A rivet is a mechanical fastener consisting of a smooth cylindrical shaft with heads on either end, the second one formed in position. The heads are somewhat larger than the diameter of the hole into which the rivet has been inserted. Generally one head is factory formed. The other is formed by clenching metal after the rivet has been inserted.
Small rods of metal with a bulging head on one end. Installed through a drilled hole and hammered over, normally using a shaped backer block and pounding tool. Rarely used in ordinary shop work because of the difficulty of applying the two tools and holding the work. Pop rivets are much more widely used by small shops. Large rivets used in construction are heated first and set with pneumatic tools.
Small "arming nails" produced iron, steel, or brass for the construction of armour. See also Articulation and Armour, techniques required for building for more information.
Inserts found on the face of a wheel, they are usually made of either plastic or aluminum. Rivets are generally decorative, and not functional, on one-piece wheels. However, some two-piece and three-piece wheels are held together by rivets.