Bulb Rivet

A bulb rivet is a blind fastener that forms a wide bulb on the blind side when set. The bulb spreads the load over a larger area. It often comes with a dome or large flange head.

A bulb rivet joins thin sheets and can spread behind the rear sheet to spread the load. It is set with a rivet gun and often used where the rear side is open or soft. It suits a drilled hole of the same nominal diameter.

Anodized finish is an oxide layer on aluminium. It gives mild corrosion resistance and can add colour. It is not a plating.

This rivet is often made in aluminium. Aluminium gives light weight and natural corrosion resistance. It suits indoor and outdoor use where strength needs are moderate.

This is a general guide to checking this kind of part. It says nothing about any supplier's parts.

Ask for a certificate of conformance and a material certificate for the aluminium grade. On receipt, check the bulb forms evenly and the head is sound. Confirm the anodized colour is uniform if colour matters.