All Things Monobolts: The Single-Sided Mounting Rivet

Since they were first used by the ancient Egyptians more than five thousand years ago, the basic principle of the rivet has remained more or less the same. However, within this lifespan there has also been enormous scope for variation in function and design. One such innovation is the monobolt rivet, a type of structural blind rivet that has been modified from the traditional rivet design.

The main feature of the monobolt that sets it apart from its more traditional ancestor is the locking bar construction. This feature means that not only will the top bar expand to fill the hole but there is also a mechanical locking step. It is this variation that gives the monobolt rivet it's incredibly strong tensile and shear force resistance.

Advantages Of The Monobolt

Mobolt rivets are often found in heavy duty applications as they offer a number of key advantages over other forms of fastening. As we’ve highlighted, this is due to the higher levels of shear and tensile strength that they provide.

Another key feature of monobolts is their excellent hole filling properties. As the expansion sleeve deploys, it effectively fills the entire hole, creating a tight seal that not only enhances structural integrity but also prevents water ingress in outdoor applications which makes monobolts particularly valuable in environments where weatherproofing is crucial.

The visible locking structure offers secure fastening that has particular uses in a range of industries. For example, the automotive industry extensively uses monobolts in vehicle assembly, especially for chassis and body components where strength and vibration resistance are paramount. Similarly, the aerospace sector relies on monobolts for their excellent fatigue resistance and ability to withstand extreme conditions, making them crucial for maintaining aircraft structural integrity.

Monobolts are also able to effectively join a wide range of materials, from various metals including steel and aluminum alloys to certain plastics and even advanced composites. This versatility expands their use from industrial cabinets and electrical enclosures to sophisticated aerospace components.

Monobolt Vs Pop Rivet

So, the question you may be asking yourself is: why choose a monobolt rivet over a traditional pop rivet? The more traditional pop rivet, or blind rivet design was pioneered in the early 20th century specifically for use in the burgeoning aircraft industry. The new design featured a mandrel head that would make a popping sound when it broke, hence the name. The main advantages of the pop rivet are its ease of installation compared to other forms of fastening, as well as its cost effectiveness. Pop rivets require few specialist tools to install and they provide a reliable connection strength, and they can also be used to make watertight seals. However, one of the main drawbacks of the pop rivet is the lower connection strength when compared to a rivet monobolt.

That’s why monobolts have become the go-to rivet choice when manufacturers are looking for a higher degree of connection and tensile strength. As outlined above, this is particularly useful in products that generate a large amount of vibration or when high levels of strength are required. However, it should also be pointed out that monobolt rivets are generally more expensive and may require an investment in tools and equipment for use.

Get In Touch

To find out more about our range and variety of rivets get in touch today! Our team will be happy to talk through the benefits and drawbacks of the rivet monobolt and advise on the best choice of rivet connection for your project.