How to Use a Rivet Gauge and Measure a Rivet | Fasteners 101 

Would like to understand that too! If I have two 2mm thick sheets to be rivetted together, how do I define the size I need? Also does it make a difference for Rivnuts?

The way i'm understanding it based on another reply the uploader posted. the length of the rivet is longer than what is written on product packaging. the length written is actually the grip length which is the exact thickness of the 2 parts you're joining together. so your problem can be fixed with a 4mm rivet.

Correct!

You do realise that you are contradicting yourself with this answer ? When you measured with the rivet measuring tool you measured the same distance that you told us was not to be taken as the measure of the rivet !!!

​@@regwatson2017 I'm guessing the tool is just the key to tell you which rivet it is. The rivet would compress to a specified length given by the key. It obviously compresses to a length shorter than it's original state.

Sounds like he is selling the measuring device

You bet!

michael sullivan perhaps Michael you have access to vernier callipers , take the diameter measurement of the rivet head above the cap this will be your drill size try and get as close as you can to that diameter hopefully leaving a friction fit for placing your rivet, take the combined thickness measurement of your material you are wanting to join then take your calipers and take a measurement of your rivets above the cap length needing about 1/4” longer then your material combined thickness you should be able to squeeze the rivet tight enough. If you call a shop for rivets needed I am sure with the combined material thickness given, the diameter of hole , and the type of material you are joining they will be able to help you. Type of material is important as two different types of metal can be effected such as aluminum rivets and stainless sheeting oxidizing/ corrosion. Good luck Michael cheers

The thickness of the finished material installed.

Unfortunately, we don't know of any way to measure a rivet that's already installed. To know what size rivet you need, you'll need to measure the hole and thickness of material.

OK I did a short research and turns out using the rivet gauge is very simple: The gauge allows you to determine a two digit code for the rivet this code is referred to as the trade number and simply: the first digit is the rivet diameter expressed in 32nds of an inch and the second number is the maximum grip length expressed in 1/16ths of an inch. So, for example a ‘trade number’ of 86 means the rivet diameter is 8/32” (= 1/4”) and max grip length is 6/16” (= 3/8”).

No the rivet brings the martials together tight as you squeezy the handle.

Thank you for your feedback.

A 1/8" grip rivet could work, but it might be better to get a rivet with a closer grip range. We actually have some pop rivets with a 1/16" grip which may work for your application. They are 4-1 (1/8" x 1/16") stainless pop rivets and can be found here: www.albanycountyfasteners.com/POP-Rivets-1-8-304-Stainless-Steel-p/11930000.htm

Give our Step-by-Step guide on Pop rivets a try: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1G8lGECOe1U.html

You would probably be looking for a 3-3 sized rivet, which is listed as having a 3.2-4.8mm grip range and 2.4mm diameter. For joining sheets of aluminum, make sure you're using an aluminum rivet.

Thank you for your feedback!

Thank you for your feedback.