For most sheet metal, gutter, trailer and DIY repairs, you want a 1/8″ or 3/16″ blind (pop) rivet. Pick the material to match the metal you’re joining, and pick a grip range that covers the total thickness of everything you’re clamping together. Get those two right and pop rivets are one of the fastest ways to join thin material when you can only reach one side. This guide covers the size chart, the drill bit for each size, how to read grip range, which rivet material goes with which metal, and the rivets worth buying.
Quick Picks
- Best assortment kit: INCLY 1000-Piece Aluminum Pop Rivet Kit with Washers
- Best budget 1/8″ kit: ZQZ 320-Piece 1/8″ Pop Rivet Assortment
- Best name-brand small pack: Arrow RMA3/16IP Medium Aluminum 3/16″ (50)
- Best bulk single size: Wensilon 3/16″ x 1/2″ Aluminum (250)
- Best all-stainless: BCP Fasteners Stainless #4-2 with SS Mandrel (100)
- Best stainless assortment: ZQZ Stainless Pop Rivet Kit with Washers
- Best for thin or soft material: Fastenere Large Flange Stainless 1/8″ x 3/8″ (50)
- Best sealed (closed end): ALLCLEAN 3/16″ Closed End Aluminum (120)
- Best for plastic: Wensilon Tri-Fold Rivets 5/32″ x 5/8″ (250)
Comparison Table
| Rivet | Material | Size | Count | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INCLY 1000-pc | Aluminum | 14 sizes, 3/32″ to 3/16″ | 1,000 + washers | Stocking a shop |
| ZQZ 320-pc | Aluminum | 1/8″ x 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 1/2 | 320 | Light sheet metal |
| Arrow RMA3/16IP | Aluminum | 3/16″, up to 1/4″ grip | 50 | Gutters, storm doors |
| Wensilon 3/16″ x 1/2″ | Aluminum / steel mandrel | 3/16″ x 1/2″ | 250 | Repeat jobs, one size |
| BCP #4-2 | Stainless / SS mandrel | 1/8″, up to 1/8″ grip | 100 | Thin stainless, marine |
| ZQZ stainless kit | See review | 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″ | 340 rivets + 340 washers | Mixed outdoor jobs |
| Fastenere large flange | Stainless (305) | 1/8″ x 3/8″, 0.313-0.375″ grip | 50 | Soft or brittle material |
| ALLCLEAN closed end | Aluminum / steel mandrel | 3/16″ x 3/8, 1/2, 5/8 | 120 | Watertight joints |
| Wensilon tri-fold | All aluminum | 5/32″ x 5/8″ | 250 | Plastic, kayaks, soft panels |
How Blind (Pop) Rivets Work
A blind rivet has two parts: a hollow body with a head, and a nail-like mandrel running through it. You push the rivet through holes in both pieces, put the rivet tool over the mandrel, and squeeze. The tool pulls the mandrel back, which swells the tail of the rivet behind the material and clamps the pieces together. When the clamping force peaks, the mandrel snaps off. Because everything happens from the front, you don’t need access to the back side. That’s why they’re called “blind” rivets, and “pop” rivets after the snap of the mandrel.
Rivet Size Chart
| Rivet diameter | Metric approx. | Hole size (in) | Drill bit | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/32″ | 2.4 mm | 0.097 – 0.100 | #41 | Nameplates, light trim, small hinges |
| 1/8″ | 3.2 mm | 0.129 – 0.133 | #30 | Sheet metal, ductwork, flashing, general repairs |
| 5/32″ | 4.0 mm | 0.160 – 0.164 | #20 | Heavier sheet, boat and kayak fittings |
| 3/16″ | 4.8 mm | 0.192 – 0.196 | #11 | Gutters, trailers, truck bodies, heavier brackets |
| 1/4″ | 6.4 mm | 0.257 – 0.261 | F | Heavy brackets and structural-grade jobs |
Hole sizes and drill numbers come from FastenerMart’s blind rivet reference. A #30 bit is slightly larger than 1/8″, which is why a standard 1/8″ bit can feel tight. A hole that’s too big lets the rivet spin. If you don’t have numbered bits, use the size printed on the rivet box.
