In situations where access to both sides of a component is limited, a hole is first drilled through the parts to be joined. A pop rivet is then inserted through the drilled hole and the rivet body is brought into contact with the parts.

A pop rivet gun is placed on the rivet, pulling the mandrel into the rivet body, causing it to expand and grip the parts to be joined. Once gripped, the mandrel snaps, permanently holding the rivet in place.

This results in a localized joint.

They are used to make high strength joints in a range of materials, including metals, plastics, wood and leather.

Typically, the processes is used for joining plastic or sheet metal.

To enable pop rivets to meet the requirements of a wide variety of applications, they are available in many materials, including:

Steel, Stainless steel, Copper, Aluminium