120 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 <strong>2024</strong>. 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
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