Pop riveting is a technique that is used to join thin pieces of metal and it can also be used to join plastic sheet. The rivet has two parts; the pin and the rivet. The pop rivet pliers are used to pull the pin through the rivet and as this happens the rivet is deformed slightly so that it joins the metal or plastic pieces. This is explained in detail below.
This technique is used where the metal or plastic is thin and where the joint does not have to be very strong. It is ideal for joining aluminium or even thin sheet plastic.

1. The two pieces of plastic or aluminium are drilled to a size slightly larger than the rivet

2. The pop rivet is passed through both holes in the sheet plastic / aluminium.

3. The rivet pliers are pushed on to the pin of the rivet and the handles are pulled together. As this happens the pin head is pulled into the rivet and the end of the rivet is expanded. Eventually the pin will break off leaving the rivet permanently fixed in position holding the two pieces of plastic / aluminium together.

QUESTIONS:

1. Explain with notes and diagrams how you could joint two pieces of thin aluminium sheet.
2. What other materials can be joined together by pop riveting ?

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