SPRING 2024

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THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
BAY SUPPLY MATE RIVETS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW from page 56
The trick to properly installing mate rivets is ensuring
they are snug before installation. Mate rivets have a
broader grip range, so the joint must be tight enough to
eliminate movement or play.
Mate rivets can be installed with pneumatic tools,
battery-powered rivet tools, manual tools, or a hammer
and bucking bar. Mate rivets only require about onequarter
of the force it takes to install conventional blind
rivets, so it’s essential to set the installation pressure
so as not to crush the parent materials, especially with
soft or brittle materials.
Choosing The Right Mate Rivets
As with all rivets, choosing the proper mate rivet is
a matter of selecting the best diameter and length.
When choosing the best diameter, you want to use
the diameter of the semi-tubular mate piece because
that is the section that fits through the hole. Diameters
are 0.187 inches and up.
Grip ranges scale to fasten materials up to four
inches thick. You have some flexibility in choosing the
rivet length, but you must be sure the grip range falls
within your application’s tolerance. If the mate rivet is
too long, the joint will be loose. If the rivet is too short,
the joint won’t be secure.
Mate rivets are also available in different materials.
All-aluminum rivets are common, although manufacturers
also make steel-alloy mate rivets or rivets made with
aluminum sleeves and steel stems. Special coatings are
available to prevent corrosion.
For applications that require long-term durability, such
as mounting street signs or manufacturing luggage, mate
rivets are the perfect choice because they provide reliable,
lasting performance without marring the materials. They
are also well suited for applications requiring a longer grip
range, such as connecting poles or beams. .
BAY SUPPLY
NEW ENGLAND FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
PO Box 701, Tewksbury, MA 01876 TEL 816-686-8987 EMAIL nefda@nefda.com WEB www.nefda.com
NEFDA SCHOLARSHIP by Laura Murphy
The New England Fastener Distributors Association
scholarship application is now open for 2024. For the
past six years, the NEFDA has awarded an average of
$15,000 per year to deserving member-students. Last
year we received a record number of applications, and
we look forward to high program engagement again this
year.
This program has been ongoing for 40+ years and
this year’s scholarship committee of Lisa Breton (DB
Roberts) Dan Bielefield (Crescent Manufacturing) Katie
Hogan (Arnold Supply Inc.) and Frank Hand (Fall River
Manufacturing) review every application and essay.
For more information on the NEFDA scholarship,
criteria, and to apply, please visit www.nefda.com, contact
Laura Murphy, administrator at nefda@nefda.com or PO
ASSOCIATION ARTICLE
Box 701, Tewksbury, MA 01876.
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars for the NEFDA’s Annual
Scholarship Golf Outing! We’ll be teeing off Thursday,
June 13th at Southington Country Club in Plantsville, CT.
Join the NEFDA for a day of golf, networking, great food
and the best people! Last year’s event was a blast with
low scores and high spirits. You fore-sure won’t want to
miss this!
Learn more and register: www.nefda.com/event/
nefda-scholarship-golf-outing.
For more information on the NEFDA, please visit www.
nefda.com, contact Laura Murphy, administrator at nefda@
nefda.com or PO Box 701, Tewksbury, MA 01876.
NEW ENGLAND FASTENER DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION