Steel Fastening Techniques

A rivet is a steel fastener with a cylindrical shaft and specially shaped head. During installation, the rivet is heated to white heat in a forge, then inserted through pre-drilled holes in the steel sections while hot. A pneumatic hammer shapes the exposed end into a second head, creating a secure connection between the joined members.

Bolts are inserted into holes that are one-sixteenth inch wider than the bolt diameter. Hardened steel washers are placed beneath one or both bolt ends to distribute load and prevent damage to the steel. The bolt and washer assembly is tightened using pneumatic or electric impact wrenches to ensure a secure fit.

An electric arc is formed between a metal electrode and the steel sections being joined. This arc generates intense heat that melts the electrode's tip and the adjoining steel surfaces, creating a molten puddle. As the electrode moves along the seam, it deposits molten metal that solidifies into a continuous, seamless connection.

Welding creates a strong, seamless bond by establishing an electrical potential between the steel pieces and a metal electrode. The resulting electric arc melts both the steel members and electrode tip, forming a molten puddle. The electrode is gradually moved along the seam, depositing a continuous bead of metal that solidifies to form a durable joint.

Riveting involves heating fasteners to white heat and shaping them with a pneumatic hammer to form two heads, creating a permanent connection. Bolting uses fasteners inserted into slightly oversized holes with hardened washers and nuts, tightened with impact wrenches. Bolting allows for easier disassembly, while riveting creates a more permanent joint.

Hardened steel washers are placed beneath bolt heads or nuts to distribute the load over a larger surface area and prevent damage to the steel sections. This protects the steel from bearing stress and ensures a more secure, long-lasting connection. Washers are typically used under one or both ends of the bolt.

Bolts are tightened using either pneumatic or electric impact wrenches, which apply controlled torque to ensure secure fastening. These power tools provide consistent tightening force and efficiency compared to manual methods. Impact wrenches are essential for achieving proper bolt tension in structural steel applications.