How to Rivet a Sheet Metal Frame

Riveting sheet metal is the quickest and easiest method of permanently joining metal to metal without the use of electricity, welders or bolts. Rivets are manufactured in a number of different sizes to suit particular load-bearing capacities. If used correctly, rivets will hold two materials together until intentionally drilled out. Inserting rivets with the use of a common rivet gun can be done by anyone, regardless of metalworking experience.

Drill
Rivet gun
Blind (pop) Rivets

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the size of rivets required in your installation based on the load-bearing needs of your project. Blind rivets are produced in varying diameters and lengths.
- 2
  Predrill a hole through the two materials you wish to join, using a drill bit that is the same diameter as the selected rivet. The thickness of the two materials pressed together must not exceed half the length of the rivet.
- 3
  Insert the rivet mandrel (the long, thin end) into the rivet gun. Match the size of the rivet with the appropriate matching size marked on the head of the rivet gun. Insert the wide end of the rivet protruding from the gun into the predrilled hole.
- 4
  Squeeze the handle of the rivet gun until the rivet's mandrel breaks off. When the mandrel has broken off, the rivet is firmly set in place.

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