# Cold connections: rivets, screws and staples

> Cold connections join pieces without heat: tube and wire rivets, tabs, staples and screws; ideal for joining dissimilar materials.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/cold-connections-rivets/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-07-06
- Updated: 2026-07-06
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/uniones-en-frio-remaches/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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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](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/union-frio-steps.en.svg "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

- [Soldering for jewelry](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-soldering/)
- [Laser and spot welding](https://www.711grados.com/en/laser-and-spot-welding/)
- [Jewelry pliers and tweezers: types and uses](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-pliers-and-tweezers/)