For assemblies exposed to moisture, chemicals, or salt spray, a standard steel rivet will eventually rust and fail. Stainless steel half tubular rivets offer the ideal combination of marine-grade corrosion resistance and low-force installation. The hollow cavity reduces setting force by approximately 70% compared to solid rivets, while the stainless body provides long-term durability in harsh environments.
Nuote Metals manufactures stainless steel half tubular rivets from 304 and 316 grades using high-speed cold heading. Our process ensures consistent cavity depth, smooth head geometry, and burr-free shearing. This guide presents real-world case data, full technical specifications, and our transparent quality policies.
We make different materials of Rivets, such as brass rivets, steel rivets, stainless steel rivets, aluminum rivets, and copper rivets.
1. Brass Rivets, including brass solid rivets, brass semi-tubular rivets, brass tubular rivets.
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2. Stainless Steel Rivets,including stainless steel solid rivets,stainless steel semi-tubular rivets, stainless steel tubular rivets.
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3. Aluminum Rivets, including aluminum solid rivets, aluminum semi-tubular rivets, aluminum tubular rivets.
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4. Copper Rivets, including copper solid rivets, copper semi-tubular rivets, copper tubular rivets.
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5. Steel Rivets, including steel solid rivets, steel semi-tubular rivets, steel tubular rivets.
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A garden tool manufacturer was experiencing consistent field returns of their premium pruning shears. The pivot rivet—a solid stainless steel component—was loosening after heavy cutting seasons, causing blade misalignment. They needed a rivet that would hold tight under repetitive shear stress without increasing assembly cost.
We recommended 304 stainless stainless steel half tubular rivets (5mm diameter, 12mm barrel length, passivated finish). The semi‑hollow cavity allowed controlled expansion during setting, creating a permanent swelled fit inside the pivot hole. Unlike the previous solid rivet, the half‑tubular version required only 30% of the setting force, eliminating blade distortion during assembly. After two years of production (over 400,000 units), the manufacturer reported a 97% reduction in pivot‑related returns. The rivet also shaved 1.5 seconds off each assembly cycle.
A motorcycle luggage brand needed a fastener that could survive constant vibration, UV exposure, and occasional rain—without loosening or corroding. The original zinc‑plated steel rivets showed red rust after one season. The customer switched to 316 stainless stainless steel half tubular rivets (6mm diameter, 15mm barrel length). The 316 grade added molybdenum for chloride resistance (road salts, rain). The semi‑hollow tail rolled smoothly against the ABS shell without cracking the plastic. We supplied the rivets with a passivated finish to remove any surface free iron. After three years of field use across 10,000+ top cases, no rust spots or loose rivets have been reported. The customer now uses our rivets across their entire luggage line.
We produce these rivets from certified stainless steel wire. All dimensions are verified by optical sorting.
| Grade | Key Feature | Corrosion Resistance | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 304 (UNS S30400) | General purpose, good formability | 200–500 hrs salt spray | Medical trays, food equipment, indoor industrial |
| 316 (UNS S31600) | Molybdenum added, excellent pitting resistance | 1,000+ hrs salt spray | Marine, offshore, chemical plants, coastal construction |
| Shank Dia (mm) | Head Style | Head Dia (mm) | Head Height (mm) | Barrel Length (mm) | Cavity Depth | Grip Range (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 | Round / Oval / Flat | 5.0 – 5.5 | 1.8 – 2.2 | 4 – 12 | 45–55% of length | 1.5 – 4.0 |
| 4.0 | Round / Oval / Flat | 6.5 – 7.2 | 2.6 – 3.0 | 5 – 16 | 45–55% of length | 2.0 – 5.5 |
| 5.0 | Round / Oval / Flat | 8.0 – 9.0 | 3.2 – 3.6 | 6 – 20 | 45–55% of length | 2.5 – 7.0 |
| 6.0 | Round / Oval / Flat | 9.5 – 10.8 | 3.8 – 4.3 | 8 – 25 | 45–55% of length | 3.0 – 9.0 |
| 8.0 | Round / Oval / Flat | 12.5 – 14.5 | 5.0 – 5.8 | 10 – 32 | 45–55% of length | 4.0 – 12.0 |
Tolerances: Shank dia ±0.05mm, head dia ±0.15mm, length ±0.15mm. Custom head styles and barrel lengths available.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Single shear strength | 11,500 – 13,000 N |
| Tensile pull‑out | 6,200 – 7,500 N |
| Recommended hole size | Shank dia + 0.15 – 0.25 mm |
| Recommended setting force | 1.8 – 3.0 tons |
We follow a disciplined workflow for every batch of stainless steel half tubular rivets.
