How rivets and pin selection impacts structural integrity in assemblies

Posted: September 12, 2025

Categories: News

When it comes to building strong and reliable structures, the choice between rivets and pins plays a big role. Rivets create lasting, shake-proof connections that spread out weight evenly and resist rust, making them perfect for tough or constantly moving settings. Pins, though, work better for joints that need to swivel or come apart easily, but they require exact placement and extra securing methods. Things like whether the joint needs to stay fixed, how much wiggle room the holes have, and the kind of stress involved all matter in picking the right one. Since 2004, Qewitco has been offering top-notch rivets and worldwide supply options to meet these needs.

Why Does the Choice Between Rivets and Pins Matter for Structural Integrity?

Deciding whether to use a rivet or a pin isn’t just a small detail. It can shape how well your project holds up over time. This isn’t about what you like better—it’s about getting the engineering right for lasting strength.

Load Distribution and Stress Concentration Differences

Pins are often picked for parts that need to move or be taken apart later. They handle sideways forces pretty well. But if they’re not lined up just right, they can create weak spots where stress builds up. Rivets, on the other hand, especially the heavy-duty kinds, do a much better job of spreading out the weight. When you install them, they expand to fill the hole, cutting down on risky pressure points.

Take structural rivets with expanding designs, for example. They create a smoother path for the load, which helps prevent wear and tear over the years. This makes them a solid choice for setups that face constant movement or repeated strain, where too much stress in one spot could cause an early breakdown.

Material Compatibility and Corrosion Resistance

Choosing the right material is super important to avoid rust caused by mixing different metals. It also helps things last longer. Pins might need grease or special coatings if they’re used with unlike metals. Rivets, though, often come in matching materials like stainless steel or carbon steel, which hold up really well against corrosion.

For instance, the Mono-Lock Structural Rivet (Stainless Steel) has a body and mandrel crafted from 304 & 316 stainless steel with a smooth, natural finish. This gives it great protection in harsh places like ships at sea or chemical plants where rust is a constant threat.

Assembly Environment and Vibration Performance

In places with a lot of shaking or rattling, pins can work loose if you don’t lock them down with extras like cotter pins or retaining rings. Rivets, especially those with built-in mandrel locks, naturally resist this kind of movement.

Look at the Multi-grip Blind Rivet (All Steel). Its retained mandrel design ensures a firm, shake-proof hold. That’s why it’s a go-to for moving setups like truck frames or factory machines that are always in motion.

What Factors Determine Whether to Use a Rivet or a Pin?

The needs of your project will point you toward either a rivet for a fixed joint or a pin for one you can take apart.

Joint Permanence and Maintenance Requirements

If you know you’ll need to pull things apart later for fixes, pins are usually the better pick. They come out fast without harming the parts. But if you want a joint that stays put forever without needing touch-ups, rivets are hard to beat. They won’t loosen up as time goes on.

Plus, riveted connections don’t need extra locking pieces. This cuts down on the number of bits and pieces you have to deal with, which is a huge plus in streamlined production setups.

Hole Tolerance and Alignment Considerations

Pins need the holes to be spot-on for a good fit. If they’re even a little off, you might get too much play or things might jam up. Rivets are more easygoing since they swell up during installation to fit snugly.

The Multi-grip Blind Rivet (All Steel) works even with uneven, oversized, or oval holes. This means you can keep things strong even if the holes aren’t perfect. It’s a lifesaver for on-site repairs or older equipment upgrades.

Shear and Tensile Load Expectations

Pins are great for handling sideways pushes, but they’re not as strong when pulled straight on, unless they’re made special for it. Structural rivets, though, are built to take on both sideways and straight-on forces without a hitch.

Here’s an example: the Mono-Lock Structural Rivet (Carbon Steel) offers up to 10450N in tensile strength and up to 11780N in shear strength. That kind of power makes it ideal for tough jobs like big storage boxes or support beams that carry heavy loads.

How Do Different Types of Rivets Affect Assembly Performance?

Picking the right rivet isn’t just about what it’s made of. It’s about matching it to what your project really needs for the best results.

