I’ve spent years working on aluminum fabrication projects, from trailers to ductwork, and nothing is more frustrating than a rivet that fails prematurely. Finding the right fastener that stands up to vibration and corrosion is crucial. That’s why I put together this guide to the best rivets for aluminum currently on the market. We’ll dive deep into selection criteria, material compatibility, and review five excellent kits and bulk packs so you can make strong, lasting connections every time, whether you’re doing automotive repairs or setting up aluminum gutters.
Contents
- Wensilon (250Pcs) 3/16″x1/2″ Aluminum blind pro Rivets,Aluminum Grip and Steel Mandrel
- INCLY 1000PCS Aluminum Pop Rivets Assortment Kit, 14 Sizes Pop Rivets (3/32″ 1/8″ 5/32″ 3/16″ 1/4″) with 5 Size 304 Stainless Steel Backup Washers, Assorted Blind Rivets for Metal with Storage Case
- ISPINNER 50pcs 3/16″ x 3/4″ Large Flange Aluminum Blind Rivets, 4.8 x 20mm Pop Rivets (Silver)
- Linkup 600pcs 15 Sizes Pop Rivets Assortment Kit,Aluminum Rivets, Silver pop rivet set including 3/32″ 1/8″ 5/32″ 3/16″ 1/4″ blind rivets for metal Dome Head rivet kit
- SATANTECH 500pcs Pop Rivets Assortment Kit,14 SAE Sizes Aluminum Rivets (3/32″ 1/8″ 5/32″ 3/16″ 1/4″), Assorted Blind Rivets with Reinfored Divider & Labeled Case
- Rivet Assortments vs. Specialty Packs: Short Comparison Insights
- Final Verdict: Which Aluminum Rivet is Right for You?
- Best Rivets For Aluminum FAQ
- What does “blind rivet” mean, and why are they used for aluminum?
- Should I choose aluminum rivets with a steel or aluminum mandrel?
- What is “grip range,” and why is it important when selecting rivets?
- How do I prevent corrosion when joining two different metals, like aluminum and steel?
- What size drill bit do I need for a 3/16-inch aluminum rivet?
- Can I use aluminum rivets in a load-bearing application?
Wensilon (250Pcs) 3/16″x1/2″ Aluminum blind pro Rivets,Aluminum Grip and Steel Mandrel
If you’re running a consistent repair or fabrication operation that relies heavily on a single, strong rivet size, this Wensilon bulk pack is an excellent choice. These are classic aluminum blind rivets featuring an aluminum grip and a sturdy steel mandrel, ensuring a strong pull-out resistance. The materials are specifically chosen for their resistance to corrosion and acid, meaning these rivets perform reliably whether used indoors for appliances or outdoors on marine equipment. They have a self-plugging open-end design that works smoothly with standard rivet guns and is ideal for joining various metal sheets and pipes without deforming the surface material.
Key features that stand out:
- Premium Materials: Corrosion and acid-resistant aluminum and steel construction.
- Consistent Sizing: All 250 pieces are the highly popular 3/16″ x 1/2″ size.
- Versatile Application: Suitable for demanding environments, including automotive and aviation.
Pros:
– Excellent bulk value for a commonly used size.
– High resistance to environmental factors like corrosion and temperature changes.
– Self-plugging design makes installation quick and clean.
– Comes with a 24-month warranty for confidence in purchase.
Cons:
– Limited to one specific size, making it unsuitable for varied projects.
Best for:
Professional contractors or DIYers who constantly use the 3/16″ x 1/2″ size for light structural or panel work.
Expert Opinion: This set is perfect for jobs requiring consistent mechanical strength. While the grip material is aluminum, the steel mandrel provides the necessary shear strength until the break, which is a key factor when looking for high-quality best rivets for aluminum.
INCLY 1000PCS Aluminum Pop Rivets Assortment Kit, 14 Sizes Pop Rivets (3/32″ 1/8″ 5/32″ 3/16″ 1/4″) with 5 Size 304 Stainless Steel Backup Washers, Assorted Blind Rivets for Metal with Storage Case
The INCLY 1000-piece kit isn’t just a massive assortment of fasteners; it’s a complete system designed for maximum stability. What sets this kit apart is the inclusion of 500 pieces of 304 stainless steel backup washers. These washers are invaluable when dealing with soft aluminum alloys, oversized holes, or thin sheet metal, as they prevent the rivet head from pulling straight through. The kit covers 14 of the most used rivet sizes, ranging from 3/32″ up to 1/4″ diameter, providing ultimate flexibility for both small electronics work and larger fabrication jobs.
Key features that stand out:
- 1000 Total Pieces: 500 aluminum rivets and 500 stainless steel washers.
- Enhanced Stability: Washers prevent pull-out on soft or damaged material.
