Emma Wilson
Mushroom rivets are a type of solid rivet with a distinctive head shape. Solid rivets are used to fasten two pieces of material together, usually metal, without the use of welding. They are popular because they are easy to install and remove, and they create a lasting joint. To install mushroom rivets, you first need to punch a hole in the material, insert the rivet, and then secure it in place by deforming or flattening the end to create a mushroom shape. This can be done by heating the rivet and hammering it, or simply hammering it cold if the steel is soft enough.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Installation | Insert the rivet through a pre-drilled hole and then deform or flatten the shank at the end opposite from the head to create a bond |
| Use | Attaching two pieces of metal together without the use of welding |
| Materials | Steel |
| Tools | Hammer, anvil, metal punch, side cutters, drill, pliers, vice, air hammer |
| Hole size | 1/8" for 6d nail or standard roofing nail; holes a little larger than the rivet for articulating rivets |
| Head type | Rounded, countersunk, or flat |
| Length | Approximately 13 mm (1.3 cm) for each rivet pin (not including the head) |
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What You'll Learn
Punch a hole
To install mushroom rivets, you'll need to start by punching a hole in the material you want to rivet together. This can be done with a metal punch or a drill. You'll need two pieces of material, such as metal or leather, and you'll need to create a hole in each piece. The size of the hole will depend on the type of rivet you're using. For example, if you're using a 6d nail or a standard roofing nail, you'll need to make 1/8" holes.
It's important to line up the two pieces of material perfectly before punching the holes. This is because, once the rivets are installed, you won't be able to take the pieces apart without breaking the rivets. So, take your time to ensure that the holes will align properly. Mark the spots where the rivets should go with a marker or chalk before punching the holes.
Once the holes are punched, you can insert the rivet through the holes. At this point, you can use a hammer to create the mushroom shape that will hold the two pieces together. If you're using a softer steel, you may not need to heat the rivet before hammering it. However, if the steel is harder, it may need to be annealed first to prevent chipping or shattering. Heat the rivet until it's cherry red, and then let it cool naturally. Repeat this process a few times to ensure the steel is soft enough.
Now, you can use a hammer to create the mushroom shape. Hold the rivet securely and use light, off-centered blows with a hammer, moving in a circular motion. This will cause the edges of the rivet to mushroom out, forming a nice head. Finally, use the ball end of the hammer to flatten the head and finish off the rivet.
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Insert the rivet
To insert a mushroom rivet, you must first prepare the material by punching or drilling a hole. For a 6D nail or a standard roofing nail, the hole should be 1/8" in diameter. The hole should be slightly larger if you are using the nail for articulating rivets. Once you have created the hole, insert the nail or steel pin through it. The length of the pin should be such that about 3/4 of it is above the grip.
At this point, you can heat the end of the pin that is sticking up. Once it is hot enough, grab it with pliers, loosen the vice, and slip the rod down lower into the jaw. Tighten the vice, leaving about 1/2" of the rod sticking up. Now, hit the end of the rod with a hammer until it mushrooms out. You can use a ball peen hammer for this, hitting the end of the rod with off-centred blows in a circular motion. These should be relatively light hits, but many of them. Alternatively, you can use a regular hammer and hit the rod straight down from the top to flatten it out, and then hit it diagonally, working your way in circles.
You can also achieve the mushroom shape without heating the rod. If the steel is soft enough, it will work cold. If the steel is reasonably hard, it must be annealed first to prevent it from chipping or shattering. To do this, heat the rivet until it is cherry red and then let it cool naturally. Repeat this process a few times to ensure that the steel is soft enough.
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Secure it in place
To secure mushroom rivets in place, you will need to create a mushroom end on the rivet, which will hold the two pieces of material together. This can be done by heating one end of the rivet and then hammering it down to create a smooth, rounded shape. You can also use a ball peen hammer to create the mushroom shape without heat. Hit the end of the rivet with off-centred blows in a circular motion. These should be relatively light hits, but many of them, which will cause the edges to mushroom out and form a head.