Reading Rivet Sizes and Grip Range
Rivet boxes often use a two-number trade size. Bolt Depot explains it: the first number is the diameter in 32nds of an inch, and the second is the maximum grip in 16ths of an inch. So a 4-4 rivet is 4/32″ (1/8″) in diameter and grips material up to 4/16″ (1/4″) thick. A 6-6 is 3/16″ in diameter with up to 3/8″ grip.
Grip range is the total thickness of the material the rivet can clamp. It’s not the rivet’s length. FastenerMart’s grip table for 1/8″ rivets:
| 1/8″ rivet no. | Body length (in) | Grip range (in) |
|---|---|---|
| 41 | 0.188 | 0.032 – 0.062 |
| 42 | 0.250 | 0.063 – 0.125 |
| 43 | 0.313 | 0.126 – 0.187 |
| 44 | 0.375 | 0.188 – 0.250 |
| 45 | 0.438 | 0.251 – 0.312 |
| 46 | 0.500 | 0.313 – 0.375 |
| 48 | 0.625 | 0.376 – 0.500 |
And for 3/16″ rivets:
| 3/16″ rivet no. | Body length (in) | Grip range (in) |
|---|---|---|
| 62 | 0.300 | 0.063 – 0.125 |
| 64 | 0.425 | 0.126 – 0.250 |
| 66 | 0.550 | 0.251 – 0.375 |
| 68 | 0.675 | 0.376 – 0.500 |
| 610 | 0.800 | 0.501 – 0.625 |
Worked example: you’re riveting a 0.040″ aluminum patch over 0.040″ sheet with a backup washer of about 0.030″. The total is 0.110″. That falls in the 42 range (0.063 to 0.125″), so a 1/8″ #42 is the right rivet. FastenerMart notes that if the total thickness is below the minimum grip, the joint will be loose. If it’s above the maximum, the rivet may not set properly.
Amazon listings often describe size as “diameter x length” (like 3/16″ x 1/2″) instead of using grip numbers, and the second number isn’t always the same thing. Check whether a listing means body length or grip before you buy.
Rivet Materials: Which Rivet for Which Metal
Mixing metals causes galvanic corrosion when moisture is present: the less noble metal corrodes. Albany County Fasteners’ rivet material guide recommends:
| Joining | Best rivet (body / mandrel) | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Aluminum / stainless (aluminum / steel OK indoors) | Steel / steel |
| Steel | Zinc-plated steel / steel, or stainless / stainless | Plain steel outdoors |
| Stainless | Stainless / stainless | Steel / steel |
| Copper | Copper or stainless | Steel / steel |
| Plastic | Aluminum or stainless | No galvanic concern |
The same guide warns never to couple aluminum with steel or stainless in marine environments. If you’re unsure, stainless is the safe fallback, and a sealant in the joint helps.
Strength rises with material. FastenerMart ranks aluminum/aluminum as weakest, then aluminum/steel, then steel/steel, with stainless rivets strongest. Stronger rivets also need more pull to set, so a cheap hand tool may struggle with 3/16″ stainless.
Head Styles
- Dome (button) head: the standard. Works for most jobs.
- Large flange: a wider head that spreads the load. Use it on thin, soft or brittle material, or when the hole came out a little oversized.
- Countersunk: sits flush in a countersunk hole for a smooth surface.
Rivet Types
- Open end: the standard hollow pop rivet. Most rivets sold are this type.
- Closed end (sealed): the tail stays closed after setting. FastenerMart recommends them when you need a vapor- and liquid-tight joint, such as gutters, boats and enclosures.
- Multi-grip: one rivet covers a wider grip range, which is useful when material thickness varies.