- Superior Material: High-quality aluminum and 304 stainless steel for extreme corrosion resistance.
Pros:
– Massive assortment covers virtually every common riveting need.
– The included stainless steel washers significantly boost joint stability.
– Excellent anti-rust and anti-oxidation properties for harsh environments.
– Comes organized in a reinforced, clearly labeled storage case.
Cons:
– This massive quantity might be overkill for the average casual user.
Best for:
Workshops, serious fabricators, or anyone needing a vast range of rivet sizes plus the crucial added stability of backup washers.
Expert Opinion: If you work with thin aluminum or often encounter slightly enlarged holes, the stainless steel backup washers are non-negotiable. This kit offers professional-grade components that provide better pull-through resistance than standard aluminum blind rivets alone.
ISPINNER 50pcs 3/16″ x 3/4″ Large Flange Aluminum Blind Rivets, 4.8 x 20mm Pop Rivets (Silver)
When you need to join very thin or soft aluminum sheeting, standard dome heads often fail because they lack surface area. That’s where the ISPINNER Large Flange rivets come in. These rivets feature a significantly oversized flange head, which distributes the clamping force over a much wider area. This drastically reduces the chance of the rivet pulling through or deforming the material upon setting. Like other premium options, they use an aluminum grip body and a steel mandrel for a strong, reliable pop.
Key features that stand out:
- Large Flange Design: Maximizes the connection area for increased force distribution.
- Secure Hold: Thick shaft and large flange ensure a secure hold even on thin materials.
- Specific Dimensions: Ideal 3/16″ diameter with a 3/4″ grip length (14.0-16.0mm grip range).
Pros:
– Essential for securing soft materials like fiberglass, plastics, or thin gauge aluminum.
– High corrosion resistance, suitable for marine or outdoor use.
– Prevents surface deformation during the riveting process.
Cons:
– Only 50 pieces are included, which may not be enough for a large project.
Best for:
Specialty projects involving composite materials, thin gauge aluminum, or applications where surface integrity is paramount.
Expert Opinion: Large flange rivets are specialized, but they are absolutely the best rivets for aluminum sheet metal less than 0.040 inches thick. They prevent the ‘mushrooming’ effect seen when standard rivets are set against soft backing material.
Linkup 600pcs 15 Sizes Pop Rivets Assortment Kit,Aluminum Rivets, Silver pop rivet set including 3/32″ 1/8″ 5/32″ 3/16″ 1/4″ blind rivets for metal Dome Head rivet kit
The Linkup 600-piece kit offers an excellent balance between quantity and variety. With 15 different sizes of dome-head blind rivets, this assortment covers all the common diameters (3/32″ through 1/4″) and varying grip lengths. This kit is perfect for the home DIYer or small shop owner who encounters a wide variety of aluminum repair tasks, but perhaps doesn’t need the industrial volume of a 1000-piece set. The case is particularly well-designed, featuring no-mix compartments and a durable double buckle design for secure storage and easy transport.
Key features that stand out:
- Comprehensive Variety: 600 pieces across 15 different specifications.
- No-Mix Organization: Secure, labeled case with nested dividers that prevents size migration.
- Professional Results: Offers reliable strength for diverse household maintenance and repair tasks.
Pros:
– Wide applicability for almost any general riveting need.
– High-quality packaging keeps items sorted and easily accessible.
– Good volume for the price point without being overwhelming.
Cons:
– Does not include any specialty features like large flanges or backup washers.
Best for:
General household repairs, automotive restoration, and DIY enthusiasts needing a well-organized, comprehensive set of standard best rivets for aluminum.
Expert Opinion: For anyone starting their rivet collection, this is a strong foundation. The 15 sizes ensure you always have the right length for the grip range required, which is key to achieving a successful and long-lasting joint.
SATANTECH 500pcs Pop Rivets Assortment Kit,14 SAE Sizes Aluminum Rivets (3/32″ 1/8″ 5/32″ 3/16″ 1/4″), Assorted Blind Rivets with Reinfored Divider & Labeled Case
This SATANTECH 500-piece kit provides robust quality and quantity suitable for frequent use. Offering 14 popular SAE sizes, the aluminum rivets are built with premium materials to resist corrosion and acid, ensuring great performance in challenging environments. The assortment is focused on the most commonly used blind rivets, featuring the self-plugging open-end design that makes installation straightforward. We appreciate the attention to detail in the packaging: a reinforced, labeled storage case keeps the 14 sizes neatly separated, preventing the dreaded workshop mess.
Key features that stand out:
- Premium Materials: High-quality aluminum and steel construction for durability.
- 500 Pieces, 14 Sizes: Comprehensive collection of standard SAE sizes.
- Organized Storage: Reinforced case with a thickened latch and clear labeling.
Pros:
– Strong corrosion and acid resistance makes them durable.
