A Rivet is a permanent mechanical fastener. Before being installed, a Rivet consists of a smooth cylindrical head is called the tail. On installation the rivet is heated and placed in a punched or drilled hole, and the tail is bucked (deformed), so that it expands to about 1-1/2 times the original diameter, holding the rivet in place. This forceful pounding creates a new head on the other end by smashing the tail. Because there is a head on each end the Rivet is permanent and can support tension loads.
H Hansen Industries Riveting crew has the most experience and expertise in the United States. Some recent jobs include replacing rivets on the Liberty Ship S.S. John W. Brown in Baltimore, MD (one of only two left in the world). We have also replaced Riveted Shell Plates on the Elissa in Galvaston, TX (an iron Barque of 1877). Replacing Rivets at Tembec Inc., a paper mill in Quebec, Canada.
H Hansen Industries has done numerous riveted shell plate repairs on Great Lakes freighters and ocean going vessels.