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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.

 

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.

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