Round Head Rivet

Round head rivets give you a clean, dome-profile joint that stays tight long after the tools are back on the rack. Our round head rivets are built for fast, consistent setting so you can assemble with confidence and move on to the next job without second-guessing your hardware. If you want permanent strength with a finished look, this is the fastener you reach for.

Round Head Rivets Explained

A round head rivet forms a classic dome on one side and a formed “shop head” on the other, locking parts together with a permanent mechanical clamp. Because the head spreads load over a wider area, you get a forgiving, vibration-resistant joint that doesn’t loosen the way threaded fasteners can. 

The dome head is more than good-looking hardware; it’s practical insurance against pull-through and surface scarring. Our head geometry delivers smooth seating and pleasing symmetry, which is helpful anywhere the fastener is visible. Set correctly, the joint resists shock, cyclic loads, and daily abuse, so your assembly feels tight on day one and still tight on day one thousand.

If your project calls for a different style, you might also consider our Tubular Rivet for lighter assemblies or our Hammer Drive Screw Rivet Pin when you need a rapid, drive-fit solution without through-access for bucking.

DIN 660 Round Head Rivets

DIN 660 defines the proportions of solid rivets with a rounded head, giving you predictable fit and performance from part to part. These rivets are set by cold forming or hot forming, depending on thickness and access, creating a permanent clamp that unifies your stack of components. Choose our DIN 660 options when you want standardized head shape, reliable shank geometry, and process-friendly consistency across production runs.

Installation: Cold or Hot Forming

Cold forming is the everyday choice for most thicknesses and gives you quick cycle times with a hand set, pneumatic hammer, or automated riveter. Hot forming comes into play for thicker stacks or when you want especially smooth shop heads with less force at the tool. Either way, pair our rivets with the right rivet set and a solid bucking surface to get that crisp dome on the factory head and a neat, compact shop head on the reverse.

Sizing, Grip, and Selection

Pick diameter to match your prepared hole for a snug, supportive fit, then choose length to cover the total material thickness plus enough allowance to form the shop head. Too short starves the joint; too long makes setting sloppy. If your stack varies, keep a couple of lengths on hand so every joint gets the same confident clamp.

Everyday Use Cases

You’ll find our round head rivets at work in equipment enclosures, light fabrications, HVAC ducting, trailers, signage frames, fixtures, and countless shop projects that benefit from a low-profile, tamper-resistant joint. Their rounded crown looks finished without additional hardware, which keeps assemblies tidy and professional. When you need permanent, squeak-free strength with a touch of visual polish, they shine.

FAQs

What is a round head rivet used for?

It’s used to create a permanent joint where strength, vibration resistance, and a finished appearance are important. The dome head spreads load to reduce pull-through on thin sections. You’ll see it in fabrications, enclosures, frames, and general metalwork.

What is the difference between round head and universal head rivets?

A round head rivet has a pronounced dome for maximum load spread and a classic look. A universal head is slightly lower and broader, often chosen where clearance is tighter but you still want surface bearing. Both are permanent, but the round head emphasizes appearance and bearing area.

How to fit round head rivets?

Place the factory head against a rivet set, support the joint with a bucking bar, and form the tail into a compact shop head using a hammer or riveting tool. For thicker stacks or easier forming, heat the tail before setting. Inspect for a neat dome, a centered shop head, and tight clamp without gaps.

What is the strongest rivet?

“Strongest” depends on joint design, diameter, and installation quality. Solid round head rivets in the correct size, set properly, provide exceptional shear and long-term stability. For most general assemblies, a well-sized solid round head rivet delivers strength that outlasts the surrounding materials.