Aircraft rivets

The two major types of rivets used in aircraft are the common solid shank rivets, which must be driven using an air-driven gun and bucking bar; and special (blind) rivets, which are installed with special installation tools. Solid shank rivets are used widely during assembly and repair work. They are identified by the material of which they are made, the head type, size of shank, and temper condition.

The material used for the majority of solid shank rivets is aluminum alloy. The strength and temper conditions of aluminum alloy rivets are identified by digits and letters similar to those used to identify sheet stock. The 1100, 2017-T, 2024-T, 2117-T, and 5056 rivets are the six grades usually available. AN-type aircraft solid rivets can be identified by code markings on the rivet heads. A rivet made of 1100 material is designated as an “A” rivet, and has no head marking. The 2017-T alloy rivet is designated as a “D” rivet and has a raised teat on the head. Two dashes on a head indicate a 2024-T alloy designated as a “DD” rivet. The 2117-T rivet is designated as an “AD” rivet, and has a dimple on the head.