Best Rivets For Sheet Metal: 5 Best Choices

When I’m working with thin gauge materials, finding the right fastener is crucial. I’ve spent countless hours testing different types of connections, only to discover that cheap rivets fail under vibration or pull right through the material. That’s why selecting the best rivets for sheet metal is so important. This guide breaks down five top-tier options, focusing on everything from bulk assortment kits to specialized aluminum rivets, ensuring your next sheet metal repair or fabrication job holds tight and lasts for years.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	Linkup 600pcs 15 Sizes Pop Rivets Assortment Kit,Aluminum…	View on Amazon
	ALLCLEAN 3/16″ Diameter X 1/2″ Length Solid Aluminum…	View on Amazon
	INCLY 1000PCS Aluminum Pop Rivets Assortment Kit, 14 Sizes…	View on Amazon
	ARES 70017 – Professional Pop Rivet Gun with 60 Rivets…	View on Amazon
	KLRStec Professional Pop Rivets Assortment Kit [500pcs]…	View on Amazon

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

This Linkup kit is an excellent starting point for any workshop, offering a vast array of sizes that covers almost every common sheet metal scenario. With 600 aluminum blind rivets ranging up to 1/4 inch diameter, you won’t be scrambling for the right size mid-project. The convenience of having such a wide variety of aluminum rivets means you’re prepared for general household repairs, automotive trim work, or HVAC duct connections where lightweight, corrosion-resistant fastening is key. The organizer box is also robust, which is a major plus when dealing with small hardware.

Key features that stand out:
– Complete Specifications: Includes 600 pieces across 15 different sizes, making it a truly comprehensive kit.
– Wide Applicability: Excellent for DIY projects, general household maintenance, and professional sheet metal work.
– Reliable Packaging: Features a durable construction with a double buckle design and clearly labeled, no-mix compartments.

Pros:
– Huge variety of sizes ensures you always have the right length and diameter.
– Aluminum construction offers superior corrosion resistance.
– The storage case is sturdy and prevents mixing of hardware.

Cons:
– May include more of the smallest sizes than needed for heavy-duty applications.

Best for: General-purpose shop use and DIY enthusiasts needing a large, reliable selection of pop rivets.

Expert Opinion: This is the ideal bulk buy for general sheet metal fabrication. If you use a lot of small to medium blind rivets, this kit offers tremendous value and keeps you organized.

ALLCLEAN 3/16″ Diameter X 1/2″ Length Solid Aluminum Brazier Head Rivets,Aluminum Boat Rivets,Round/Dome Head Rivet,Pack of 150

Unlike the pop rivets (blind rivets) common in other kits, the ALLCLEAN offering provides 150 solid aluminum rivets with a brazier head. Solid rivets are far more demanding to install—requiring access to both sides and specialized tools (like bucking bars and pneumatic hammers)—but they provide the strongest possible mechanical joint. These are specifically designed for high-stress applications like boat repairs, where corrosion resistance and maximum structural integrity are non-negotiable.

Key features that stand out:
– Materials: Crafted from premium aluminum for outstanding corrosion resistance.
– Brazier Head: Provides a large contact area, ideal for thin materials like sheet metal where maximizing the bearing surface is crucial.
– Dependable Rivets: Highly durable for both indoor and outdoor applications, especially wet environments (marine use).

Pros:
– Provides a permanent, high-strength structural joint superior to blind rivets.
– Excellent resistance to corrosion, essential for exterior and wet environments.
– Large brazier head profile increases material contact and prevents pull-through.

Cons:
– Requires specialized tools and access to both sides of the sheet metal for installation.

Best for: Structural repairs on aluminum boats, custom automotive work, or applications demanding the highest shear and tensile strength.

Expert Opinion: If your project involves serious structural loads and you have the right installation tools, solid rivets are the way to go. These ALLCLEAN brazier heads are perfect for securing large areas of sheet metal where vibration is a concern.

