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Cold connections: rivets, screws and staples

· 1 min read · Techniques

Illustration: Cold connections: rivets, screws and staples

Not every piece can be soldered. Cold connections (rivets, tabs, staples, screws) join dissimilar metals and heat-sensitive materials such as wood, leather or enamel.

Steps of the technique: Mark, Drill, Align, Insert, Rivet, File
Summary of the steps

Rivets #

A wire rivet is passed through a hole and flattened at both ends to form two heads. Tube rivets allow pieces that pivot. Drill the holes precisely.

Tabs and staples #

A tab cut in one piece is bent over another to hold it, with no solder. Wire staples pass through and are bent behind.

Screws and nuts #

Used in contemporary jewelry and for detachable pieces; the hole is tapped with a screw plate.

When to choose them #

When joining different materials, when you do not want to heat the piece, or when the connection is part of the design.

Step by step #

  1. Mark. Indicate the position of the holes.
  2. Drill. Make holes of the exact diameter.
  3. Align. Position the pieces and clamp them.
  4. Insert. Pass the rivet or screw through.
  5. Rivet. Strike the end to form the head.
  6. File. Smooth the head and polish.

Tools and materials #

  • Wire or tube for rivets
  • Drill and bits
  • Riveting hammer
  • Small screws and nuts

Common mistakes #

  • Hole bigger than the rivet: it ends up loose.
  • Striking too much: the piece distorts.
  • Riveting on a soft base.
  • Forgetting the play in articulated joints.

See also #

This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.