Rivet Size Calculator
Enter the thickness of the two sheets you are joining, choose solid or blind rivets and the unit. The calculator gives the rivet diameter, the length or grip range, the drill size and how far apart to set them.
- Diameter and length
- Solid or blind
- Spacing and edges
Grip is the total thickness of everything the rivet passes through.
A rivet should be about three times as thick as the thickest sheet. Two 1 mm sheets suit a 3.2 mm (1/8 inch) rivet. A solid rivet needs enough length to form a head, about one and a half diameters beyond the grip.
Rivet size chart
Solid rivets. Search for a thickness.
| Each sheet (mm) | Rivet (mm) | Length (mm) | Drill (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 2.4 | 5 | 2.5 |
| 0.8 | 2.4 | 6 | 2.5 |
| 1 | 3.2 | 7 | 3.3 |
| 1.2 | 4 | 9 | 4.1 |
| 1.5 | 4.8 | 11 | 4.9 |
| 2 | 6.4 | 14 | 6.5 |
Lengths for two equal sheets.
Thickness and rivet
Two equal sheets, solid rivet. Slide the total thickness.
The rivet is shown in section with its factory head on top and the formed head below.
How to choose a rivet
Thickness first. Step through it.
Thickest sheet
Measure it.
Clamp the sheets tightly together before riveting so no gap is left between them.
Solid, blind or structural blind
Rivet types. Compare them.
Set with a hammer or gun.
Pulled with a rivet gun.
Locked mandrel.
Blind rivets only need access from one side, so they suit closed boxes and tubes.
Before riveting
Rivet checks. Tick each item.
Tick each item as you go.
Use rivets of the same metal as the sheets, or close to it, to avoid corrosion.
What you get
Rivet sizing. Each tile explains one result.
Standard size.
Or grip range.
Hole size.
Between rivets.
From the edge.
Edge distance of at least two diameters stops the sheet tearing out at the edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
No question matches that search.
What size rivet should I use?
About three times the thickness of the thickest sheet, rounded to a standard size.
How long should a rivet be?
For a solid rivet, the grip plus about one and a half times the diameter.
What size hole for a rivet?
About 0.1 mm larger than the rivet, such as 3.3 mm for a 3.2 mm rivet.
How far apart should rivets be?
At least three diameters apart, and usually no more than about eight.
How far from the edge should a rivet be?
At least two diameters from the edge of the sheet.
What is rivet grip?
The total thickness of the materials being joined.
Are pop rivets as strong as solid rivets?
No. Solid rivets are stronger, but pop rivets only need access from one side.
A rivet that holds
Pick the diameter from the thickest sheet, the length from the grip, and space them well. The joint will be neat and strong.
More size calculators
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