Aluminium Rivets

For over 40 years, Dafra has supplied Australia's leading professionals with high-performance aluminium rivets engineered for speed, reliability, and precision joining. With over 100 million rivets in stock, our specialist team understands which type of aluminium rivet works best for every application – from automotive manufacturing to aerospace assembly, construction sites to marine environments.

Our comprehensive range of aluminium rivets delivers the lightweight structural performance Australian professionals depend on. Whether you're assembling aircraft fuselages, repairing vehicle panels, installing cladding systems, or building precision equipment, Dafra's technical expertise and extensive product selection provide the exact fastening solution for your project.

Explore our complete aluminium rivets collection below, or contact our technical team for expert guidance on selecting the right rivet specification for your specific application.

Technical Specifications & Material Grades 

Dafra stocks a comprehensive range of aluminium rivets in multiple material grades and sizes, each engineered for specific applications and performance requirements.

Common Aluminium Rivet Material Grades:

• Aluminium 1100 – Pure aluminium alloy (99% minimum), softer and more corrosion-resistant, ideal for marine environments, electronic enclosures, and applications requiring maximum corrosion protection. Slightly lower strength than alloyed variants.

• Aluminium 5050 – Medium-strength grade with excellent corrosion resistance, used extensively in automotive body work, general construction, and industries requiring balanced strength and environmental protection. Popular for sheet metal assembly.

• 2117 Aerospace-Grade Aluminium – High-strength specification (37% higher shear strength vs. standard aluminium), featuring Vickers hardness 85-100 HV and tensile strength around 330 MPa. Used in structural aerospace assemblies, military applications, and critical load-bearing installations requiring superior performance.

Standard Size Ranges Available:

Dafra stock aluminium rivets in diameters from 3/32" to 1/4" with variable grip lengths (2-25mm options). Common specifications include 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6.4mm sizes with corresponding length ranges to match joint thicknesses from thin sheet metal (0.5mm) to heavy structural assemblies (25mm+).

Performance Specifications – Pulling force (shear strength) varies by material grade and size. Standard automotive-grade rivets (5050) achieve 1,000-1,500kg pulling force depending on diameter. Aerospace-grade (2117) delivers 1,500-2,500kg+ for critical structural joints.

Rivet Types & Product Categories 

Different professional applications require different rivet designs. Dafra supplies all major types of aluminium rivets to match your joining requirements.

Solid Aluminium Rivets 

Solid rivets offer maximum strength for critical applications. These round-shank fasteners feature a formed head on one end and a bucked mandrel on the other, creating a permanent, high-strength joint. Used extensively in aerospace (fuselage assembly), automotive structural work, and marine applications where load capacity is critical. Cannot be removed once installed – ideal for permanent assemblies.

Advantages: Maximum shear strength, aerospace-approved, extremely reliable. Disadvantages: Require pneumatic rivetting tools, cannot be disassembled, need skilled installation. Best for: Structural joints, aerospace, critical load-bearing assemblies.

Semi-Tubular & Tubular Rivets 

Semi-tubular rivets combine ease of installation with respectable load capacity. A slight hollow undercut at the mandrel end requires less force to upset, making them popular for production environments, automotive panel assembly, and applications requiring faster installation speeds (220+ rivets per hour vs. manual installation).

Material benefit: Softer aluminium (1100 grade) allows easier deformation, reducing tool wear and enabling installation with lighter pneumatic equipment (80-90 PSI standard). Semi-tubular design reduces mandrel pull-through breakage common with solid rivets.

Applications: Automotive assembly lines, sheet metal construction, consumer product assembly, general fabrication where removal isn't required but cost-efficiency is important.

Blind Rivets 

Blind rivets enable fastening from one side only – critical when the opposite side is inaccessible. Pop-rivet design allows installation with hand tools or pneumatic blind rivet guns, making them ideal for field repairs, panel fastening, and applications where access to both sides is impossible.

Aluminium blind rivets suit automotive panel repairs, construction cladding, aircraft repairs, and general maintenance applications. Slightly lower structural strength vs. solid rivets, but superior convenience for installation.

Industry Applications 

Aerospace & Aircraft Assembly

Commercial and military aircraft demand aerospace-grade rivets meeting strict certifications (AS9100 standards, BAC 5542 specifications). 2117-grade aluminium rivets are the industry standard for fuselage assembly, wing attachment, and pressurised fuselage construction. These critical applications specify maximum shear strength, fatigue resistance, and flawless quality – Dafra supplies rivets meeting aerospace industry standards for structural reliability exceeding 20+ year service life in demanding flight environments.

