TM 1-1500-204-23-6
b. Materials Used in Fabrication. Rivets used in aircraft construction are generally fabricated from aluminum alloy
However, in special cases, Monel, corrosion-resistant steel, mild steel or iron, and copper rivets are used. Except for
unusual conditions, rivets should be used only for the purposes intended This intention is usually indicated by rivet usage
in the original fabrication of the aircraft. The selection of rivet materials for any application is dependent upon usage,
corrosion resistance, and strength.
c. General Usage. Aluminum, steel, and copper rivets are generally used on Army aircraft.
(1)
Aluminum rivets. There are various aluminum rivets used for different applications. Each is explained in
the following paragraphs.
(a)
1110 rivet Use 1100 rivet, made from pure aluminum, for riveting nonstructural parts fabricated from the
softer alloys (1100, 3003, and 5052).
(b)
2117-T4 rivet. This rivet is most commonly used in aluminum alloy structures Its main advantage lies in
the fact that it may be used in the condition received without any further treatment.
(c)
2017-T4 and 2024-T4 rivets. Use these rivets in aluminum alloy structures where strength higher than
that of the 2117-T4 rivet is required. These rivets are generally used in sizes 3/16-inch diameter and larger.
(d)
5056 rivets. Use this rivet for riveting magnesium alloy structures because of its corrosion resistant
qualities No other rivets should be used for this purpose, except under extreme conditions.
(2)
Steel rivets. Mild steel rivets are used primarily in riveting steel parts Do not use galvanized rivets on
steel parts subjected to high temperature Corrosion-resistant steel rivets are used primarily in riveting corrosion-resistant
steel parts such as firewalls, exhaust stack bracket attachments, and similar structures. Monel rivets are used in special
cases for riveting high nickel-steel alloys. Monel rivets may be used interchangeably with corrosion-resistant steel rivets,
and are easier to drive. Corrosion-resistant steel rivets are preferable in corrosion-resistant steel parts.
(3)
Copper rivets. Copper rivets are used for riveting copper alloys, leather, and other nonmetallic materials
This type rivet has only limited usage in aircraft.
CAUTION
Dangerous corrosion will result with the use of dissimilar metals such as
steel, corrosion resistant steel, monel, copper or Iron, in riveting
aluminum structures Such applications will only be made under
emergency conditions. Rivets will be coated with zinc chromate primer
Federal Specification TT-P1757 before installation of rivet, another coat
of zinc chromate primer will be applied. Proper replacement will be
made as soon as materials are available.
d
Corrosion Resistance. Corrosion resistance is generally considered adequate when the rivet material is the
same, or almost the same type as that of the structure being riveted, provided the proper anticorrosion surface treatment
has been applied An example of this is the use of anodized 2117-T4, 2017-T4 and 2024-T4 rivets to attach any
aluminum alloy structure without producing adverse corrosion effects.
e. Strength. For structural application, strength of the replacement rivet is of primary importance. Do not make
replacements with rivets of lower strength material unless the difference in strength is made up by the use of a
larger rivet For example, a rivet of 2024-T4 aluminum alloy will not be replaced by one made of 2117-T4 or 2017-T4
aluminum alloy unless the next larger size is used. Use next larger size 2117-T4 rivet to replace a 2017-T4 rivet
Factors which effect the interchangeability of rivets with respect to head styles are given in paragraph 2-8a.
f.
Heat Treatment.. For specific details in the heat treatment of metals used in rivets, refer to MIL-H6875 and MIL-
H-6088. Do not drive 2024-T4 rivets in a hardened condition. These rivets must be taken within 20 minutes after
quenching to avoid cracking, unless they are held at low temperatures They may be held for approximately 2 weeks
when stored in dry ice, or for 24 hours when stored in ordinary ice. They may also be reheated-treated repeatedly
without injury, provided treatment is carefully and properly performed. The number of reheat treatments should be
controlled on the basis of proper workability after repeated reheat treatments.
2-46