- Structural (like Monobolt): lock the mandrel inside the rivet for much higher strength and vibration resistance. They’re sold mainly through industrial fastener suppliers, and the Amazon listings we found had too few reviews to recommend one.
- Tri-fold (bulb): the tail splits into three wide legs. Made for plastic, rubber and other soft materials that a standard rivet would pull through.
- Backup washers: a washer on the blind side spreads the load in soft material and helps prevent pull-out. Count its thickness in the grip.
Other rivets you may have meant
Solid rivets are hammered or bucked from both sides and are used in aircraft, trailers and old-school metalwork. Semi-tubular and drive rivets are used in hinges, brake linings and machine assembly. Leather rivets (double-cap and tubular) are a separate product for belts, bags and clothing. This guide focuses on blind rivets, because that’s what most DIY and shop jobs use.
How to Install a Pop Rivet
- Clamp the pieces together and drill through both with the bit for your rivet size.
- Deburr the hole so the rivet sits flat.
- Insert the rivet (add a backup washer on the blind side for soft material).
- Slide the tool’s nosepiece over the mandrel and press it firmly against the surface.
- Squeeze until the mandrel snaps. Big rivets may take two or three strokes.
Use a tool rated for your rivet size and material. Our 10 best rivet guns guide covers hand, lever, cordless and pneumatic tools. For the holes themselves, a sharp bit with a split tip keeps the bit from walking on smooth sheet metal. The Pro Edge 24-Piece Hex Shank Drill Bit Set has an anti-walking 135-degree tip and 16 sizes from 1/16″ to 1/2″, with doubles of 1/8″ and 3/16″, the two rivet sizes you’ll drill most. It’s $21.99 with 4.2 stars across 36 ratings. It doesn’t include the numbered #30 and #11 bits, so the hole will be fractional size, which works for most DIY riveting. If you’re drilling a lot of holes, a decent drill makes it easier. See our best cordless drill for home use guide.
Marson HP-2 Professional Hand Riveter
If you need a hand tool to go with these rivets, the Marson HP-2 is the long-running pro favorite, with 4.6 stars across 1,300+ ratings at $72.83. For a wider range of tools, see our rivet gun guide.
How to Remove a Rivet
Center punch the mandrel hole if any of the mandrel is left. Drill into the head with a bit the same size as the rivet. Stop when the head pops off; don’t drill through the body or you’ll enlarge the hole. Then tap the rest of the body out with a punch. If the hole ends up oversized, step up to the next rivet diameter or use a large flange rivet.
Rivets vs Screws vs Bolts
Use rivets when you can only reach one side, when the joint shouldn’t loosen from vibration, and on thin material too thin to hold screw threads. Use screws or bolts when you’ll need to take the joint apart, or when the material is thick. For a threaded mounting point in thin sheet, a rivet nut does both jobs, and our rivet gun guide covers rivet nut tools too.
The Best Rivets
1. INCLY 1000-Piece Aluminum Pop Rivet Kit with Washers – Best Assortment Kit
One case covers most jobs you’ll meet in a home shop or garage. INCLY lists 14 sizes, from 3/32″ x 1/4″ up to 3/16″ x 5/8″, plus washers.
It rates 4.7 stars across 696 ratings at $24.99. There’s also a black version (B0DXVP6B4N) if you want rivets that blend into dark trim.
Pros: 14 sizes in one case; washers included; strong reviews; low cost per rivet.
Cons: Aluminum only, so it’s not for stainless or marine jobs. Quantities per size are small (15 to 50), so you’ll run out of your most-used size first.
Not the right fit if: you use one size over and over. Buy a single-size bulk box instead.
2. ZQZ 320-Piece 1/8″ Pop Rivet Assortment – Best Budget 1/8″ Kit
If most of your work is 1/8″ rivets in sheet metal, this kit skips the sizes you won’t use. It has 80 each of 1/8″ x 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″ and 1/2″ in a storage case.