Automotive Manufacturing & Repairs

From assembly line production to roadside panel repairs, automotive applications span both solid and blind rivet categories. Automotive-grade semi-tubular and blind rivets dominate vehicle body assembly (doors, roof panels, boot lids), while structural rivets secure frame components. Aluminium specifications ensure weight reduction without sacrificing structural integrity – critical in modern vehicle design emphasising efficiency and performance.

Marine & Coastal Construction

Saltwater environments demand corrosion-resistant fasteners. Aluminium rivets' natural oxide layer provides superior salt-spray resistance (1,500+ hour salt spray test rating), making them the preferred choice for marine vessels, coastal construction, and any application exposed to moisture or salt conditions. Stainless and steel alternatives add unnecessary weight and cost – aluminium delivers performance with 15-20% weight savings.

Construction & Structural Cladding

Building façade systems, metal roofing, and structural cladding increasingly use aluminium rivets for lightweight assembly without sacrificing durability. Temperature stability (-65°F to 300°F range) suits Australian climate extremes, while corrosion resistance handles outdoor exposure. Semi-tubular and blind rivet types dominate construction applications where installation speed and single-sided access matter.

Manufacturing & General Assembly

Consumer products, electronics enclosures, precision equipment – countless industrial assembly applications depend on aluminium rivets for cost-effective, reliable fastening. Blind rivet systems enable production-line speeds without requiring skilled rivetting tool operation, reducing labour costs while maintaining quality.

Why Aluminium? Material Properties & Advantages 

Aluminium rivets deliver distinct advantages over steel, stainless steel, and other fastening alternatives.

• Lightweight Structural Performance – Aluminium weighs 2.7g/cm³ vs. steel 7.85g/cm³ – offering 15-20% weight reduction per assembly without compromising joint strength. Critical for aerospace, automotive, and portable equipment applications where weight directly impacts fuel efficiency and handling.

• Superior Corrosion Resistance – Aluminium develops a natural protective oxide layer instantly upon exposure to air, preventing rust and degradation. No galvanising, no painting, no coating required – intrinsic material protection lasts 20+ years in saltwater and harsh environments where steel requires constant maintenance.

• Cost-Effective Performance – Aluminium rivets cost significantly less than stainless steel alternatives while delivering comparable corrosion resistance. 2.3:1 cost-performance ratio vs. titanium makes aluminium the pragmatic choice for high-volume assembly without sacrificing reliability.

• Easy Installation & Tool Compatibility – Aluminium's softness allows faster upset speeds, reducing installation time by 220+ rivets/hour with pneumatic tools. Lower air pressure requirements (80-120 PSI standard) reduce equipment costs vs. steel rivet systems demanding higher pressure pneumatic tools.

• Environmental & Sustainability Advantage – Aluminium's inherent corrosion resistance eliminates coating disposal concerns. Fully recyclable material supports sustainable manufacturing and reduces lifecycle environmental impact vs. coated steel alternatives.

• Temperature Stability – Maintains reliable performance from -65°F to 300°F, suitable for automotive engine bays, aircraft fuselages at altitude, and outdoor construction exposed to Australian temperature extremes.

Choosing the Right Aluminium Rivet 

Selecting the correct rivet type requires understanding your application requirements.

Ask Yourself These Key Questions:

• What's my joint access? – Can you reach both sides (solid rivet) or only one side (blind rivet)? Single-sided access eliminates solid rivets – blind rivets become necessary.

• What pulling force do I need? – Does your assembly require maximum structural strength (solid, aerospace-grade) or moderate strength sufficient for general fastening (semi-tubular, blind)? Heavier loads demand solid or 2117-grade specifications.

• Is corrosion exposure a factor? – Saltwater, humid coastal environments, outdoor weathering? Aluminium 1100 (purest grade) offers maximum corrosion resistance. Interior, dry applications? Standard 5050 suffices with lower cost.

• What's my production volume? – High-speed manufacturing lines? Semi-tubular and blind rivets enable 200+ rivets/hour. Lower volumes or field repairs? Blind rivets with hand tools provide flexibility. Critical aerospace assemblies? Solid rivets demand skilled installation but ensure maximum reliability.

• What tools do I have available? – Pneumatic rivetting gun? Blind rivet gun? Hand rivet tools? Material grade and rivet type must match your available equipment – mismatches lead to mandrel breakage or incomplete installation.

