Technical Foundation
What Is a Tubular and Semi-Tubular Rivet?
A tubular rivet has a hollow shank running its full length, while a semi-tubular rivet has a hollow shank only at the point end, with the head end remaining solid — this difference sets how much force is needed to set the rivet and how much clamping strength the finished joint holds. Semi-tubular rivets are the more common industrial style: setting requires roughly half the force of an equivalent solid rivet because only the hollow point end needs to be upset (flared) to form the second head, while the solid head end anchors the joint.
Both styles are set by applying axial force (via a hand rivet-setting tool, arbor press, or dedicated setting machine) to flare the hollow end outward into a second head, clamping the joined materials between the original head and the newly formed one. Because they require lower setting force and produce a relatively low-profile finished head, tubular and semi-tubular rivets are the standard choice for light-duty fastening of thin materials — leather, fabric, plastic, and thin-gauge sheet metal — where a solid rivet's higher setting force could distort or damage the base material.
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| Spec | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Hollow Style | Full tubular vs. semi-tubular | Semi-tubular needs less setting force; full tubular sets even lower with a thinner wall |
| Hole Diameter | Sized to the shank diameter and hole in the assembly | Must match the pre-drilled or punched hole for correct grip and head formation |
| Grip Length | Sized to total material stack thickness | Insufficient grip length prevents the rivet from properly flaring/clamping the stack |
| Material | Steel, brass, aluminum, copper | Brass/aluminum suit lighter finish work; steel suits higher load, less decorative use |
| Head Style | Flat, round, truss head | Affects finished appearance and how much the head protrudes above the surface |
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Applications
Where Tubular and Semi-Tubular Rivets Get Used
Tubular and semi-tubular rivets are specified wherever a light-to-medium duty permanent fastening is needed without the higher setting force a solid rivet would require.
Leather Goods & Belt Manufacturing
Setting decorative and functional rivets in belts, straps and leather assembly work.
Automotive Interior & Trim Assembly
Light-duty fastening of trim panels, clips and fabric components in vehicle interior assembly.
Sheet Metal & Appliance Assembly
Joining thin-gauge sheet metal panels and brackets where a low-profile fastener head is preferred.
Footwear & Textile Manufacturing
Setting rivets in footwear components and heavy fabric assemblies like bags and workwear.
Electronics & Small Appliance Enclosures
Light fastening of enclosure panels and internal brackets in consumer electronics assembly.
General Fabrication & Repair
Field and shop repair riveting for light-duty panel and bracket assembly.
FAQ
Tubular and Semi-Tubular Rivets Questions, Answered
What's the difference between a tubular and a semi-tubular rivet?
A fully tubular rivet is hollow along its entire shank length. A semi-tubular rivet is hollow only at the point end, with a solid head end — this means semi-tubular rivets need less material displacement to flare and set, requiring roughly half the setting force of a comparable solid rivet, which is why semi-tubular is the more commonly used style for general light-duty fastening.
How do I determine the correct grip length for a tubular rivet?
Grip length must match the total combined thickness of the materials being joined — too short and the rivet can't properly flare and clamp the full stack, too long and excess shank has to fold over unpredictably during setting, weakening the joint. Measure the actual stack thickness at the fastening point before selecting rivet length.
What tools are needed to set tubular and semi-tubular rivets?
Setting requires applying controlled axial force to flare the hollow end into a second head — this can be done with a hand rivet-setting tool and matched dies for low-volume work, an arbor press for shop use, or a dedicated pneumatic/mechanical setting machine for production volume. The setting die must match the rivet's head style and diameter for a clean, properly formed second head.
Why choose brass or aluminum instead of steel rivets?
Brass and aluminum are chosen where a decorative finish matters (visible rivets on leather goods, fashion hardware) or where corrosion resistance and lighter weight are priorities, as in some sheet metal and electronics enclosure work. Steel rivets carry higher load capacity and are the standard choice where strength matters more than appearance or weight.
Can tubular rivets be used for structural or high-load joints?
No — tubular and semi-tubular rivets are inherently lower-strength than solid rivets of the same diameter because of the hollow shank, and they're intended for light-to-medium duty fastening of thin materials. Structural or high-load metal joining should use solid rivets, blind structural rivets, or bolted connections rated for the actual load.
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