Fastener vs. Rivet — What's the Difference?

A fastener (US English) or fastening (UK English) is a hardware device that mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects together. In general, fasteners are used to create non-permanent joints; that is, joints that can be removed or dismantled without damaging the joining components.

A rivet is a permanent mechanical fastener. Before being installed, a rivet consists of a smooth cylindrical shaft with a head on one end.

A device, such as a clip, pin, or clasp, that attaches something firmly to something else.

A short metal pin or bolt for holding together two plates of metal, its headless end being beaten out or pressed down when in place

A device, such as a seat belt, that secures a person or object.

Join or fasten (plates of metal) with a rivet or rivets

Something or someone that fastens.

Hold (someone or something) fast so as to make them incapable of movement

Mechanically, any device that fastens; especially, a collective term for items such as screws, nuts, washers, clasps, bolts and the like.

A metal bolt or pin having a head on one end, inserted through aligned holes in the pieces to be joined and then hammered on the plain end so as to form a second head.

One who, or that which, makes fast or firm.

To fasten or secure, especially with a rivet or rivets.

A person who fastens or makes fast;

To hammer and bend or flatten the headless end of (a nail or bolt) so as to fasten something.

Restraint that attaches to something or holds something in place

To fix the attention of (someone)

To engross or hold (the gaze or attention, for example).

A cylindrical mechanical fastener that attaches multiple parts together by fitting through a hole and deforming the head(s) at either end.

(figuratively) Any fixed point or certain basis.

(obsolete) A light kind of footman's plate armour; an almain rivet. Category:en:Armor

(transitive) To attach or fasten parts by using rivets.

(transitive) To install rivets.

To command the attention of.

To make firm or immovable.

A metallic pin with a head, used for uniting two plates or pieces of material together, by passing it through them and then beating or pressing down the point so that it shall spread out and form a second head; a pin or bolt headed or clinched at both ends.

To fasten with a rivet, or with rivets; as, to rivet two pieces of iron.

To spread out the end or point of, as of a metallic pin, rod, or bolt, by beating or pressing, so as to form a sort of head.

Hence, to fasten firmly; to make firm, strong, or immovable; as, to rivet friendship or affection.

Ornament consisting of a circular rounded protuberance (as on a vault or shield or belt)

Heavy pin having a head at one end and the other end being hammered flat after being passed through holes in the pieces that are fastened together

Direct one's attention on something;

Fasten with a rivet or rivets

Hold (someone's attention);