What Are Snap Rivets and Their Types?

Snap rivets present a reliable method for joining two or more materials where welding or other fastening methods may not be ideal. Employed extensively across multiple industries, they are prized for their ease of use, clean appearance, compatibility with various materials, and often, their ability to be repeatedly assembled and disassembled. In this blog, we will take a comprehensive look at snap rivets, from their installation to their different subtypes, helping you determine if these fasteners are a good fit for your tool kit.

What Are Snap Rivets?

Snap rivets are composed of two interlocking male and female pieces, the male portion sometimes being called a pin or stem, whereas the female section may be referred to as a body or socket. When the male part is pressed into the female, the assembly locks with an audible or tactile “snap.”

Most snap rivets are designed to be installed without specialized tools, which proves especially useful in field applications or scenarios with limited access to one side of the assembly. Moreover, while they are generally meant for fastening soft materials or thin panels, some heavy-duty types are capable of handling moderate loads.

The Installation Process

Installing snap rivets is a simple and consistent process across most types:

• Step 1: Insert the male part through a pre-drilled hole in the materials being joined.
• Step 2: Align the female part on the opposite side and press it onto the male stem until a snap is heard or felt, indicating a secure lock.

It should be noted that standard plastic snap rivets can usually be installed by hand, but metal versions or high-retention variants may require a hand tool or light pressure from a press to ensure proper seating.

Snap Rivet Construction Variations

Material Options

• Plastic: Lightweight, non-conductive, and corrosion-resistant, plastic snap rivets serve non-load-bearing applications well.
• Nylon: A subtype of plastic, nylon is used for its added strength, chemical resistance, and slight flexibility.
• Metal (Aluminum, Stainless Steel): For heavy-duty or high-temperature environments, metal snap rivets provide superior strength and long-term durability.

Popular Head Styles

• Flat Heads: Flat head styles sit nearly flush with the surface the rivet is placed in.
• Truss Heads: With a low, rounded profile and broad coverage, truss heads are often employed to prevent pull-through in soft materials.
• Mushroom Heads: Mushroom heads have a wide bearing surface, offering a clean, finished appearance.

Although not every type of snap rivet is available for purchase with head variations, many types can be found with different heads to suit a broader array of functional and aesthetic requirements.

Common Types of Snap Rivets

Push-In Rivets

Push-in rivets contain a flexible, tapered shank that compresses when inserted into a hole and then expands to lock in place. Usually made from plastic, they are valued for their ease of installation and strong retention in soft or low-density materials.

Best Applications

• Fastening circuit boards to plastic housings
• Securing interior trim panels in automobiles
• Joining particleboard components in furniture assembly

Snap-Together Rivets

Snap-together rivets offer a firmer, more mechanical connection than push-in rivets. This is because their locking mechanism is reinforced by barbs or or ratcheting ridges, helping them remain more secure in vibration-prone or semi-structural setups.

Best Applications

• Assembling removable machinery covers or access doors
• Light structural assemblies in HVAC systems or small automation fixtures

Countersunk Snap Rivets

With a tapered or flat head, countersunk snap rivets are built to sit flush with the surface of the material once installed, creating a smooth, unobtrusive finish that reduces snag points. Additionally, these rivets are also more difficult to tamper with once installed, making them suitable for light-security applications.

Best Applications

• Panel fastenings in aerospace cabin interiors
• Mounting hardware within electronic devices, particularly where internal clearance is limited
• Architectural cladding and decorative fixtures

Snap-Latch Rivets

Snap-latch rivets use a grommet-and-plunger system that allows for easy, repeated insertion and removal. Once installed into the panel or surface, the plunger is pushed in to expand the grommet and lock the rivet. To disengage it, the plunger simply needs to be pulled or pried outward.

Best Applications

• Fastening service panels in electronic or HVAC enclosures
• Attaching covers on appliances that need periodic cleaning

Explore Our Range of Snap Rivets on ASAP Fastener Store

Whether you need quick assembly, long-lasting fastening, or removable options, snap rivets are versatile and well-performing solutions, as long as you source them from trustworthy avenues. On ASAP Fastener Store, you can peruse a wide selection of high-quality, ready-to-purchase snap rivets.

As an ASAP Semiconductor-owned website, everything in our inventory is exclusively acquired from leading entities and in accordance with our strict NO CHINA SOURCING pledge. Moreover, those who shop with us will always benefit from competitive pricing and timely fulfillment, with procurement options that support their distinct requirements. Bearing this in mind, explore our full selection today to find the right snap rivets for your applications.