1. Material Sourcing – We purchase certified 304 or 316 wire from approved mills. Each coil has a heat number for full traceability.
2. Material Inspection – Incoming wire is tested with a spectrometer and tensile tester. We verify surface condition and diameter.
3.Tooling Customization or Setup – For new dimensions, we design carbide cold‑heading dies (lead time 15–25 days). For standard sizes, our technicians install and align existing tooling.
4.First Article Inspection – The cold header runs 50 sample rivets. We measure head diameter, head height, shank diameter, total length, and cavity depth. A full FAI report is sent to you for approval.
5.Mass Production – Upon approval, we run at 200–400 pieces per minute. In‑process checks occur every 2,000 pieces for critical dimensions.
6.Subcontracted Passivation (if required) – For applications needing enhanced corrosion resistance, we send batches to our certified passivation partner. We verify free iron removal per ASTM A967.
7.Final Outgoing Inspection – We use optical sorting machines to inspect 100% of parts for head geometry, length, and cavity depth. An AQL sample (Level II, 1.0) is pulled for shear testing. A Certificate of Conformance accompanies every shipment.
For more infomation about our production line, please check the below video.
Our production of stainless steel half tubular rivets is supported by:
Certification Scope
Each shipment includes:
Nuote Metals does not charge for re‑sampling if first articles fail to meet your drawing tolerances.
Q1: What is the difference between a stainless steel half tubular rivet and a solid stainless steel rivet? When should I choose the half‑tubular version?
A: The primary difference is the hollow cavity in the tail. A stainless steel half tubular rivet requires only 25–30% of the setting force needed for a solid rivet of the same diameter. This makes it ideal for automated assembly, soft materials (plastic, composites, leather), and applications where access is limited. Solid rivets provide slightly higher shear strength but need heavy squeezing or a bucking bar. For most industrial, marine, and medical applications where installation speed and material protection matter, we recommend the half‑tubular design. Only choose solid rivets for extreme structural loads or where the joint will be subjected to continuous high impact.
Q2: How do you prevent work hardening cracks in stainless steel half tubular rivets during cold heading?
A: Stainless steel (especially 304) work hardens rapidly. We use polished carbide heading dies and a multi‑stage cold heading process (three blows: squaring, pre‑forming, and final cavity extrusion). This distributes strain and prevents micro‑cracks. We also apply a chlorine‑free extreme‑pressure lubricant. For 316 grade, which is more ductile, cracking is rarely an issue. Our internal rejection rate for stainless steel half tubular rivets is 0.4%, significantly below the industry average of 2–3%. Every batch undergoes dye penetrant testing on 10 samples per 10,000 pieces.
Q3: Can stainless steel half tubular rivets be used in direct contact with aluminum without galvanic corrosion?
A: Yes, but precautions are necessary. Stainless steel is cathodic (noble) relative to aluminum. In the presence of an electrolyte (saltwater, high humidity), galvanic corrosion can attack the aluminum. To prevent this, we recommend: (1) using a nylon or EPDM isolating washer between the rivet head and aluminum surface, (2) applying a sealant such as polyurethane around the rivet after setting, or (3) specifying a coated rivet (e.g., with a thin epoxy layer). For dry indoor applications, the risk is negligible. If your assembly will be submerged or used in marine environments, we suggest switching to aluminum rivets or using 316 stainless with a thick isolating barrier. Contact us for a galvanic compatibility chart.
Contact Nuote Metals today to request a sample pack or a compliance package for your stainless steel half tubular rivets project.