ZQZ lists aluminum bodies with steel mandrels. $9.99, with 4.5 stars across 379 ratings.
Pros: Deep stock of the most common diameter; organized case; very low price.
Cons: 1/8″ only. Aluminum/steel is fine indoors, but not ideal for outdoor aluminum per the material chart above.
Not the right fit if: you work with gutters or trailers that need 3/16″. Get the Arrow or Wensilon packs.
3. Arrow RMA3/16IP Medium Aluminum 3/16″ (50) – Best Name-Brand Small Pack
Arrow is a hardware-store staple, and this is the pack to grab for a single gutter, storm door or auto body repair. 3/16″ aluminum with up to 1/4″ grip.
Arrow describes them as light duty, for sheet metal, gutters, storm doors and auto repairs. 50 rivets cost $6.84, with 4.7 stars across 477 ratings.
Pros: Trusted brand; right size for gutters; cheap for a small job.
Cons: Only 50 in a pack. Light duty by Arrow’s own description.
Not the right fit if: you need more than a few dozen. The Wensilon 250-pack is far cheaper per rivet.
4. Wensilon 3/16″ x 1/2″ Aluminum (250) – Best Bulk Single Size
250 aluminum rivets with steel mandrels for $9.99, with 4.6 stars across 656 ratings. That’s the strongest review count among single-size packs we found.
Good for trailer skins, gutter runs and other jobs where you set the same rivet dozens of times.
Pros: Low cost per rivet; good reviews; common size.
Cons: The listing gives “3/16″ x 1/2″” without stating a grip range, so check the listing details for grip before you order. Aluminum/steel is indoor-grade for aluminum work.
Not the right fit if: you need marine-grade corrosion resistance. Go stainless.
5. BCP Fasteners Stainless #4-2 with SS Mandrel (100) – Best All-Stainless
Stainless body and stainless mandrel, the combination the material chart recommends for stainless sheet and the safest choice for outdoor and marine work.
#4-2 means 1/8″ diameter with up to 1/8″ grip, so these are for thin material. 100 rivets cost $8.99, with 4.6 stars across 198 ratings.
Pros: All stainless, with no rust-prone steel mandrel left in the joint; low price; good reviews.
Cons: Only 1/8″ grip. Stainless takes more force to set, so a light-duty hand tool may struggle.
Not the right fit if: your stack is thicker than 1/8″. Choose a longer grip.
6. ZQZ Stainless Pop Rivet Kit with Washers – Best Stainless Assortment
A case with 1/8″, 5/32″ and 3/16″ rivets plus matching washers, for outdoor jobs where you don’t know the size in advance. The “680 pieces” in the title is 340 rivets (8 sizes) and 340 washers.
$24.99, with 4.5 stars across 379 ratings. One caution: the listing calls the rivets 304 stainless in one place and aluminum in another. Check the listing and the Q&A before you rely on it for marine work.
Pros: Three diameters plus washers; organized case.
Cons: Contradictory material description on the listing. Only 340 actual rivets.
Not the right fit if: you need a confirmed all-stainless rivet. The BCP pack clearly lists a stainless body and mandrel.
7. Fastenere Large Flange Stainless 1/8″ x 3/8″ (50) – Best for Thin or Soft Material
When a standard dome head would pull through thin aluminum, fiberglass or plastic, a large flange spreads the load. Fastenere notes they’re preferred where brittle or soft materials are fastened to rigid surfaces.
1/8″ diameter with a 4-6 grip range (0.313″ to 0.375″), a stainless mandrel, and a body Fastenere lists as grade 305 stainless. 50 rivets cost $9.99, with 4.6 stars across 135 ratings.
Pros: Large head resists pull-through; stainless; clear grip range on the listing.
Cons: A narrow 0.313-0.375″ grip range only suits thicker stacks. The listing also mentions “low carbon steel” in one heading, so confirm the material if it matters.
