question Steel or aluminium rivets?

[daz76]

Forgive this daft question. I've been given a bucket full of pop rivets. Problem is some are steel (apparently) and some are aluminium. They are in unmarked packets. I have tried using a magnet to identify them, but it picks up both types. I have had some in salty water but none show rust yet. How can I identify which is which. Am I missing something really obvious? Would the alumimium ones contain something which attracts the magnet? Any advice would be appreciated before I go and buy some so I know what's what. Thanks, Daz :confused:

[N.O.S.]

How about filing some of the rivet (outer sleeve) off and trying a magnet on the filings - both types use a steel centre pin (which might be why you had trouble with your magnet) so this way you will be checking just the rivet material.

Edited December 28, 2008 by N.O.S.

[snowtracdave]

I would guess that the 'stalk' of your snap rivet is steel/ferrous & therefore attracted to the magnet .

[R Cubed]

As far as I know the pins are either steel or stainless steel so it comes to the actual rivet bit the Ally ones should scratch with a file or similar. the steel ones should be heavier, if in packets should be different weights. The steel ones will be harder to use as well.

 

Good luck.

[daz76]

Thanks for all the replies guys, I didn't know the pin would be steel on both. Cheers. Daz :-D

[gps]

i use them often at work. Mine are loose , so wot i do is bite them in my mouth , one is softer than the other and so marks easier this is the ali one.The same applies to solid rivets.

[antarmike]

Aluminium ans steel are different colours, you get used to identifying them by sight.

[Espressodude]

almost any combination is possible:

 

stainless body - stainless shank/mandrel

steel body - steel shank

aluminum body - aluminum shank

aluminum body - steel shank

 

I have some of all the above in my bins....

[daz76]

Thanks for your replies. It'll make sorting 'em out much easier! :sweat::tup::