How to Install a Tubular Rivet

Rivets come in two types: the blind and the tubular rivet. As an alternative to threaded fasteners, one of the tools you can make use of are rivets. In a nutshell, a tubular rivet differs from a blind rivet based on the number of sides of the assembly. A blind rivet makes use of only one side of the assembly for the installation.

For the tubular, it takes two sides of the assembly. Tubular rivets can be made up of steel, brass, or any kind of soft grade aluminum. Carbon steel is also a great material to use for rivets. Rivets act as joint supports and offer the clinching requirements in assembling products. It helps if you know the difference between the two rivets. This way, you'll find it easier to install a tubular rivet. So when you're ready, it's time to prepare the tools and materials needed for this task.

Installing a Tubular Rivet with a Gun

Step 1 - Hold Rivet Gun Against the Rivet

There are many ways to install a tubular rivet. One way to install tubular rivets is by manually hammering it. You can make use of a hammer or a bucking bar. Rivets are small and soft enough to be hammered and bucked into place. In order to do this, place the rivet gun which holds the rivets against the object or factory head you're installing it.

Step 2 - Use the Bucking Bar Against the Tail

Hold a bucking bar against the tail. If you are not familiar with a bucking bar, it's just a solid block of metal.

Step 3 - Use Rivet Gun to Install Rivet

The rivet gun will then create a series of high-impulse vibration or force that will put the rivet in place.

Step 4 - Inspect the Rivet

Once the rivet has been installed in place, inspect and see if it is sitting nicely against the object it is being installed in.

Installing a Tubular Rivet by Hand

Step 1 - Position Rivet in a Rivet Set

Using your hand and a ball-peen hammer, you can install the rivet by hand. Place the head in a special hole, such as a rivet set.

Step 2 - Hammer the Rivet

Hammer the buck-tail of the rivet so it's flush against the material being fastened.

Step 3 - Inspect the Rivet

Test the rivet to see if it is installed properly.

Squeezing a Rivet

Step 1 - Squeeze Rivet

You can also simply squeeze the rivet for the larger and harder types. If the rivet you're working with is large and hard enough, you can just squeeze the rivet out. With a tool in contact with the rivet, such as a pin hammer, clinch the rivet in both sides to squeeze the rivet into place.

Step 2 - Inspect the Rivet Installed

Once the rivet is in place, inspect and see if it has been installed properly.