Spacer / Washer + Pin or Rivet
- Place a metal or plastic washer between parts.
- Insert a solid or semi-tubular rivet/pin through the washer.
- Rivet clamps only the washer, leaving a free gap for rotation.
- Works with many rivet types and is very precise.
cap rivet
- Also called a decorative rivet, commonly used in leather, fabric, or light metal decoration.
- Once installed, the head and shaft clamp the materials tightly.
- Does NOT allow rotation and is not suitable as a spacer by itself.
- For decorative or permanent fastening**, not mechanical rotation.
info
A rivet is a type of permanent mechanical fastener used to join two or more pieces of material together, such as metal, plastic, or leather.
How a Rivet Works
- A hole is drilled through the materials.
- The rivet is inserted into the hole.
- The tail end of the rivet is deformed (flattened or expanded).
- This creates two “heads” that clamp the materials tightly together.
Once installed, a rivet cannot be removed without destroying it, making it a strong and reliable connection.
Basic Structure
- Head: The factory-made top of the rivet.
- Shank: The cylindrical body that goes through the hole.
- Tail: The end that gets deformed during installation.
Common Types of Rivets
- Solid Rivet: Strongest type, used in aircraft and heavy machinery.
- Blind Rivet (Pop Rivet): Installed with a rivet gun, used when only one side is accessible.
- Hollow Rivet: Used for leather, fabric, or light materials.
- Semi-Tubular Rivet: Used for rotating joints; the tail is partially hollow.
Why Rivets Are Used
- Strong and vibration-resistant
- Simple and low-cost
- Good for thin sheets and layered materials
- Do not loosen like screws can
Simple Explanation
A rivet is a metal pin that you put through a hole and squash the end to lock two parts together.
Can a Rivet Joint Keep a Gap and Allow Rotation?
Yes, a rivet joint can keep a controlled gap and allow rotation — but only if you use the correct method. A normal rivet creates a tight, permanent joint that cannot rotate. Here are the practical solutions:
✅ Method 1: Loose Riveting (Hinge-Style Rivet Joint)
Do not fully squeeze the rivet tail. Leave a small clearance so the two plates are not clamped tightly.
Effect:
- The plates stay aligned by the rivet shaft.
- A small gap remains.
- The plates can rotate around the rivet.
Cons:
- Gap is hard to control precisely.
- Rotation may not be very smooth.
✅ Method 2: Add a Washer or Spacer
Place washers or a spacer between the two plates, then rivet through them.
Effect:
- The gap is controlled by the washer/spacer thickness.
- The rivet clamps the spacer, not the plates.
- The joint rotates smoothly and reliably.
👉 This is the recommended method for precise rotation.