Different color rivets

N355DW · #1 01-23-2012, 08:32 AM

So I finally have gotten around to sorting out some of the hardware bags into bins of equal size and type rivets. I noticed some universal heads that came from separate bags that are the same size, but different color. The gold ones have a dimple and some lettering, the silver ones have a dimple but no lettering. I haven't seen anything in the manual about this, are they the same type rivet?

Tried a search, but it was inconclusive.

aarvig · #2 01-23-2012, 08:42 AM

I noticed the same thing with mine. The only conclusion I came to was that the rivets came from different suppliers. I also noted a significant difference between some of the CS4-4 rivets used to attach the emp fairings. The shank looked the same but the heads were totally different. I called Vans on this and they said it was the result of using different suppliers.

az_gila · #3 01-23-2012, 08:53 AM

The MS20470 spec allows a large variation on color of rivets. The color is created by a conversion coating (aka alodine) and is described as clear to iridescent yellow to brown.

The dimple is the critical item in the solid rivets and denotes 2117-T4 alloy, the "AD" designation in the full rivet part number.

Conversion spec here

http://www.everyspec.com/MIL-SPECS/M...41E.002379.pdf

Rivet spec here

http://www.everyspec.com/MS+Specs/MS...70H.008074.PDF

Beware of rivets with no dimple, they are the soft variant and are not structural for our general use.

N355DW · #4 01-23-2012, 09:09 AM

Thanks Gil and Aaron! I love how quick you get a response here! Yes, I read in another thread about the dimple, I keep a lookout for those!