Rivets Vs Framing Screws

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Rivets are considered easier to use and more practical in the fabricating process than Framing Screws.  The RF machine provides a hole punch for the rivet and same hole is used for Framing Screws.  If there is a requirement to modify the frame, it is a lot easier if you are using a Framing Screws because if you are using a Rivet, you need to drill it out.

   
Compared to Screws, Rivets hold much better. They are impossible to open and won’t shake loose. This is because the Screw only has a head on one side, whereas the Rivet supports both sides.  This is also important in the transport process, where the frame is subject to vibration.

The standard Rivet capacity itself is lower than a Framing Screw capacity. However, the riveted connection capacity is almost the same as the screwed connection capacity for 0.55 and 0.75 mm thick steel.   This is because it is the steel failure, not the connector failure, which comes into play here in these gauges. 

 

If you use 0.95 mm steel, the Framing Screw will give you a higher capacity than the standard rivet connection. However, if you use Structural Rivets for 0.95 mm thick steel, it is better than a Framing screw connection.  In this case, it will be a connector failure before the steel fails.

 

Example of a Structural Rivet

 

 

 

There is plenty of discussion on this topic both in our industry and other industries including building aircraft which use rivets over screws.