Rivet

Rivet, a metal pin for connecting two plates of metal or other material together. The rivet is put through holes in both plates, and the projecting ends are then beaten down so as to represent the head of a nail on each side, and thus hold the plates in close contact. Rivets are of most essential importance in boiler and tank making, and in building iron ships. They are usually put through the holes and beaten down while red-hot, in order that the contraction of the rivet, as it cools, may produce more intimate contact of the plates. Both steam and hydraulic riveting-machines have been in use for a good many years.