Omar Khalid
Plastic pop rivets are a handy tool for joining different materials, including metal, Perspex, and plastic. They are commonly used in the automotive and manufacturing industries due to their ability to resist electricity and chemicals. When installing plastic pop rivets, it is important to select the correct type and size of rivet for your specific application. Additionally, choosing a suitable rivet gun and drill bit is crucial for a secure and clean installation. This process involves carefully drilling a hole, inserting the rivet pin, and using the rivet gun to pull the mandrel up tight, creating a strong and durable joint.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Pop rivet gun, drill, drill bit, rivet pin, rivet removal tool |
| Materials | Metal, Perspex, plastic, nylon, acetal (polyoxymethylene), polypropylene |
| Types of Plastic Rivets | Expanding rivets, car rivets, rivet clips, snap rivet fasteners |
| Plastic Characteristics | Low density, good chemical resistance, resists electricity, low-friction, vulnerable to UV rays |
| Hole Preparation | Drill a hole the same size as the rivet (e.g., 4mm hole for a 4mm rivet), clean around the hole |
| Rivet Installation | Insert rivet pin into the hole with the mandrel facing upwards, slide the die cavity over the mandrel until it hits the rivet head, squeeze and pump the rivet gun handles to pull the mandrel up |
| Tips | Use a sharp and well-lubricated drill bit, be careful when drilling brittle materials, ensure the mandrel fits snugly inside the die |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right plastic rivet gun
When choosing the right plastic rivet gun, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the type of rivets you will be using is important. The two main types of rivets are solid rivets and blind rivets. Solid rivets consist of a solid pin with a head that is inserted through a pre-drilled hole, while blind rivets have a hollow pin or mandrel and can be installed from one side. Make sure the rivet gun you choose is compatible with the type of rivets you plan to use.
Another consideration is the power source of the rivet gun. If you need a high-performance tool that can install a large number of rivets consistently, a pneumatic or air-powered rivet gun is a good choice. These are commonly used in building construction or heavy-duty assembly applications. On the other hand, if portability is a priority, a battery-operated rivet tool might be a better option. Battery-powered rivet guns are becoming popular on construction sites and in other environments where mobility is important.
The volume of fasteners you need to set is also a factor in choosing a rivet gun. Some rivet guns can handle a higher volume of fasteners, so consider the scale of your project and choose a tool that can accommodate the number of rivets you need to install. Additionally, pay attention to the nose assembly of the rivet gun. Different rivets require different nose assemblies, and choosing the wrong grip range can impact the performance and wear of the tool.
Finally, consider the brand and quality of the rivet gun. Popular brands like Marson, Huck, POP, and Gesipa offer a range of manual rivet guns with different features and configurations. It's worth researching the reputation and reviews of each brand to ensure you're choosing a reliable and durable tool. Remember that the right rivet gun will depend on the specific requirements of your project, so consider the type of rivets, power source, volume of fasteners, nose assembly, and brand reputation when making your decision.
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Understanding different plastic rivets
Plastic rivets are versatile fasteners that are perfect for light-duty applications across multiple industries. They are easy to use and can be installed by pushing them into a panel hole, usually by hand. They are also known as push rivets or pop rivets.
There are several types of plastic rivets available, each with its unique features and applications. Here are some of the most common types:
- R-Loks: Also known as Pop Rivets or Blind Fixing Rivets, R-Loks are highly versatile and reliable for fixing panels securely and tamper-proof. They are non-corrosive and non-conducting, making them safe for various applications. R-Loks can be fitted from one side of the panel, making installation quick and easy.
- Removable Push Rivets: These rivets provide a fast and reliable fixing solution that can be easily removed and reused. They are ideal for applications that may need to be disassembled in the future, as they allow for hassle-free removal and re-use of the fastener.
- Expansion Plastic Rivets: These rivets are perfect for providing a clean, tamper-proof fixing solution. They are ideal for use in applications where a screw would normally be used. Expansion plastic rivets are easy to install and provide a reliable, durable, and long-lasting fixing solution.
- Self-Piercing Snap Rivets: Snap rivets are suitable for smaller tasks where both sides of the material can be accessed. They are easy to install and can be used in various applications, from DIY projects to professional jobs. They provide a secure and easy-to-use fastening solution.
- Ratchet Rivets: Ratchet rivets consist of two identical parts that are pushed together to form a secure and tamper-proof fixing. They are ideal for applications where both sides of the material can be accessed and can accommodate varying panel thicknesses.
- Mini Rivets: Mini rivets are light-duty, reliable, and easy to install. They provide a durable, long-lasting solution for projects such as securing signs and panels in both rigid and compressed materials.
