Rivets vs threaded fasteners

[Chris Endres]

So as a general basis on my team, rivet if it is non-essential, and bolt it if it is essential. If the part your securing will see a lot of wear and tear throughout the season, bolt it. If your part will need constant replacement/isn't under tension forces, rivets work best. There are some applications where we need to use bolts, simply because we can't fit a rivet gun head where we want it. And if you do use bolts, remember to either use locknuts, or locktite on regular threaded nuts. We also bolt parts that require zero, or close to zero, lossesning throughout the season, because if the hole is not perfect for the rivet, the rivet will lossen, where ever the force.

My rule of thumb, as a "we need to rivet this", or "we need to bolt this", is "will this need to be perfectly secure the whole season?" Yes: bolt, no: rivet.

Like you said, use bolts wherever parts need to come off repeatedly.

Other than that, it's a weight and ease preference, really.