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 dramatically raises the bar, not just with sheer volume, but with the inclusion of 500 304 stainless steel backup washers. These washers are critical when working with very thin or soft sheet metal, or when you encounter slightly oversized holes. The washers spread the clamping force across a larger surface area, greatly minimizing the risk of the rivet pulling through the metal—a common issue when using standard blind rivets on fragile sheet material.

Key features that stand out:
– Enhanced Stability with Washers: Includes 500 stainless steel backup washers specifically designed to prevent rivet pull-out and boost stability.
– High Quality Material: Rivets are high-quality aluminum, complemented by corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel washers.
– Massive Assortment: Features 1000 pieces of rivets and washers combined, covering 14 popular sizes.

Pros:
– Backup washers drastically improve holding power and reliability on thin materials.
– Excellent material quality (Aluminum rivet and stainless steel washer combination).
– Reinforced storage case with double-sided labels for easy identification.

Cons:
– Washers add an extra step to the installation process.

Best for: Projects involving very thin aluminum, soft sheet materials, or repairing damaged areas where existing holes are slightly enlarged.

Expert Opinion: The inclusion of backup washers makes this one of the best rivets for sheet metal projects where structural integrity and prevention of tear-out are top priorities. This kit is a must-have for professional maintenance work.

ARES 70017 – Professional Pop Rivet Gun with 60 Rivets – Rivet Sizes 3/32-inch, 1/8-inch, 5/32-inch, & 3/16-inch – Applications Include Sheet Metal, Automotive, and Duct Work

While primarily a tool, the ARES 70017 is included because it provides the essential hardware (60 rivets) and the high-quality tool needed to properly set blind rivets in sheet metal. The quality of the rivet gun is paramount; cheap guns often jam or struggle to properly seat the mandrel. This ARES gun features a robust aluminum body, drop-forged carbon steel handles, and a design trusted to reliably grip and set the blind rivets without constant maintenance, which is a huge time-saver when doing extensive sheet metal work.

Key features that stand out:
– Professional Rivet Gun: High-strength aluminum body and drop-forged steel handle for durability.
– Mandrel Reliability: Engineered to reliably grip the mandrel, preventing frustrating jams common in lesser models.
– Complete Kit: Includes the gun, four mounted nosepieces (up to 3/16-inch), and 60 starter rivets across all sizes.

Pros:
– Excellent build quality on the rivet gun ensures long-term, jam-free use.
– Thick, cushion-molded vinyl grips provide comfort during high-volume riveting jobs.
– All necessary nosepieces are included and easily changed with the service wrench.

Cons:
– The quantity of included rivets is small compared to the bulk kits.

Best for: Users who need a durable, reliable rivet gun immediately, along with a starter pack of common sheet metal rivets.

Expert Opinion: You can have the best rivets for sheet metal, but if your tool fails, the job stops. The ARES gun is built to prevent the common failure points of cheaper rivet tools, making it a reliable foundation for any sheet metal assembly.

KLRStec Professional Pop Rivets Assortment Kit [500pcs] Aluminum Rivets for Rivet Guns 125pcs Each Size (3/64“ 1/8“ 5/32“ 3/16“)

The KLRStec kit focuses on a balance between quantity and organization, providing 500 quality aluminum and steel rivets divided equally among four of the most critical sheet metal diameters. This balanced approach is highly practical for professionals who frequently use these standard sizes and prefer not to be left with hundreds of unused rivets in obscure dimensions. The rivets are designed for excellent vibration and corrosion resistance, making them suitable for automotive and machinery repairs.

Key features that stand out:
– Practical Set: 500 pieces, distributed evenly (125pcs each) across the four most common sizes.
– Quality That Connects: Durable combination of high-quality aluminum and steel mandrels for strong, reliable connections.
– Sturdy Storage Box: Comes with a secure and organized box for easy transport and rapid size identification.

Pros:
– Focuses on the most practical sizes, minimizing waste of less-used rivets.
– Excellent resistance to vibration and corrosion ensures connection longevity.
– Ideal for both professionals and dedicated DIYers needing standard diameters.

