All you need to know about removable rivets
Removable rivets are used for temporary fastening. If you need frequent access to panels to carry out maintenance, then removable rivets should be your choice. In this guide, we’ll explain what makes them ideal, covering:
Types of removable rivets
Permanent fasteners rivets offer a secure joint, which is why they’re used so often. They can even be removed, but not without destroying the rivet and possibly damaging the application. If you know access will be required for inside the panels you’re joining, then use removable rivets.
These popular fasteners come in different types and are designed for easy installation and removal without damaging the materials you’re joining. Removable rivets also have the added advantage in being reusable.
Removable plastic rivets
Removable rivets come in different materials. Your application will, of course, determine the rivet material you should use. You can learn more in How to choose plastic rivets: a quick guide.
Permanent metal rivets, such as steel, have a higher load-bearing capacity and tensile strength than plastics and are used for heavy-duty applications such as securing structural applications. Groove rivets, for example, are ideal as non-removable metal-to-wood rivets used in construction. They can also be used in non-structural applications, such as furniture.
Removable metal rivets play a very different role to permanent rivets and are primarily used in electronics and casting fastening. Their plastic counterparts are more economical and used when light weight is needed. For example:
- Automotive: autobody removable rivets are ideal for attaching trim pieces, securing wiring harnesses, and holding various components in place
- Medical Equipment: removable plastic rivets are found in hospital beds, wheelchairs and other medical devices
- Construction: plastic removable rivets are used to hold various components in place, such as light fixtures
- Electronics: replacing laptop keyboard with non-removable rivets is commonly done to securely hold circuit boards, batteries, and other components
- Consumer Appliances: easily removable rivets are often used in ovens, refrigerators and washing machines
These distinct rivets are also ideal for electrical and electronic assemblies due to plastics’ good insulation properties, for example:
Quick-release fasteners are suitable for security panels and components that need to be replaced in a hurry. They can also be reused. Easy to install, tighten, loosen and remove using a crosshead screwdriver. Multi or two-pronged removable plastic rivets available in acetal or nylon 6/6.
Removable pop rivets
When you have access to only one side of the rivet hole, a blind rivet makes it easy to join sheet metal or other materials. Pop rivets are especially popular for their ease of use. Example:
Made of nylon 6/6 and polycarbonate (PC), removable plastic pop rivets are pre-assembled and easy to install. When the rivet is pushed through the rivet hole from one side, the body – or shaft – expands to form a tight joint and the mandrel will break off. These pop rivets offer good resistance to vibration, abrasion and corrosion.
To remove pop rivets – or any blind rivet – read our guide, What are blind rivets used for?
Removable plastic push rivets
Plastic push rivets are inserted into a pre-drilled hole and removed by pushing them out from the opposite side. You can get additional information about this type of fastener in our guide What is a push-in rivet?
Examples of plastic push-in rivets designed to be removable include:
The knobhead makes these removable rivets easy to grasp for more comfort. They can be removed and reused up to 25 times, making this a highly economical rivet. The push-pull design requires no tools, making it fast and easy to install into the rivet hole. Made of nylon 6.
Removable plastic push pin rivets provide a strong and secure panel fastener connection. Quick and easy to install, simply insert the rivet into the panel hole and push down on the head to fasten. To remove rivets, simply pull the pin from the grommet. Made of nylon 6/6.
Nylon removable rivets made up of two components: the pin and grommet. To remove from your application, pull the pin on the side taps, and retract the grommet. The pin and the grommet are supplied unassembled. Can be used in round or square holes.
Removable push-in rivet – fir tree
Nylon 6/6 Removable rivets with barbed protrusions along the shank provide an efficient fastening solution for joining a range of panel thicknesses and materials. Can be used as a rivet and a screw. Fast and easy assembly. Remove from threaded holes with a Phillips head screwdriver.
Download free CADs and try before you buy
Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download. You can also request free samples to ensure the product you’ve chosen is exactly what you need.
If you’re not quite sure which solution will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you. Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast despatch. Request your free samples or download free CADs now.
Questions?
Email us at sales@essentracomponents.co.uk or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 0345 528 0474.