Aluminum rivets

[JDFred]

Has anyone used aluminum rivet and burrs?  I was in Tandy this weekend and saw some for sale, it got me wondering about their strength and durability.  They were marketed as decorative which is what sparked the question.  I really like using copper rivets they are pretty strong and give a nice look; however when used with stainless hardware it clashes.  Aluminum would solve this problem.  I know aluminum is a reasonably strong metal so I think they would be fine but anyone with experience using them that has any input would be appreciated.  If it helps my intended application for these would be for attaching buckles onto horse headstall or show cattle halters.  Thank you for any help.

[fredk]

Can't help re strength but aluminium corrodes quickly in damp/wet environments and leaves a blue stain on the leather

[kgg]

1 hour ago, JDFred said:

If it helps my intended application for these would be for attaching buckles onto horse headstall or show cattle halters.

Have you thought of using Chicago screws as you can get them in various sizes (diameter and length). Like @fredk I would be more concerned with using AL but then again I have had Copper rivets turn green.

kgg

[TomE]

Might be tricky to get good results with aluminum rivets using a manual rivet setter(?).  I have replaced solid aluminum rivets that secure the billets to the tree of a dressage saddle using a domed rivet setter like the one shown below.  It fits in an air hammer and is handy for directing the peening blows straight on the axis of the rivet.  I set 3/16" solid aluminum rivets with a washer/burr using this setup and it was fairly foolproof.  Need to support the back face of the rivet with a bucking bar or small anvil/dolly.  McMaster-Carr sells a variety of aluminum rivets and setters.

 

 

PS  For halter buckles, I would sew them on.  Rivets can pull out.

Edited 2 hours ago by TomE