The Revolution of Pop Riveting

Beyond bolts and screws there is another method of securing materials using the method of pop riveting. This is used when there is limited space underneath where the two parts need to be connected.

What is a Pop Rivet?

This is a type of rivet which has been created to fix two parts together from the top side, unlike older methods which involved accessing underneath to secure parts together. The Original manufacture POP® created these rivets for manufacturing aircrafts in the war, which in turn then expanded into automotive, furniture and appliances.

How does it work?

Pop rivets involve using a riveter which pulls the mandrel into the body, causing the mandrel to expand and fix into place by forming a tight seal underneath. When secured, the mandrel pulled through will then completely snap off creating a permanent fixture.

This is the main base of how Pop Rivets work, however there are various types depending on what you are securing together.

Before starting, determining the type and size is important to make sure you get a secure bond. Measure the hole sizes in order to decide the size of the rivet, but never force a rivet into a hole if it’s too wide. Consider the length of the rivet in proportion, so this does not affect the underneath components. Additionally assess the head type and what materials it is going to secure. For example, flat or dome shapes as well as smaller or larger head sizes.

Types of Pop Rivets

There are many different types of rivets to complete various jobs containing diverse tensile strengths.

Open Ended Rivets

Hollow blind rivets pre-assembled onto a headed pin or mandrel, these do well in most industrial riveting applications.

Closed-End Blind Rivets

Fully sealed for applications that need to be water tight or when stem retention is paramount. When applied this rivet forms a seal and prevents passage of liquid or vapor at pressures up to 100psi.

Micro Rivets

For small applications such as for thin metal sheets and printed circuit boards. These are 2mm aluminium open-end rivets which makes them perfect for micro electronics.

Pull Through

This solution is when the clearance is limited and there needs to be a flush surface mostly used in the electronic industry.

Soft set

Open end rivets used for more brittle materials such as plastic furniture and lighting, however, ensures a firm connection.

What do you need to pop rivet?

• Drill
• Drill Bit - An appropriate size
• Pop Rivets
• Riveter - This can come in the form of a rivet gun or a lazy tong riveter

How to Rivet

Please note: This example is on a Mcculloch M40-450C w/ Briggs and Stratton 9T502 Engine.

If the parts are already secured and for example in this case the recoil assembly needs to be removed from the housing, you will need to drill out the old rivets.

1. Using a power drill, drill out the old rivets (you may want to secure the housing in a vice so this does not move when you are drilling).
2. Then, put the new recoil in place, aligning it where the holes are, so you can place the new pop rivets in.
3. Using a Riveter, press down with firm pressure on the rivet and press more than a few times until the new rivet is secure and the mandrel breaks and joins the parts. Repeat this step until you have replaced all the rivets.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

References

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https://www.stanleyengineeredfastening.com/brands/pop