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"How do you measure a rivet?"

• First, measure the diameter of the rivet itself with your caliper.
• Next, measure from the underside of the rivet head to the end of the rivet. Be sure you don�t measure to the end of the nail or mandrel that goes through the rivet. For example if it measures �" long, one of the most common mistakes is you think if you order a rivet with �" grip you�ll get the same rivet. The grip range is not the same as the length. The rivet must expand or swell out on the backside in order to hold the riveted panel together. One rule of thumb is a rivets grip is about 1/8" shorter than its measured length. This particular rivet measuring �" long would actually have grip range of 3/8".

If I have a rivet part number but not the rivet, can I tell what size it is?

If you have a Rivet part number you can use it most times to tell its size. Most manufacturers use the same numbering system although the prefix of letters may differ. So we�ll just focus on the numbers.

• First, a rivet with a part number of ABA42, the 4 represents how many 1/32" of diameter the rivet is, 4/32" is the same as 1/8". Therefore, the diameter of this particular rivet is 1/8".
• Next, the 2 represents how many 1/16" of grip range. In this case the rivet has 2/16" grip range, which is the same as 1/8". That gives this particular rivet 1/8" grip range.

So, the rivet with part number ABA42 has a 1/8" diameter with a 1/8" grip range.

Also, there are measuring tools designed specifically to measure rivets that will speed-up the process.

Industrial Supplies - Industrial Sales>

These are just some of the thousands of industrial supplies that Hi-Line salesmen carry on their trucks.  Every Hi-Line representative manages a territory, similar to a route sales system, where quality electrical and maintenance supplies are delivered directly to your bins. If you love industrial parts, working with people, and being your own boss, then contact Hi-Line at industrialsales@hi-line.com for a rewarding career in industrial sales.