more easily than a solid rivet, requiring less force to set it.
- Lightweight: The hollow structure reduces the amount of material, making the rivet lighter.
- Versatility: Hollow rivets come in various forms, such as semi-tubular (partially hollow) and fully tubular (completely hollow) designs, and can be used to fasten a wide range of materials, including softer ones like leather and fabric.
- Aesthetic Appeal: They are often preferred in applications where a clean and aesthetically pleasing connection is desired.
Common Applications
- Leather goods: Bags, shoes, and belts.
- Apparel and footwear: Attaching tags and reinforcing straps.
- Light metalwork: Joining thin sheet metals.
- Pivot points: In applications where some movement is necessary.
- Soft or brittle materials: Sealing soft materials with good clamp consistency.
