where do you guys get rivets? Everywhere i look they don'thave the size sellection i need, is there a good place on the net?

 

http://www.mcmaster.com/
Rivet Type <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td>Images of Installed: Blind Rivets | Solid Rivets | Push-In Rivets | Split, Tubular, or Press-Fit Rivets | Rivet Nuts | Panel Screws | Bolt-Type Rivets
</td> </tr> </tbody></table> <table class="TableImgTopImg" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td class="TableImgTopCellImg" onmouseover="javascript:this.className = 'TableImgTopCellImgHL';" onmouseout="javascript:this.className = 'TableImgTopCellImg';" onclick="javascriptarent.location = './psearch.asp?FAM=rivets&FT_5722=241001&session=rive ts;5722=241001';" align="center" valign="top" width="25%">
Blind
Provide a way to permanently join parts when you do not have access to both sides.

</td> <td class="TableImgTopCellImg" onmouseover="javascript:this.className = 'TableImgTopCellImgHL';" onmouseout="javascript:this.className = 'TableImgTopCellImg';" onclick="javascriptarent.location = './psearch.asp?FAM=rivets&FT_5722=241002&session=rive ts;5722=241002';" align="center" valign="top" width="25%">
Solid
One-piece, metal rivets provide a permanent, lightweight fastener. Installation requires access to both sides being fastened.

</td> <td class="TableImgTopCellImg" onmouseover="javascript:this.className = 'TableImgTopCellImgHL';" onmouseout="javascript:this.className = 'TableImgTopCellImg';" onclick="javascriptarent.location = './psearch.asp?FAM=rivets&FT_5722=241003&session=rive ts;5722=241003';" align="center" valign="top" width="25%">
Push-In
Also known as Panel and Tree Clips. Quick and easy to install—no special tools required. Use to join plastic, composite, light gauge metal, wood, foam, and particleboard panels.

</td> <td class="TableImgTopCellImg" onmouseover="javascript:this.className = 'TableImgTopCellImgHL';" onmouseout="javascript:this.className = 'TableImgTopCellImg';" onclick="javascriptarent.location = './psearch.asp?FAM=rivets&FT_5722=241373&session=rive ts;5722=241373';" align="center" valign="top" width="25%">
Split, Tubular, or Press-Fit
Use to join lightweight materials such as leather, canvas, plastics, wood, fiberboard, and light gauge metals.

</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="TableImgTopCellImg" onmouseover="javascript:this.className = 'TableImgTopCellImgHL';" onmouseout="javascript:this.className = 'TableImgTopCellImg';" onclick="javascriptarent.location = './psearch.asp?FAM=rivets&FT_5722=240073&session=rive ts;5722=240073';" align="center" valign="top" width="25%">
Rivet Nut
Blind-hole threaded inserts expand when installed. The most versatile solution for adding threads (internal or external) to material that is too thin to tap threads.

</td> <td class="TableImgTopCellImg" onmouseover="javascript:this.className = 'TableImgTopCellImgHL';" onmouseout="javascript:this.className = 'TableImgTopCellImg';" onclick="javascriptarent.location = './psearch.asp?FAM=rivets&FT_5722=235213&session=rive ts;5722=235213';" align="center" valign="top" width="25%">
Panel Screw
Also known as Fab-Lock fasteners. Have enough holding power to withstand excessive vibration, expansion, and contraction. Can be installed when you do not have access to both sides.

</td> <td class="TableImgTopCellImg" onmouseover="javascript:this.className = 'TableImgTopCellImgHL';" onmouseout="javascript:this.className = 'TableImgTopCellImg';" onclick="javascriptarent.location = './psearch.asp?FAM=rivets&FT_5722=241005&session=rive ts;5722=241005';" align="center" valign="top" width="25%">
Bolt-Type
Also known as Magna-Grip or Huck locking bolts. Choose when you need a strong, permanent joint. Installation requires access to both sides being fastened.

</td> <td class="TableImgTopCellImg" style="border-right: 0px none; border-bottom: 0px none;" align="center" width="25%"> </td></tr></tbody></table>

 

I use the blind hole nut-inserts all the time. I use rtv on the screw if I do not want it vibrate loose. I have sae and metric both.

 

The reason i ask is because the biggest rivet i can find around is a 3/16 aluminum for a 1/4 in ch hole. I want a bigger hole, and therefore need a bigger rivet.

On the bed there are steel brackets on the outside of the rear bed rail. These are rusty and make it hard to protect and access the bottom of the rear panel. I'm removing them cleaning everything up and re-attaching...

Bigger rivets will be a great help...the spot welds have got to go.

 

Why not just use a larger number of smaller rivets. Airplanes are held together with really small rivets, they just use LOTS of them.

 

What is the thickness of the panels your trying to hold together?

Ford use to use a drive rivet that was a 1/4".

Or move over to the threaded inserts and use machine screws.

 

I prolly could use small rivets but since i'm drilling out the spot welds i guess i'd just like to fill in the holes with a rivet.

I'm not sure of the thickness but it's heavy dut steel not panel steel.

 

They use to make that size pop rivets. I used them where I use to work at. Have you checked with Grainger?

 

i haven't checked them but i found what ineeded from MSC. I use them all of the time at work i never thought of using them for my own stuff...