– Excellent balance of quantity and variety for routine repairs.
– Easy to install with standard rivet guns due to the smooth, self-plugging design.
– Backed by a 24-month warranty.
Cons:
– The size assortment slightly overlaps with other kits but doesn’t offer unique features.
Best for:
Small businesses, hobbyists, or anyone needing a reliable, mid-sized set of high-quality standard aluminum blind rivets.
Expert Opinion: SATANTECH delivers a solid, dependable assortment. The quality of the aluminum alloy seems consistent, and the included warranty speaks volumes about the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s resistance to environmental wear. These are standard, reliable best rivets for aluminum work.
Rivet Assortments vs. Specialty Packs: Short Comparison Insights
Choosing the best rivets for aluminum depends heavily on your project needs. Do you need variety or sheer strength?
For general maintenance and repair, an assortment kit is crucial. The INCLY and SATANTECH kits offer great variety, but the INCLY kit wins for specialized stability because of the inclusion of 304 stainless steel washers—essential for demanding applications or soft material joins.
If you are a professional and only need one consistent size, buying in bulk, like the Wensilon 250-piece pack, is the most cost-effective solution. You sacrifice variety but gain focused inventory.
When dealing with materials prone to tear-out, such as thin aluminum sheet metal or plastic, large flange rivets (like the ISPINNER) are indispensable. The oversized head minimizes the localized pressure, ensuring a secure and stable connection that standard dome heads can’t match. Always consider the thickness of the joint—also known as the grip range—before selecting your rivet length.
Final Verdict: Which Aluminum Rivet is Right for You?
When looking at the best rivets for aluminum, the choice often comes down to frequency of use and specialized needs:
🥇 Best All-Around Shop Assortment (Value & Variety): Linkup 600pcs Kit. This kit provides 15 sizes and a great organizational case, making it the perfect foundational set for any serious DIYer or small shop.
🥈 Best for High-Demand or Thin Materials (Stability Focus): INCLY 1000PCS Kit. The sheer volume combined with the critical inclusion of stainless steel backup washers makes this the premium choice for ensuring connections won’t fail under stress or pull through soft material.
🥉 Best for Specialized Panel/Sheet Work (Preventing Pull-Through): ISPINNER 50pcs Large Flange Rivets. If your project involves joining materials with minimal thickness or softer substrates, the wide clamping area of the large flange is essential for long-term durability.
Best Rivets For Aluminum FAQ
What does “blind rivet” mean, and why are they used for aluminum?
A blind rivet (often called a pop rivet) is a fastener designed to be installed completely from one side of a workpiece—the “blind” side. They are ideal for aluminum because aluminum alloys are often too thin or inaccessible for traditional welding or through-bolting. Aluminum blind rivets are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and provide excellent joining strength when properly set with a rivet gun.
Should I choose aluminum rivets with a steel or aluminum mandrel?
Most best rivets for aluminum use an aluminum body (grip) and a steel mandrel. The steel mandrel is crucial because it provides the necessary strength to pull the rivet body and deform the tail side into the required setting shape. Once the joint is secure, the mandrel snaps off. An all-aluminum rivet is rare and typically reserved for applications where zero steel contamination is required, but it offers less mechanical strength during installation.
What is “grip range,” and why is it important when selecting rivets?
The grip range is the total thickness of the materials being joined. It’s the most important factor in selecting a rivet’s length. If the rivet is too short, the tail won’t fully form; if it’s too long, the tail will buckle or not set correctly, resulting in a weak joint. Always measure the total material thickness before choosing your aluminum blind rivets.
How do I prevent corrosion when joining two different metals, like aluminum and steel?
Joining dissimilar metals like aluminum (rivet body) and steel (mandrel or structure) can lead to galvanic corrosion over time, especially in marine environments. To mitigate this when using best rivets for aluminum, consider using stainless steel backup washers (as included in the INCLY kit) or applying an insulating material, like a primer or sealant, between the two surfaces being fastened.
What size drill bit do I need for a 3/16-inch aluminum rivet?
For a 3/16-inch (0.1875 inch) rivet, you typically want a drill bit that is slightly larger to allow easy insertion, but not so large that it compromises the joint strength. A common recommended drill size for a 3/16″ rivet is often a #11 or a 0.191-inch drill bit. Always follow the manufacturer’s specific recommendation to ensure maximum shear and tensile strength.
Can I use aluminum rivets in a load-bearing application?
Yes, but with caution. Aluminum rivets provide excellent shear strength (resistance to forces parallel to the joint) but can be weaker in tensile strength (resistance to forces pulling the two surfaces apart). For critical, heavy load-bearing structures, especially those subject to high vibration, you might need structural, multi-grip, or solid rivets, or specialized fasteners designed for increased pull-out resistance, even when using the best rivets for aluminum.
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