Rivets vs threaded fasteners

[JamesCH95]

Originally Posted by philso

Your strategy of mixing riv-nuts and cinch nuts makes perfect sense. Do you use the pliers and impact driver for cinch nuts that the arbor press cannot reach? We work at a school for the first part of the build season then move to oRyon Labs for the balance of the season. It will probably mean that the students will get more "exercise" to prepare them for moving the robot on the field.

If a vise or press press can't reach we'll use a riv-nut in the original design. The pliers and impact are generally only for 'emergency' situations, or where a bit of dis-assembly would be required to re-press the PEM nut. Sometimes the pliers aren't even needed.

Originally Posted by Paul Copioli

Since I was quoted in this thread from a post I made years ago, my challenge still stands regarding speed of rivets vs. bolts.

My challenge was only intended to be for people that claimed screws were faster.

As far as the challenge goes, it included cleanup and both "competitors" could use any power tool they wanted. However, the people using screws either had to (1) use a locking nut or (2) use loctite. I know I will bring a drill and a pneumatic riveter from Harbor Freight and will take on all challengers that think screws are faster.

Now, challenge aside, we use a combination of both depending on the job. I will never, ever use rivets in a tension (loads trying to pull "up" on the rivet) heavy applications.

When attaching sheet metal, we will only use rivets. PEM nuts (or the equivalent) are great if you know how to install them.

Again, it is really up to preference, but if you are asking for advice, then I would use rivets as the default and bolts should be reserved to where there are large pull out loading.

So a friendly competition would be:

1) Start with a component, secured with whatever fastener you choose.
2) Remove the fastener.
3) Replace fastener with some form of anti-loosening feature.*
4) Bonus round(s) - repeat several times over.

Any power tools allowed.**
No assistants allowed.
No pre-loading of fasteners or tools.
Fasteners and tools may be laid out on the table.

I'll see about recording some trials and posting them on the YouTube. Could be fun! The Faster Fastener?

*I would argue that many bolts don't actually need this, especially when tightened with an impact gun, but as part of the competition that's fine.

**Using air tools can be really fast, but getting air tools at a competition venue can be... difficult, to say the least. I would argue that only electric or tools known to be readily accessible in the pits should be used. But, again, for a friendly competition this is fine.