A plastic rivet is a fastener moulded from an engineering plastic, usually nylon 6.6. It passes through aligned holes in two or more panels and locks behind them. Some types lock by expanding, some by snapping two halves together, and some by a ratchet or thread.
Most plastic rivets fit from one side of the panel, so you do not need access to the back. Many are fitted by hand in seconds, which makes them ideal for high volume assembly lines.
Plastic Push Rivets, also called push pin rivets or trim rivets, are the most widely used type. Push the rivet into the hole, then press the centre pin flush to spread the legs behind the panel. To remove one, lift the pin with a trim tool and the rivet pulls out cleanly without damaging the panel.
Applications: automotive interior trim, seats, bumpers and bonnets · domestic appliances · access panels
Plastic Snap Rivets have a male and a female half that press together through the hole and lock with a firm snap. They need no tools and give a neat finish on both sides of the panel.
Applications: electronics · signs and panels · display units · colour swatches
Expansion Rivets lock as the pin is driven into the body, expanding it tightly against the walls of the hole. The result is a firm, vibration resistant joint suited to automotive and appliance assembly.
Applications: telecoms equipment · automotive · domestic appliances · furniture · electrical equipment
Plastic Pop Rivets (R Loks) work like blind metal rivets but bring the benefits of plastic. As the rivet is set, concealed wings open behind the panel and clamp the materials together. They are ideal for soft or compressible materials such as rubber, urethane, foam and padded fabric.
Applications: automotive exterior trim, bumpers, bonnets and wings · domestic appliances · server racks · audio equipment · furniture · HVAC
Releasable Plastic Drive Rivets have a push-release pin. Drive the pin in to lock the rivet, then push it through to release it so the rivet can be removed and reused. They suit assemblies that need regular access or adjustment.
Applications: automotive interiors, bumpers and bonnets · domestic appliances · server racks · audio equipment · furniture · HVAC · telecoms equipment
Ratchet Rivets are made of two identical parts that ratchet together through the hole. The ratchet teeth let one rivet grip a range of panel thicknesses, giving a tight and lasting joint.
Applications: automotive bumpers and bonnets · domestic appliances · HVAC · point of sale displays
Plastic Screw Rivets often called scrivets, combine a rivet body with a threaded screw. Tightening the screw expands the body to lock the joint, and unscrewing it releases the rivet. Choose a raised head for strength or a flush head for a smooth, clean finish.
Applications: furniture assembly · automotive interiors · domestic appliances · audio equipment · boats · signage · HVAC
Button Rivets have a smooth, rounded head for a neat finish where the fastener is on show. They are easy to fit and ideal for attaching thin materials and light panels.
Applications: automotive interiors · domestic appliances · server racks · audio equipment · furniture
Mini Rivets are small two-part fasteners for fine, light-duty work. They hold thin materials securely without adding weight or bulk.
Applications: textiles · colour swatches · display folders · medical masks and visors
Use this table to narrow down the right type before you check sizes. Holding strength is a general guide; the exact rating depends on the part and material.
| Rivet type | How it locks | Removable? | Tool needed | Holding strength | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Push rivets | Pin pushed into the body spreads the legs | Yes, lift the pin and pull out | None to fit; trim tool to remove | Light to medium | Car interior trim, bumpers, appliance panels |
| Snap rivets | Male and female halves snap together | Usually permanent | None | Light | Signs, displays, swatches, electronics |
| Expansion rivets | Inserted pin expands the body inside the hole | Semi permanent | None | Medium | Automotive, telecoms, appliances, furniture |
| Pop rivets (R Loks) | Concealed wings spread behind the panel | Permanent | None or hand tool | Medium | Soft rubber, foam, fabrics, plastics, HVAC |
| Drive rivets (releasable) | Pin drives in to lock; push it through to release | Yes, reusable | None | Light to medium | Access panels, server racks, audio equipment |
| Ratchet rivets | Two identical halves ratchet together | Permanent | None | Medium | Bumpers, HVAC, point of sale, varied panel thickness |
| Screw rivets and scrivets | Screw expands the body as it tightens | Yes, unscrew to release | Screwdriver | Medium | Furniture, boats, signage, appliances |
| Button rivets | Decorative head pushed into the hole | Usually permanent | None | Light | Visible trim, interiors, furniture |
| Mini rivets | Small two part snap fit | Usually permanent | None or hand tool | Light | Textiles, swatches, folders, masks and visors |
Two measurements determine the right rivet: the hole diameter and the total thickness of the panels you are joining. Use digital callipers for accurate readings.
A. Hole diameter
Measure the hole in the panel, or the shank of an old rivet just below the head. Choose a rivet made for that exact hole size.
Not sure which size plastic rivet you need?
Send us your measurements or an old rivet and our technical team will match the right part.
Call +44 1623 551 800
Most plastic rivets fit by hand in a few seconds. Before you start, line up the holes in every panel and check the rivet is the right size for the hole and panel thickness.
Plastic Rivets hold trim, bumpers, arch liners, splash guards and interior panels on most modern vehicles. Our plastic rivets for cars list matches each rivet to its OEM reference number, so you can find the correct replacement quickly.
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They join panels, trim and light components in automotive, appliance, electronics, furniture, HVAC and signage assembly, where a fastener needs to be light, corrosion-resistant, non-conductive, or quick to fit.
A push rivet locks when you press its pin flush and can usually be removed. A plastic pop rivet, or R Lok, opens concealed wings behind the panel and is normally permanent. Pop rivets suit soft materials such as rubber and foam.
Releasable drive rivets and screw rivets are designed to be refitted. Push rivets can often be reused if undamaged. Snap, pop and ratchet rivets are usually single-use.
Use the hole diameter stated for the rivet you choose, and make sure your total panel thickness falls within its grip range. Send us your measurements if you are unsure.
Lift the centre pin with a trim removal tool, then lever the body out evenly from under the head. For releasable drive rivets, push the pin through from the front first.
No. They are designed for light to medium duty joints, not structural loads, and are the better choice where weight, corrosion, insulation or a protected finish matter most.
Tell us about your application, and we will recommend the right plastic rivet and send free samples so you can test the fit before you order.
Call +44 1623 551 800
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