SPRING 2024

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THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK
BAY SUPPLY A DIVISION OF BAY FASTENING SYSTEMS
30 Banfi Plaza North, Farmingdale, NY 11735
TEL 516-294-4100 FAX 516-294-3448 EMAIL info@baysupply.com WEB www.baysupply.com
MATE RIVETS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
By Mike Eichinger, COO
Rivets provide a permanent joint between two pieces
of material—for example, airplane skins or solar panels—
by pressing the material together. When you have thinner
materials and want a firm joint, conventional rivets or
blind rivets work well. However, sometimes you need
rivets that have a longer grip length or can serve as a pivot
point. In such cases, it makes sense to use mate rivets,
sometimes called Cherrymate rivets or semi-tubular
rivets.
A mate rivet has a similar design to other rivets. It
has a rivet body, and a mandrel is pulled to install the
rivet. What makes mate rivets different is the tubular
mate used to install the rivet. When installed, the mate
rivet body fits inside the tubular mate piece. When the
mandrel is pulled, the rivet body expands and is secured
inside the mate piece to form the joint.
Mate rivets are often used instead of nuts and bolts
because they are tamperproof and won’t loosen over
time. They are also commonly used where a fastener with
a longer grip range is required.
Applications For Mate Rivets
Mate rivets’ unique design makes them the ideal
fastener when, for example, you want a strong fastening
that can be used as a pivot, such as for playground
equipment. Mate rivets are also used for bathroom
stalls or other assemblies where you want a tamperproof
fastener.
Mate rivets were originally developed by Cherry
Aerospace, which started as the Cherry Rivet Company in
Los Angeles in 1940. Carl Cherry designed the first blind
rivets used in aircraft manufacturing, and the Cherry Mate
Rivet evolved from the original blind rivet design.
What makes mate rivets attractive is their superior
performance. They are tamperproof and vibrationresistant,
so they won’t torque out or loosen up like
threaded fasteners. Hole size is less critical with mate
rivets than other rivets, making drilling and installation
easier. Because the mandrel expands inside the mate
tube while you control the fastener tension, there is no
concern about crushing the material; this is why mate
rivets can be used for leather, clothing, and soft goods.
Mate rivets can also be installed using handheld or power
tools for maximum versatility.
The mate rivet’s tubular design is useful for various
applications, such as ducts, light fixtures, binders,
luggage, leather goods, electronics, and street signs.
Mate rivets also have a smooth finish, which makes them
suitable for applications such as truck trailers, fences,
and livestock pens. They also work well with plastic seats
or PVC pipe because they create a firm, lasting joint
and won’t corrode. Consider using mate rivets for any
application needing a longer, tamperproof fastener.
Installing Mate Rivets
Mate rivets are installed much like any other type
of rivet. The only difference is that the installation must
accommodate the mate piece, which means you need
access to both sides of the material. Start with the tubular
or mate piece and insert it from one side of the material.
Then, insert the rivet into the mate piece. Pull the mandrel
as you would with any rivet, and the mandrel will expand
inside the mate piece to form a secure joint without
crushing the parent material. The joint is finished when
the mandrel is broken off and removed.
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