working on an expanded metal folding table for the tailgate, would pop rivets be okay for the tailgate side hinge connection?
Pop rivets
- Thread starter Boomer453
- Start date
It depends on the loads involved. Blind (pop) rivets are okay for moderate loads, but can tear out under high loads. Any torsion or large tension force is generally not good for rivets. Shear force and compressive forces are fine.
If you have access to both sides of the metal, solid rivets would be a stronger choice. Though they take a lot more skill to install.
It also depends upon the thickness of the base and attached metal. Thin sheet metal could tear out easily. Thicker plates could work well.
In addition, most blind rivets are not watertight. (Solid rivets usually are.) So if it is going on exterior metal, they will need to be sealed somehow.
If you have access to both sides of the metal, solid rivets would be a stronger choice. Though they take a lot more skill to install.
It also depends upon the thickness of the base and attached metal. Thin sheet metal could tear out easily. Thicker plates could work well.
In addition, most blind rivets are not watertight. (Solid rivets usually are.) So if it is going on exterior metal, they will need to be sealed somehow.
You could use Nutserts instead of pop rivets. The table could be removed if you ever needed to. Pop rivets don't have much contact area unless you can access the back side and use a washer.
Yes, a qualified yes, but yes. Use 3/16" stainless steel rivets with a short grip range and a back up washer. Make sure the back up washer is pretty snug to the material before setting the rivet. That gives a bit of extra support to the smaller side of the rivet and slows down the tip over.
No more than you are going to be opening and closing the hinge, it will work fine. Myself, I'd use a nyloc and machine screw to adjust the tension and keep it civilized.
Its a tailgate table. Probably won't see a lot of heavy or abusive use, unless you plan to dance on it.