Multi-Grip Blind Rivet for Versatile Sheet Thicknesses

Multi-grip blind rivets are a fantastic option when you’re working with materials of different thicknesses. Their flexible grip range lets one size handle a bunch of jobs. This cuts down on the variety of parts you need to keep in stock, which is a big help.

They’re a must-have in fields where you might swap between various panel sizes but still need steady, reliable performance every time.

Mono-Lock Structural Rivet (Stainless Steel) for High Strength and Corrosive Environments

When you can’t compromise on toughness or protection from the elements, stainless steel structural rivets stand out. They deliver high shear strength up to 26080N and tensile strength up to 19400N. On top of that, their mechanical mandrel lock keeps things safe from damage or electrical issues. This is key for stuff like electronic casings or boat parts.

Mono-Lock Structural Rivet (Carbon Steel) for Cost-Effective Heavy-Duty Applications

If you’re watching your budget but still need solid performance, carbon steel structural rivets hit the sweet spot. They fill holes nicely and resist shaking, which makes them a great fit for big construction projects where you’ve got to balance cost with strict strength requirements.

When Should You Choose Qewit’s Multi-Grip Blind Rivet (All Steel)?

There are certain times when this option just makes the most sense:

• It adapts to uneven, oversized, or oval holes, so it’s awesome for quick fixes or installs out in the field.
• Its firm, shake-proof connection keeps things steady in equipment that moves a lot.
• It can stand in for several regular rivets, cutting down on stock needs—a real win for companies juggling lots of different products.

Want to know more? Check it out here: Multi-grip Blind Rivet (All Steel)

In What Situations Is Qewit’s Mono-Lock Structural Rivet (Stainless Steel) Preferable?

This type shines when you’re dealing with rough conditions and need something tough:

• Its high shear and tensile strength are perfect for airplane brackets or ship panels.
• Made from 304 & 316 stainless steel, it stands up to water and harsh chemicals without rusting.
• The visible locking system lets you double-check the setup easily, which is handy during factory quality checks.

See all the details here: Mono-Lock Structural Rivet (Stainless Steel)

What Are the Advantages of Using Qewit’s Mono-Lock Structural Rivet (Carbon Steel)?

You get strong features without breaking the bank:

• Its great hole-filling ability means a tight fit, even if the holes aren’t perfect.
• The mechanical mandrel lock stops it from coming loose when things shake.
• With tensile strength up to 10450N and shear strength up to 11780N, it’s a solid pick for industrial work on a tight budget.

Find out more here: Mono-Lock Structural Rivet (Carbon Steel)

How Can Qewit Fastener Support Your Fastening Strategy?

Honestly, you’re not just looking for fasteners. You need a partner who gets the whole picture—global shipping, quality control, hands-on help, and custom orders all in one place. That’s exactly why folks across Europe rely on Qewit as their main supplier.

Since starting in 2004, Qewit has focused on making and selling top-quality, dependable products. Its way of doing business still carries the influence of its former British owners and leaders.

With them, you’re not just getting access to over 30,000 product options. You also get:

• Help with technical questions whenever you’re stuck.
• Custom-made items tailored to your exact needs.
• Amazing customer care that goes the extra mile.
• A trustworthy supply chain that reaches around the world.

Whether you’re handling tricky builds in different countries or hunting for odd parts based on sketches, this team brings Western-style service with the value of the Far East. Honestly, I’ve seen firsthand how much smoother projects run with a partner like this—saves a ton of headaches!

FAQ

Q1: Can I use pins instead of rivets if I want easier disassembly?
A: Yep, pins are the way to go if you’ll need to take things apart later for repairs without wrecking anything. Just keep in mind, they might need extra locks if there’s a lot of movement or stress.

Q2: How do I pick between stainless steel and carbon steel structural rivets?
A: Go with stainless steel if you’re worried about rust, like in ocean settings. Pick carbon steel if you’re trying to save money but still need something strong.

Q3: Do multi-grip blind rivets lose strength because they’re so flexible?
A: Nope, not at all. Even though they work with different sizes, they still hold tight and resist shaking, which makes them good for lots of factory uses.