Aircraft Rivets

Standard solid-shank rivets and the
universal head rivets (AN-470) are
used in aircraft construction in both
interior and exterior locations.
Roundhead rivets (AN-430) are used
in the interior. Rivets of pure aluminum are used for
riveting nonstructural parts fabricated
using the softer aluminium alloys. When riveting magnesium alloy
structures, 5056 rivets are used
exclusively because of their corrosion-
resistant qualities in combination with
the magnesium alloys.
Mild steel rivets are used primarily in riveting steel. Galvanized rivets should not be used
on steel parts subject to high heat.
Corrosion-resistant steel rivets are
used in riveting corrosion-resistant
steel parts such as firewalls, exhaust
stack bracket attachments, and similar structures.

<!--more-->Monel rivets are used in special cases
for riveting high-nickel steel alloys and
nickel alloys. They may be used in
conjunction with stainless steel rivets
as they are more easily driven.
However, it is best to use stainless steel rivets in stainless steel parts. Copper rivets are used for riveting
copper alloys, leather, and other
nonmetallic materials. This rivet has
only limited usage in aircraft. High-shear rivets are sometimes used
where the shearing loads are the
primary design factor.