Solid Shank Rivet Codes
- 1. Mrs. Harden
- 2. Solid shank rivets are the most commonly used fastener in aviation today. When a solid shank rivet is “driven” (aka: installed) in a hole, several things change: ◦ The diameter of the rivet’s shank increases ◦ The bearing strength increases ◦ The shear strength increases
- 3. Different types of solid shank rivets are used for different applications. To help identify the type of rivet you are working with, rivets are given codes to identify their size, head style, and alloy material.
- 4. The rivet codes break down like this: ◦ Example: AN470AD4-5 AN 470 AD 4 - 5 Numbering system
- 5. There are several common systems used to identify hardware: ◦ AMS Aeronautical Material Specifications ◦ AN Air Force-Navy ◦ AND Air Force-Navy Design ◦ AS Aeronautical Standard ◦ ASA American Standards Assoc. ◦ ASTM American Society for Testing & Materials ◦ MS Military Standards ◦ NAF Naval Aircraft Factory ◦ NAS National Aerospace Standard ◦ SAE Society of Automotive Engineers The red systems are the ones you need to know.
- 6. The rivet codes break down like this: ◦ Example: AN470AD4-5 AN 470 AD 4 - 5 Numbering system Style of Rivet Head
- 7. The rivet head code will always be three numbers. The most common rivet head styles (which you need to know) are the:
- 8. Countersunk rivets: ◦ Are flush with the aircraft skin ◦ Are aerodynamic and reduce drag
- 9. Universal head rivets: ◦ Are not flush with the aircraft skin so will cause drag ◦ Are usually used on slower aircraft ◦ Replace all other head styles (round, flat, etc.) ◦ Sometimes called “button head” rivets
- 10. The rivet codes break down like this: ◦ Example: AN470AD4-5 AN 470 AD 4 - 5 Numbering system Style of Rivet Head Alloy Material
- 11. The alloy code tells you the type of metal the rivet is made from. # Name Code Head Marking 1100 Pure Aluminum A - 2117 Aluminum Alloy AD dimple 5056 Aluminum Alloy B raised cross 2017 Aluminum Alloy D raised dot 2024 Aluminum Alloy DD 2 raised dashes 7050T73 Aluminum Alloy E raised circle - Corrosion Resistant Steel F - - Monel M 2 recessed dimples
- 12. The AD rivet is the most commonly used. It is sometimes called the “field rivet”. # Name Code Head Marking 1100 Pure Aluminum A - 2117 Aluminum Alloy AD dimple 5056 Aluminum Alloy B raised cross 2017 Aluminum Alloy D raised dot 2024 Aluminum Alloy DD 2 raised dashes 7050T73 Aluminum Alloy E raised circle - Corrosion Resistant Steel F - - Monel M 2 recessed dimples
- 13. The D and DD rivets are called “icebox rivets” because they are stored in freezers after annealing to prevent them from becoming to hard to drive. # Name Code Head Marking 1100 Pure Aluminum A - 2117 Aluminum Alloy AD dimple 5056 Aluminum Alloy B raised cross 2017 Aluminum Alloy D raised dot 2024 Aluminum Alloy DD 2 raised dashes 7050T73 Aluminum Alloy E raised circle - Corrosion Resistant Steel F - - Monel M 2 recessed dimples
- 14. The rivet codes break down like this: ◦ Example: AN470AD4-5 AN 470 AD 4 - 5 Numbering system Style of Rivet Head Alloy Material Shank Diameter (1/32” increments)
- 15. The diameter of the shank is measured in 1/32 of an inch. For example: AN470AD6-8 has a diameter of 6/32” or 3/16”
- 16. The rivet codes break down like this: ◦ Example: AN470AD4-5 AN 470 AD 4 - 5 Numbering system Style of Rivet Head Alloy Material Shank Diameter (1/32” increments) Shank Length (1/16” increments)
- 17. The length of the shank is measured in 1/16 of an inch. For example: AN470AD6-8 has a length of 8/32” or 1/4”
- 18. So a rivet with code of AN426DD6-10 would be a: ◦ Countersunk head ◦ 2024 Aluminum Alloy “icebox” rivet ◦ 6/32” (3/16”) in diameter ◦ 10/32” (5/16”) in length