Rivets are permanent mechanical fasteners that join materials by plastically deforming a metal shank to create a fixed, non-threaded connection. For procurement specialists, understanding how different rivet types behave at the component level and where they are most effectively employed can directly influence sourcing considerations. In this blog, we will discuss how solid and blind rivets form secure mechanical joints, identify the applications where each type is most practical, in addition to how these distinctions guide effective fastener selection decisions.