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I have two pieces of sheet material that I want to fix together, one is reinforced cardboard and the other is a flat piece of metal that's part of a clasp. I'm looking for a fixing that would function a bit like a pop rivet.

I was imagining something a bit like a nut and bolt with a very short screw thread, but I've had a look in my local hardware stores and I couldn't see anything like this.

Does anyone know the name of a fixing that would function like this so I can search it online to buy some? I could buy a longer bolt and saw some of the thread off, but I thought there should be a fixing for this that I don't have to modify before using.

Jojo
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4 Answers4

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Just use rivets with washers behind the cardboard to spread the load.

If your hardware store doesn't have what you need go to a fastener specialist.

Jasen
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That is the beauty of bolts, they come in standard lengths so you can make them a non-standard length with a hacksaw and a file or a 4" angle grinder, dremel etc

Solar Mike
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You can make a rivet out of a nail using a hammer.

https://www.instructables.com/How-to-peen-a-rivet/

peen a rivet

Pretty slick! Make hole thru sheets. Put nail thru hole. Cut off excess nail. Beat the rest down flat against hard flat thing, using flat side of hammer. Finish with ball side of hammer. I have some shiny brass nails I found in a dumpster that would love to be part of a project like this.

This is what that ball peen hammer you got from your grandfather has been waiting to do for the last 50 years! That is how it got its name!

Willk
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Brass paper fastener.

brass fastener

Get some with the longest legs you can find. Put thru minimal slit in cardboard. Then flatten open legs against the far side, glue them and clamp them overnight.

The surface area of the legs and the glue will spread out the area needing to support your attachment. The brass will look good with your hinge. It might still pull thru cardboard but is at less risk than a rivet because of the greater surface area.

Consider augmenting the back of the cardboard by gluing down something firmer than cardboard. I would use a cap from a jar. You could cut a piece of plastic.

Are we crafting now?

Willk
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