Once the mushroom head is formed, you can secure the rivet in place by inserting it through the pre-drilled holes in the material. The holes should be marked and drilled before inserting the rivet, and the material should be clamped together to ensure it does not move. The rivet is then slid through the holes, and the excess length is cut off, leaving about half the width of the rivet sticking out of the hole.
To finish securing the rivet in place, the sides of the peak are mashed down to create a more pointed shape. Then, the rivet is hammered down to flatten and deform the end, creating a bond and securing the two pieces of material together. It is important to check that the rivet is tight and secure, and if necessary, additional punches with a hammer can be made to ensure it is completely secure.
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Flatten the rivet
Flattening the rivet is a crucial step in the process of installing mushroom rivets. Here is a detailed guide on how to flatten the rivet:
First, prepare the rivet by heating it. This step is optional and depends on the desired head size and the hardness of the steel. If the steel is soft enough, it may not be necessary to heat it. However, if the steel is hard, heat the rivet with a torch until it turns cherry red, and then let it cool naturally. Repeat this process a few times to ensure the steel is soft enough to work with.
Next, hold one end of the rivet down on a heavy vise or anvil. If you don't have a vise or anvil, you can use a steel block or any other anvil-like object, such as a large block of steel or a chunk of railroad track. With the rivet securely held in place, use a hammer to lightly beat the exposed end. For this step, a medium hammer or a ball peen hammer can be used. The hammer should be struck straight down from the top to flatten the rivet, and then in circles to create a mushroom shape. The blows should be relatively light but numerous, and they should be moved in a circular pattern around the rivet.
Continue flattening the rivet until the desired head size is achieved. Once the rivet is properly mushroomed, it can be secured in place. If needed, the other end of the rivet can be heated and hammered to "close" or lock the assembly.
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Check for a tight fit
After installing mushroom rivets, it is important to check for a tight fit to ensure the installation is secure and safe. Here are some detailed steps to ensure a tight fit:
Firstly, conduct a thorough inspection of your project by going around and checking each rivet. Ensure that all rivets are completely secure and that there is no movement between the joined materials. A correctly installed rivet should result in stationary material with no wiggle room.
If you find any loose rivets or notice excessive movement, you will need to address this immediately. Using an air hammer, give the loose rivets another punch to tighten them. It is crucial to secure any loose rivets to prevent potential issues and ensure the longevity of your project.
When checking for a tight fit, pay close attention to the areas where the rivets have been installed. Ensure that the rivets are flush with the material and that there are no gaps or spaces between the rivet and the material. A secure rivet should have a smooth finish with no visible signs of movement or instability.
For projects involving the joining of multiple materials, such as leather or fabric, ensure that the rivets are holding all layers together securely. Mushroom rivets are known for their ability to securely fasten multiple layers, so check that each layer is firmly held in place without any signs of slipping or movement.
By following these steps and conducting a thorough inspection, you can ensure a tight fit for your mushroom rivets. This process is crucial to guarantee the safety and durability of your project, whether it's for leatherwork, armour, construction, or any other application.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom rivets are perfect for holding together multiple layers of leather or fabric, making them ideal for historical reenactments, LARPing, cosplay, and costume making, as well as leathercraft.
You will need a metal punch or a drill, a 5-pound anvil or an anvil-like object, side cutters, a small ball peen hammer, and the two pieces of metal you want to rivet together.
Line up the two pieces of metal that you want to join together, making sure they are perfectly in place. Hold them together with clamps, then punch or drill a hole in both of them. Insert the rivet through the holes and cut off any extra material.
Use a hammer to lightly hit the rivet straight down from the top to flatten it out. Then, hit it diagonally and work your way in circles to create the mushroom shape. Finally, flip the hammer around and use the ball end of the hammer to repeat the process.