• What's my budget per assembly? – Blind rivets + installation labor costs often offset material savings vs. solid rivets. Semi-tubular offers middle-ground cost-effectiveness for high-volume production.

For technical selection guidance matching your specific application, contact our expert team. Dafra's 40+ years of riveting experience means we've solved fastening challenges across every industry – we'll recommend the exact aluminium rivet specification for your requirements.

Industry Standards & Compliance 

Professional-grade aluminium rivets meet strict industry standards ensuring reliability and compatibility.

Key Standards Dafra Supplies:

• ISO 9001 – Quality management certification ensuring consistent manufacturing, inspection, and traceability for every rivet supplied.

• DIN 7391 / DIN 931 – German industrial standards for solid and semi-tubular rivets, specifying material composition, dimensional tolerances, and performance testing. Most common standard for European-specification applications.

• ASME / IFI Standards – American Society of Mechanical Engineers specifications for aerospace and critical industrial fasteners. ASME-certified suppliers undergo rigorous inspection protocols – mandatory for aviation and defence sector applications.

• AS/NZS Standards – Australian and New Zealand standards for industrial fasteners, ensuring compatibility with local industry specifications and Australian engineering practices.

• MS20426 / MS20470 – Aerospace-specific military specifications for critical structural applications. 2117-grade aluminium rivets meeting these demanding specs are required for commercial and defence aircraft assembly.

Dafra's commitment to industry-standard compliance means every aluminium rivet in our 100+ million stock meets certification requirements – giving Australian professionals the confidence their fasteners will perform to specification, every time.

Installation & Tool Compatibility Overview 

Aluminium rivets require compatible tools and proper installation technique for reliable performance.

• Pneumatic Rivetting Guns – Industry standard for production installations, requiring 80-120 PSI compressed air (CFM requirements vary by model). Pneumatic systems enable 200+ rivets per hour for semi-tubular specifications, dramatically reducing labour costs in high-volume assembly.

• Hand Rivet Tools – Manual squeeze tools for blind rivets and low-volume applications, requiring no air supply. Portable for field repairs and remote installations where pneumatic systems aren't available. Lower speed (20-30 rivets/hour manual) but complete flexibility.

• Hydraulic Rivet Systems – Heavy-duty option for structural riveting, delivering maximum force for critical aerospace and structural applications requiring 2,500kg+ pulling force. Less common than pneumatic but essential for aerospace manufacturing.

• Mandrel & Nosepiece Compatibility – Each rivet size requires matched nosepiece diameter to prevent mandrel shearing. Dafra's technical team can specify exact tool requirements for your rivet specification – preventing costly installation errors and material waste.

Improper tool selection leads to mandrel breakage (incomplete installation) or oversetting (structural damage). When in doubt, consult Dafra's technical team for equipment matching your chosen rivet specification.

Why Australian Professionals Choose Dafra

• 40+ years of specialist expertise – Trusted supplier to Australia's leading industrial, automotive, aerospace, and construction professionals since the 1980s. Long-term relationships prove reliability and technical knowledge.

• 100+ million rivets in stock – Unmatched inventory depth across all material grades and sizes. Same-day fulfillment for standard specifications. No waiting for interstate or overseas orders – your project stays on schedule.

• Complete technical support – Expert guidance on selection, installation, troubleshooting, and compliance. Our team understands Australian industry standards and regional applications across every sector.

• Competitive pricing & bulk options – Volume discounts and flexible ordering for production environments. Dafra's purchasing power and direct relationships with quality manufacturers deliver superior value vs. general distributors.

• Australian focus & understanding – Based in Australia, serving Australian professionals. Familiar with local climate extremes, Australian Standards compliance, and regional industry requirements – not a generic international distributor.

• Quality guarantee – Only supply rivets meeting strict quality standards and certifications. Every batch tested and certified – your fasteners will perform to specification, preventing costly installation failures.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Aluminium Rivet?

Browse our complete range of high-performance aluminium rivets below, or contact our technical team for personalised recommendations based on your specific application requirements.

Need help selecting the right specification? Our expert staff are ready to match your project needs with the exact rivet solution – material grade, size, quantity, and tool compatibility all covered.

Shop our aluminium rivets collection, explore our complete range of air rivet guns and pneumatic riveting tools for installation, or speak with our team about custom bulk orders and industrial specifications.

For technical specifications, bulk pricing, or application-specific guidance, contact Dafra's experienced team. We're here to ensure your fastening projects succeed.