Understanding Federal Supply Class 5320: Rivets

Among the vast catalog of standardized parts utilized by the U.S. government, Federal Supply Class (FSC) 5320 specifically categorizes rivets. In this blog, we will touch on the reasons why rivets have their own classification and examine the various types found within FSC 5320. Read on to gain a clearer understanding of the significance of this federal supply class and the respective applications of some common components it encompasses.

What Is a Federal Supply Class?

Federal Supply Classes each represent a group of products that share similar characteristics or functions. Federal Supply Groups (FSGs) provide the first two numbers of the four digits that make up an FSC and represent an overarching theme, such as 53: Hardware and Abrasives. This method of categorizing and managing the millions of items procured by different government and high-stakes sectors facilitates efficient inventory management, procurement, and logistics.

The Role of FSC 5320

Settings that put great emphasis on precision and reliability, such as aerospace, defense, and heavy manufacturing operations, demand reliable fastening solutions that ensure structural integrity even in the most extreme conditions. Standardized rivets offer unmatched quality control and interoperability across operations, necessitating the creation of FSC 5320 to organize approved general purpose options.

Common Types of Rivets Listed Under FSC 5320

Solid Rivets

One of the oldest and most reliable fastening methods, solid rivets consist of a simple cylindrical shank and a pre-formed head. During installation, their tail end is deformed by a tool like a hammer or rivet gun, creating a second head that permanently secures materials together. There are many variations of solid rivets, such as:

• Countersunk Rivets: Designed for flush installation, these rivets can reduce aerodynamic drag in aerospace and marine applications.
• Brazier Head Rivets: The large, rounded heads on brazier head rivets distribute load over a wider surface for better structural stability. This also prevents them from digging into softer materials.

Blind Rivets

Blind rivets—also known as pop rivets—consist of a tubular body with a mandrel that, once pulled through by a rivet gun, causes the opposite end to expand. Once the mandrel reaches a predetermined resistance, it breaks off to leave a finished head. These rivets are designed for situations where only one side of the workpiece is accessible, with some of many variations including:

• Sealed Blind Rivets: Featuring a closed-end mandrel, sealed blind rivets offer a tight seal that prevents liquid and gas ingress. As the mandrel is pulled through the body, it expands the sealed end, compressing the material tightly to eliminate gaps.
• Pull-Thru Rivets: These rivets create a near-flush installation on both sides of fastened materials.

• Split Drive Rivets: Engineered with a longitudinal split along the shank that expands outward upon installation, the design of these rivets is useful for preventing loosening in softer materials like wood, plastic, and leather.

Special Purpose Rivets

FSC 5320 also includes specialized rivets designed for unique engineering applications, such as:

• Friction-Lock Rivets: The grooves in friction-lock rivets increase surface contact and grip, making them exceptionally strong.
• Self-Piercing Rivets: With their hardened, pointed tip, these rivets do not require a pre-drilled hole. Instead, they displace material to form a strong mechanical interlock.
• Peel Rivets: The body of these rivets splits into multiple legs that expand outward and distribute load over a wider surface area, preventing damage to fragile materials like plastic, fiberglass, and thin sheet metal.
• Tubular Rivets: Hollow or semi-hollow in design, these rivets have a lightweight structure that reduces the amount of stress placed on materials. They create a lightweight and aesthetically clean connection that is perfect for applications like leather goods, electronics, aviation components, and general decorative fastening.

Choose NSN Axis for Your Rivet Needs

For those seeking high-quality rivets that fall within FSC 5320, NSN Axis is your one-stop solution. Our website features thousands of parts sourced from trusted manufacturers and suppliers, all of which are easily discoverable across multiple catalogs that we have established. Balancing quality assurance, competitive pricing, and swift delivery with every order, our experts are prepared to meet your requirements whenever you choose to get in touch.

1. lester gibbs
2. Posted on February 28, 2025
aviation

Related Blogs