The Complete Handbook of Rivets

Rivets are among the oldest and most reliable fasteners in existence, yet choosing the right one for a modern application is a surprisingly complex decision. Alloy, temper, head style, grip range, hole tolerance, and installation tooling all affect the integrity of a joint, and getting any of them wrong can mean premature failure or a rework on the shop floor. The Complete Handbook of Rivets cuts through the marketing gloss and disjointed datasheets to provide a single, organized reference for anyone who specifies, installs, or sells these fasteners.

Inside, you will find a clear description of how different rivet types behave under load—from solid and blind rivets to structural and specialty fasteners—and the specific mechanical properties (shear strength, tensile strength, corrosion resistance) that matter in a given environment. The book walks you through a practical decision framework, detailed installation procedures with torque and pressure settings, and a robust troubleshooting section to diagnose joint failures before they become costly problems. It also covers the business side of rivets: how to source from major manufacturers, what to look for in a supplier, and realistic opportunities in distribution and servicing.

Written in a neutral, instructive tone, this handbook is designed to sit on the workbench of an aircraft maintenance technician and serve as the desk reference of a project engineer. It is not a collection of product pages; it is a body of practical knowledge—grounded in physical principles and real-world usage—that gives you confidence in every riveted joint you touch.