Contact rivets are headed fasteners intended for an electrical contact surface rather than only a mechanical joint. The gallery shows a copper-toned body with a contrasting light-colored face, so the contact face and the retaining shank should be specified as related but distinct features. The photographs help identify the family; they do not establish the materials, plating or electrical performance of a particular lot.
Contact face and retaining body
The gallery shows both single parts and grouped views. Those views are useful for comparing proportions, but they do not show the contact material at the face, the substrate under it, the plating thickness or the hardness of either area. Ask for a drawing or approved sample when the electrical interface is important.
Applications to review
This format can be considered for switches, relays, conductive terminals, small circuit hardware and other assemblies that need a defined contact area. The application should be described in terms of the opposing contact, switching duty, available travel and the method used to retain the rivet. A contact rivet used as a simple mechanical fastener may have different requirements from one used as the actual electrical interface.
Avoid selecting by color alone. A copper-toned body may be chosen for conductivity, appearance or manufacturing reasons, while the face may be a different material or treatment. If the assembly carries current, identify the current path and the surfaces that must remain clean and compatible.
Fit, setting and replacement questions
The photographs do not show the setting force, the collapsed shape or the condition of the face after installation. Build a trial joint with the actual carrier material. Inspect the face after setting, because a tool mark or a raised edge can change the contact area even when the overall dimensions remain within tolerance.
How to specify a contact rivet
- Define the contact-face diameter, profile, flatness and allowable surface condition.
- Show the shank diameter, length, under-head form and the carrier hole.
- State the body and face materials, any plating and the surfaces that must remain conductive.
- Provide the mating contact, setting method, inspection criteria and quantity.
Inspection before approval
Inspect the face for scratches, pits, stains, burrs and handling marks that could affect the contact area. Check the transition between the face and the head, and verify that the shank is straight enough for the intended hole. If plating is specified, confirm that it covers the required surfaces without closing a critical feature.
Electrical tests should follow the assembly’s own requirements rather than a generic claim from a product page. A visual check can confirm geometry and workmanship, but it cannot prove contact resistance, wear life or switching performance. Keep the approved sample and drawing as the reference for production.
FAQ
Is the light-colored face a separate material?
The photograph shows a contrasting face, but it does not prove a separate material or a particular coating. Confirm the construction and material specification with the supplier.
Can a contact rivet be used as a mechanical rivet?
It can be considered for a mechanical joint, but the contact face and the shank still need to suit the assembly. Do not assume that a contact-grade part is automatically suitable for a structural load.
What is needed for a quotation?
Provide the drawing or sample, face and shank dimensions, materials, plating, carrier details, mating contact, setting method and quantity.
Browse the contact rivet category, or compare flat brass contact points and brass contact points.
