Bolts vs. Rivets: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 13, 2024
Bolts are mechanical fasteners with a threaded shaft, used with a nut, while rivets are unthreaded and permanently fastened by deformation.
Key Differences
Bolts are threaded fasteners that require a nut to secure components. Rivets are non-threaded, deformed to hold parts together, offering a permanent joint.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 13, 2024
Bolts can be easily installed and removed with tools, making them suitable for temporary joints. Rivets are permanently installed, requiring drilling for removal, ideal for permanent assemblies.
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Feb 13, 2024
Bolts come in various types like hex, carriage, and U-bolts, suited for different applications. Rivets have types like pop, blind, and solid, each with specific use-cases.
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Feb 13, 2024
Bolts provide strong, adjustable connections and can handle shear and tensile loads. Rivets offer high strength and reliability, especially in shear loads, and are vibration resistant.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 13, 2024
Bolts are widely used in construction, machinery, and automotive sectors. Rivets are prevalent in aerospace, structural applications, and where access is limited to one side.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 13, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Type of Fastener
Threaded, requires a nut
Unthreaded, deformed for fastening
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Varieties
Various types for different needs
Different types for specific purposes
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Load Handling
Strong in shear and tensile loads
Excellent in shear, vibration resistant
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Preferred Applications
Versatile, in many sectors
Aerospace, structures, limited access
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Feb 13, 2024
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Bolts and Rivets Definitions
Bolts
A flash of lightning resembling a line.
The sky was illuminated by a bright bolt of lightning.
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Rivets
A short metal pin or bolt for holding together two plates of metal.
The bridge's strength depends on its steel rivets holding the beams.
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Rivets
To hold someone's attention completely.
The speaker's words riveted the audience.
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Bolts
A metal pin with a head and threaded shaft, used with a nut.
The mechanic tightened the bolts on the car's engine.
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Jan 15, 2024
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Rivets
Used historically in armor and shipbuilding.
Medieval armor was often assembled using rivets.
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Bolts
A sudden, quick movement.
The cat bolts out of the room at the sound of thunder.
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Rivets
A method of joining metal sheets by deforming the rivet.
Rivets were used extensively in constructing the aircraft's fuselage.
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Bolts
A bar made of wood or metal that slides into a socket and is used to fasten doors and gates.
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Rivets
A metal bolt or pin having a head on one end, inserted through aligned holes in the pieces to be joined and then hammered on the plain end so as to form a second head.
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Bolts
A metal bar or rod in the mechanism of a lock that is thrown or withdrawn by turning the key.
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Bolts
A fastener consisting of a threaded pin or rod with a head at one end, designed to be inserted through holes in assembled parts and secured by a mated nut that is tightened by applying torque.
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Jan 14, 2024
Rivets
To hammer and bend or flatten the headless end of (a nail or bolt) so as to fasten something.
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Jan 14, 2024
Bolts
A sliding metal bar that positions the cartridge in breechloading rifles, closes the breech, and ejects the spent cartridge.
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Rivets
To fix the attention of (someone)
The audience was riveted by the suspense.
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Bolts
A short, heavy arrow with a thick head, used especially with a crossbow.
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Rivets
Small, metal elements used as decoration in fashion.
Her jacket was adorned with shiny silver rivets.
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Bolts
A large roll of cloth of a definite length, especially as it comes from the loom.
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Bolts
To start suddenly and run away
The horse bolted at the sound of the shot. The frightened child bolted from the room.
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Bolts
(Botany) To flower or produce seeds prematurely or develop a flowering stem from a rosette.
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Bolts
A length of cloth wound onto a reel.
She purchased a bolt of silk for her dressmaking project.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What are bolts made of?
Typically steel, stainless steel, or alloy materials.
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Feb 13, 2024
Are there waterproof rivets?
Yes, some rivets are designed to be watertight.
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Feb 13, 2024
Are rivets stronger than bolts?
In certain applications, especially in shear.
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Feb 13, 2024
How do you choose the right size bolt?
Based on the load requirements and material thickness.
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Feb 13, 2024
Are stainless steel bolts stronger than regular steel?
They offer better corrosion resistance but similar strength.
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. Is pre-drilled hole necessary for rivets?
- Yes, for proper fitting and alignment.
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Feb 13, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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