Not the right fit if: you’re joining two thin sheets. Look for a shorter grip.
8. ALLCLEAN 3/16″ Closed End Aluminum (120) – Best Sealed Rivet
Closed end rivets keep water, air and dirt out of the joint. Use them for gutters, boats, enclosures and anything that has to stay watertight.
40 each of three 3/16″ sizes, with grip ranges ALLCLEAN lists as 0.25-0.375″, 0.376-0.5″ and 0.5-0.625″. Aluminum body with a steel mandrel. ALLCLEAN also states closed end rivets have higher tensile and shear strength than equivalent open end rivets. $13.99, with 4.3 stars across 159 ratings.
Pros: Watertight; three grip ranges with clearly listed specs; good value.
Cons: No short grip for thin sheet. Lowest rating in this list.
Not the right fit if: your material stack is under 1/4″ thick. These won’t clamp tight.
9. Wensilon Tri-Fold Rivets 5/32″ x 5/8″ (250) – Best for Plastic and Soft Materials
When set, the tail splits into three wide folding legs that spread the load across soft material. Wensilon lists plastic, wood, glass, car dashboards, rubber and exhaust systems, and they’re commonly used on kayaks and boats.
The body and mandrel are both aluminum. 250 rivets cost $19.99, with 4.4 stars across 75 ratings.
Pros: Won’t pull through soft plastic like a standard rivet; all aluminum, so no steel mandrel to rust.
Cons: One size only. A smaller review base.
Not the right fit if: you’re joining sheet metal. A standard or large flange rivet is the better choice there.
Troubleshooting
- Rivet spins in the hole: the hole is too big. Use the drill size from the chart, or step up a diameter.
- Head pulls through: the material is too soft or thin. Use a large flange or tri-fold rivet, or add a backup washer.
- Joint is loose after setting: the grip range is too long for the material. Choose the next size shorter.
- Mandrel won’t snap: the grip range is too short, the tool isn’t rated for that rivet, or the nosepiece isn’t flat against the surface.
- Rust streaks later: wrong metal pairing. Recheck the material chart.
FAQ
What size drill bit for a 1/8″ pop rivet?
A #30 bit, which drills a 0.129-0.133″ hole. In practice, many people use a 1/8″ bit, but #30 is the correct size.
What size drill bit for a 3/16″ rivet?
A #11 bit (0.192-0.196″).
What does grip range mean on a rivet?
The total thickness of material the rivet can clamp, including any washer. It’s not the rivet’s length.
What do rivet size numbers like 4-4 or 6-6 mean?
The first number is the diameter in 32nds of an inch, and the second is the maximum grip in 16ths. A 4-4 is 1/8″ diameter with up to 1/4″ grip.
Aluminum or stainless rivets: which should I use?
Match the metal you’re joining. Aluminum rivets for aluminum indoors, stainless for stainless, outdoors and marine jobs. When unsure, stainless is the safe fallback.
Are pop rivets waterproof?
Standard open end rivets aren’t. Use closed end (sealed) rivets for watertight joints, and add a sealant for extra protection.
How strong are pop rivets?
It depends on diameter and material. Stainless is strongest, then steel, then aluminum. For load-bearing joints, use structural rivets or bolts, and check the maker’s rated shear and tensile values.
Can you use pop rivets on plastic?
Yes, but use tri-fold or large flange rivets so the head and tail don’t pull through.
Bottom Line
- Stocking a shop: INCLY 1000-piece kit.
- Mostly 1/8″ sheet metal: ZQZ 320-piece 1/8″ kit.
- One gutter or storm door repair: Arrow 3/16″ 50-pack.
- Lots of the same size: Wensilon 3/16″ x 1/2″ 250-pack.
- Stainless and marine: BCP all-stainless.
- Soft or thin material: Fastenere large flange.
- Watertight joints: ALLCLEAN closed end.
- Plastic and kayaks: Wensilon tri-fold.
