Reviews of large flange rivets suppliers

Large flange rivets, also called Big head rivets are popular for installing in applications where you want extra bearing surface on the finish side of the application. These rivets typically have 50% larger flange, or head diameters than their small headed cousins. For example, a 1/8″ diameter rivet has a standard, small head diameter of 1/4″. The large flange version of a 1/8″ diameter rivet has a head diameter of 3/8″, which provides an extra 1/8″ surface coverage on the finished side of the application. While the extra coverage realized is usually a good thing. It may not be the only choice you can make to improve the fasteners strength. The type of rivet, the brand or manufacturer of the rivet as well as the raw materials used can have a considerable impact on the function and durability of the rivet.

When reviewing what rivet to use in your application. Consider why, when and where would you want to install Large flange rivets. The larger head diameter offers more surface coverage, which can translate to providing more fastening and/or clamping strength. Note: clamping and holding strength also depends on the rivets functional design. Not all large flange rivets are designed, and certainly not all made the same way or of the same materials. For more information on blind rivet performance visit aDP Rivet’s how to use rivet page for reviews and comparisons.

Getting back to “why” use Large headed rivets. It can offer more surface coverage, and can provide better joint strength. There are many advantages to improving the surface coverage when considering a fastener. Some designers also increase the number of rivets installed, which is another positive strength enhancement. Another observation to consider when selecting sources for large head rivets is the thickness of the head itself. Typically a 3/16″ diameter large head rivet should be about 3/32″ thick, which is pretty hefty. Most US manufacturers will keep their head thickness as hefty as possible as they realize it enhances the strength of the product. It also increases the weight of the fastener as more material is used. You may not find the same consistency when reviewing imported brands as they tend to reduce their material consumption to reduce costs.

Where to use Large flange rivets? Applications can range from fastening soft materials like rubber, fiberglass, plastics to sheet metal or metal frames. When ever the softer material is the finished, or exposed material, the large flange rivets can provide more surface contact and better hold for the softer material to the stronger back side material. Applications with surface movement, (often called metal working), which occurs when fastening multiple sheets of materials, sheet metals, aluminum sheets, fiberglass sheets. Typically, the sheets are also fastened to a more rigid frame on the back side, however the sheets are the finished side and application will flex, or move when is use. Vehicles are one common application where sheets are fastened to a rigid back side frame. Think of race cars, which have a rigid tubular or channel type steel frame. Aluminum, steel, composites and fiberglass sheets are often used to cover the frame and allow for a finished appearance. Naturally, when a race car does it’s thing, there’s plenty of metal movement, flexing and sometimes rubbing against other race cars. Snowmobiles, sleds, mobile homes, trailers and on and on all have similar construction features, which often has sheet materials riveted over the structural frame. Popped rivets are a quick, easy, and accomplished method of fastening these vehicles.

When using large flange rivets, the spacing (distance between rivets) can be about 50% more than when using smaller headed rivets. You can end up using fewer rivets, however, many people who use the larger head rivets also consider them visually appealing and use more. They also give the added strength feature a boost by using more rivets.

Let’s review large flange rivets and the advantages. When your application involves rather large sheets or panels. Large flange rivets may be the choice as they can improve the joint strength with their extra surface coverage. Painted, colored large flange rivets to match your application will greatly improve the visual appearance as they will blend into the finished look. There is slight costs increase when buying large flange rivets rather than regular or small flange rivets. However, the added costs may be insignificant when considering the added strength realized when using large flange rivets.

Beware of “me too” rivets which cheat on not only the size of the Larger flange by making it smaller than the specification. Often, cheap “me too” rivets have smaller diameter and thinner heads, which combined add up to a weaker, failure prone rivet. There is a reason most “me too” cheap rivets are less expensive, and it may not just be because they were made in China. Buyer beware! Don’t risk your application to premature and/or weaker construction due to cheating “me too” type rivets.

Buy American made Large flange rivets from a reliable supplier. One manufacturer of large flange rivets has separated itself from pack of “me too” suppliers. That is aDP Rivet and not just because of this text. It’s because over three thousand customers have logged positive review comments to the extent aDP Rivet has earned a 100% customer approval rating. Visit their online store and read the customer reviews.

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