Cons:
– Lacks the largest 1/4 inch diameter size found in some competing kits.

Best for: Users needing frequent replenishment of standard, high-quality rivets without overwhelming size variety.

Expert Opinion: This is a great standard assortment kit. The even distribution of sizes means you won’t run out of your most-used rivets prematurely. These rivets offer reliable results quickly and easily.

Comparison Short Insights

When comparing these options for sheet metal work, the choice often comes down to application and strength requirements. If you require maximum stability on thin or fragile sheet metal, the INCLY kit is the clear winner due to the inclusion of stainless steel backup washers, which spread the load.

However, if your priority is sheer volume and variety for a wide range of quick repairs, the Linkup 600pcs kit offers the most breadth, including larger 1/4-inch sizes that the KLRStec kit lacks.

For those undertaking structural or high-vibration projects where installation access is available, the ALLCLEAN solid rivets provide a much stronger, permanent joint than any blind rivet—but be prepared for the specialized tooling required.

Finally, remember that the quality of your tool matters as much as the rivet material. If you need a reliable foundation, the ARES kit provides a professional-grade rivet gun paired with enough hardware to get standard sheet metal jobs done immediately.

Final Verdict

Choosing the best rivets for sheet metal depends entirely on what you’re trying to connect.

For the Best Overall Workshop Value: The Linkup 600pcs Assortment Kit takes the top spot. It offers an exceptional range of sizes and quality aluminum construction suitable for 90% of common applications.

For Critical Stability and Thin Materials: If you deal with fragile materials or existing oversized holes, the INCLY 1000PCS Kit with Stainless Steel Washers is absolutely worth the investment. The washers prevent costly material tear-out.

For Structural and High-Load Projects: When strength outweighs convenience, the ALLCLEAN Solid Aluminum Brazier Head Rivets are unmatched, provided you have the necessary tools for installation.

Best Best Rivets For Sheet Metal FAQ

What are blind rivets and why are they best for sheet metal?

Blind rivets, often called pop rivets, are fasteners that can be installed completely from one side of the material—hence the term “blind.” They are considered the best rivets for sheet metal because the thin nature of sheet metal often prevents access to the back side for traditional fastening methods like bolts or solid rivets. Pop rivets provide a quick, clean, and reliable mechanical joint in materials that are too thin to tap or weld easily.

What is the most common rivet material for general sheet metal repair?

Aluminum is the most common and versatile material for general sheet metal repairs, especially for automotive, HVAC, and household applications. Aluminum rivets offer excellent corrosion resistance, are lightweight, and are generally easier to install (requiring less force from the rivet gun) compared to steel rivets.

How do I choose the correct grip range for sheet metal?

The grip range is the total thickness of the materials being joined. When selecting the best rivets for sheet metal, ensure the rivet’s stated grip range covers your material thickness exactly. If the rivet is too short, it won’t set properly; if it’s too long, it will waste the rivet’s material and create a loose connection. Always measure your total thickness before purchasing.

Should I use washers with my pop rivets?

Using backup washers (like those included in the INCLY kit) is highly recommended when working with very thin, soft, or brittle sheet metal. The washer provides a larger surface area on the blind side of the material, preventing the rivet head from pulling through or distorting the sheet metal under load or vibration.

What is the difference between a Dome Head and a Countersunk rivet for sheet metal?

A Dome Head (or round head) is the most common type used for sheet metal. It sits proud on the surface and provides excellent bearing surface. A Countersunk rivet is designed to sit flush with the material surface, requiring the sheet metal to be countersunk (or drilled with a bevel) beforehand. Countersunk rivets are chosen for aesthetic or aerodynamic reasons but require more preparation.

Can I use steel rivets on aluminum sheet metal?

While technically possible, using a carbon steel rivet on aluminum sheet metal is generally discouraged due to the risk of galvanic corrosion. When dissimilar metals are in contact, especially in the presence of moisture, the aluminum will corrode much faster. It is always safer and recommended to use aluminum rivets when working with aluminum sheet metal unless you use specialized isolation coatings.