- Nylon Rivets: Nylon snap rivet fasteners are popular due to nylon's low-friction properties. Nylon resists most chemicals but is vulnerable to strong acids, alcohols, and alkalis. Nylon rivets provide permanent, secure panel assemblies.
- Acetal Rivets: Acetal, also known as polyoxymethylene (POM), is a strong and rigid material that resists moisture, heat, chemicals, and solvents. It has good electrical insulation properties and high mechanical strength. Acetal is used for quarter-turn panel fasteners, panel strikers, gears, bushings, and automotive door handles.
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Drilling the hole
It is important to be careful when drilling, especially if you are working with brittle or thin materials such as Perspex. Applying too much pressure or moving the bit too quickly while drilling can easily crack or split these types of materials. Therefore, it is recommended to drill slowly and with minimal pressure. Additionally, ensure that you are using a sharp drill bit and keep it well lubricated.
With the drill bit positioned correctly, proceed to drill through both objects that you are joining together. Take your time and be careful not to apply too much pressure. Once you have drilled all the way through, remove the drill bit and clean around the hole to remove any debris or residue.
Now that the hole has been drilled, you can prepare to insert the rivet. Select the appropriate rivet and insert the rivet pin into the hole, ensuring that the mandrel is facing upwards. The mandrel is the part of the rivet that slots into the rivet gun die cavity, allowing you to pull the rivet tight and secure it in place.
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Inserting the rivet pin
When installing plastic pop rivets, the first step is to align the objects you are joining together at the point where you want to join them. Next, you need to drill a hole through both objects—this is where your rivet will go. Make sure the drill bit is the same size as your rivet, in this case, 4mm. With the hole ready, it's time to insert the rivet pin.
Select the correct rivet for your project and insert the rivet pin into the hole. Ensure that the mandrel is facing upwards, as this is the part that will slot into the rivet gun die cavity. The mandrel should fit snugly inside the cavity, so make sure you are using the correct size for your rivet. The mandrel is the part of the rivet that gets pulled up and crushed against the object you are joining, so it needs to be the right size.
If you are using a thin or fragile material, be careful not to drill too tightly as this can cause the rivet pin to expand and put pressure on the hole, causing the material to split. With the rivet in place, slide the die cavity over the mandrel until it hits the rivet head. The die cavity is the opening in the rivet gun that the mandrel slots into. Once the die is in contact with the rivet head, squeeze the handles of the rivet gun together. You may need to pump the handles a few times to pull the mandrel head up fully. As you pump, you will feel the handles get tighter as the mandrel pulls the rivet pin up and crushes it, securing the objects together.
Rivet guns typically come with a selection of additional pin dies that can be screwed into one of the handles. These spare pin dies accommodate different-sized rivets, so be sure to choose the correct size for your project. Plastic rivet guns are designed specifically for use with plastic rivets, as regular rivet guns may not have the necessary pulling force and could get jammed.
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Using the rivet gun
Using a rivet gun is the most effective way to install plastic pop rivets. Before you begin, ensure you have the right rivet gun and rivets for the job. Pop rivets come in different materials, sizes, and types, so choose the appropriate type of pop rivet for the materials you are joining. When working with plastics, choose a softer material for the pop rivet, such as aluminium, and ensure the load-bearing area on the blind side is large enough to prevent it from pulling out.
Once you have your materials, insert the rivet into the rivet gun. The rivet gun will grab onto the shaft of the rivet and put a push-pull force on it. Pull the gun's trigger to pull the mandrel through and lock the rivet in place. The mandrel will snap off, leaving a clean finish.
It is important to note that when joining plastic, you should use a washer on the inside face of your workpiece if possible. The washer will give more solid purchase to the flared end of the blind rivet, allowing your rivets to last longer.
If you do not have access to a rivet gun, there are alternative methods you can use to install pop rivets. These include using a hammer, pliers, a screwdriver, or a bench vise. However, these methods may be more challenging and time-consuming, and the rivets may not be as secure as when installed with a rivet gun.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a plastic rivet gun, a drill, and a drill bit. You can buy a plastic rivet gun online, and some come with a selection of additional pin dies.
The type of plastic rivet you should use depends on your application. Common types of plastic rivets include expanding rivets, car rivets, rivet clips, and snap rivet fasteners. Nylon snap rivet fasteners are especially popular.
First, align the objects you want to join and drill a hole through them. Then, insert the rivet pin into the hole so that the mandrel is facing upwards. Finally, slide the die cavity over the mandrel until it hits the rivet head and squeeze the handles of the rivet gun together.
If you are drilling through brittle or thin materials, be very careful and drill slowly without applying too much pressure. Also, make sure to use a sharp drill bit and keep it well lubricated.
