Rivets

Top Rivet Suppliers in the UK: Where to Buy Pop Rivets, What Sizes to Choose, and How to Get the Best Value

Why rivets still matter in DIY and professional builds

Rivets are the unsung heroes of fastening — small, simple, and stubbornly reliable. Whether you're repairing a shed, fitting metal cladding, or assembling a trailer, a good pop rivet can secure parts faster than screws, without the need for threads. If you want joints that stay tight under vibration and weather, rivets are often the best choice. In this article I'll walk you through where to buy rivets in the UK, what sizes and materials work for different jobs, and how to save money without compromising quality.

What this guide covers

We'll highlight retailers like Expert Electrical, Screwfix, B&Q, Wickes, Toolstation, RS Components, and a few specialist suppliers. I'll explain the common pop rivet sizes in inches, the difference between aluminium and stainless steel rivets, which rivet gun to pick, and practical tips for installation and storage. Think of this as your one-stop shop for rivet shopping and smart buying advice.

Stores to consider: Expert Electrical and beyond

Expert Electrical appears in the product data as a retailer offering CK aluminium pop rivets in various pack sizes. That’s a great starting point, but it's also worth comparing what larger hardware chains and specialist suppliers offer. Big names like Screwfix and B&Q have broad ranges, while Toolstation and Wickes cover everyday DIY needs. For industrial-grade fasteners, RS Components and specialist fastener shops stock higher-spec rivets and bulk packs. Each seller has different strengths — variety, price, availability, or specialist stock — so a quick compare helps you get the right item at the right price.

Expert Electrical: good for branded rivet packs

Expert Electrical stocks CK (C.K) pop rivet aluminium packs in multiple sizes and quantities, such as boxes of 50 or 40. CK rivets are a recognised brand in the UK, often used by electricians, installers, and tradespeople who need consistent quality. If you value branded fasteners and predictable performance, retailers that carry CK are a sensible choice.

Screwfix: trade-friendly selection and tools

Screwfix is a go-to for tradespeople. They offer an extensive range of pop rivets in aluminium, steel, and stainless steel, plus hand riveters and pneumatic rivet guns. Their multi-pack options and trade discounts make them attractive if you’re buying for a team or onsite project. Screwfix’s detailed specifications also make it easy to match rivet diameter and grip range in imperial measures when you’re planning work on frames, gutters, or roofing.

What Screwfix does well

Availability of tools and fasteners in the same place. You can pick up a rivet gun and the correct rivets—say a 3/16" x 3/8" aluminium pop rivet (commonly sold as 4.8 mm x 9 mm in metric) —and know they’ll work together. For anyone doing regular maintenance, that convenience is a timesaver.

B&Q and Wickes: DIY-friendly options and home deliveries

B&Q and Wickes target the DIY market and often stock packs sized for homeowners: smaller quantities, straightforward brands, and easy in-store returns if something doesn’t fit. These are ideal if you’re tackling a weekend project and need rivets for light metalwork, garage repairs, or garden furniture fixes. Both retailers also offer guides and staff advice in-store, which helps if you’re less experienced with fasteners.

When to choose B&Q or Wickes

Choose these when you want convenience, a friendly price, and accessible help. They are particularly good for aluminium pop rivets used on thin sheet metal, like car body trim repairs or garden fixtures.

Toolstation: fast and focused

Toolstation mirrors Screwfix in many ways but often competes on price and local stock levels. They typically stock a wide variety of pop rivet sizes and brands, and you can collect same day. Toolstation is a solid option for small contractor teams and serious DIYers who want quick access to both rivets and rivet tools without hunting around multiple sites.

Toolstation picks for rivet buyers

Look for their value packs if you need common sizes in bulk — for example, packs of 50 aluminium pop rivets around 1/8" diameter for quick sheet metal assemblies. Toolstation also lists compatibility for rivet guns, so you won’t end up with mismatched diameters.

RS Components and specialist fastener suppliers

RS Components and specialist online fastener stores cater to engineers and professionals needing high-spec or unusual fasteners. If your job needs stainless rivets with higher corrosion resistance or larger-diameter structural rivets, these suppliers carry those items in imperial-equivalent sizes. RS also lists detailed technical data — shear strength, tensile strength, and material grades — which is essential for safety-critical work.

When specialist suppliers are worth the extra cost

If you’re working on anything exposed to the elements (marine fittings, coastal fences) or on a project where failure isn’t an option, buy stainless or high-grade rivets from specialist suppliers. Yes, they cost more, but they’ll outlast cheaper alternatives and reduce the risk of rework.

Amazon UK and general marketplaces: wide range but check the specs

Marketplaces like Amazon provide huge choice and competitive prices, from branded CK rivets to generic packs. The tradeoff is the need to vet sellers carefully and check product reviews. Marketplace items can be a bargain for non-critical work, but double-check size, material, and whether the pack includes the correct quantity (boxes of 50 or 40 are common for CK pop rivets).

Tips for buying on marketplaces

Always read product descriptions for diameter and grip range in inches, and look for seller ratings. If a listing only shows metric sizes, convert them (for example, 3.15 mm is roughly 1/8" and 4.8 mm is roughly 3/16") and verify that the rivet’s length matches your application.

Popular pop rivet sizes and what they mean in practice

Rivet sizing can be confusing if you're used to inches rather than metric. Here are common sizes converted to imperial approximations so you can match them to hole sizes and material thicknesses. For example, the CK pop rivet sizes listed by some retailers translate roughly to familiar inch sizes:

Common CK rivet conversions

- 3.15 x 6 mm → about 1/8" x 1/4" — thin sheet metal and light trims.
- 3.15 x 9 mm → about 1/8" x 3/8" — slightly thicker panels or two thin sheets combined.
- 3.15 x 12 mm → about 1/8" x 15/32" — thicker assemblies where a bit more grip length is needed.
- 3.8 x 6 mm → about 5/32" x 1/4" — slightly larger hole diameter for tougher materials.
- 3.8 x 9 mm → about 5/32" x 3/8" — common for small brackets and fittings.
- 3.8 x 12 mm → about 5/32" x 15/32" — for slightly thicker stack-ups.
- 4.8 x 9 mm → about 3/16" x 3/8" — used for heavier gauge metal and automotive trim.
- 4.8 x 12 mm → about 3/16" x 15/32" — when you need added grip on thicker panels.

Choosing the right material: aluminium, steel, or stainless?

Material choice depends on strength needed and exposure. Aluminium pop rivets are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and ideal for most indoor or non-critical outdoor jobs. Steel rivets are stronger but can rust, while stainless steel offers the best corrosion resistance and is preferred for marine or coastal environments. If you’re working with dissimilar metals, consider the risk of galvanic corrosion; sometimes a coated rivet or a different material is the safest choice.

Quick material guide

- Aluminium: great for light work, inexpensive, non-magnetic.
- Steel (zinc plated): stronger, cheaper, but prone to rust unless painted or sealed.
- Stainless steel: best for outdoors and salty environments; more costly but long-lasting.

Rivet guns and tools: what to pair with your rivets

Buying rivets often means buying a rivet gun. Hand riveters are fine for occasional jobs; pneumatic or battery rivet guns are worth the investment for frequent use. Make sure the gun matches the rivet diameter (1/8", 5/32", 3/16", etc.) and check if it includes jaws and nosepieces. Many hardware chains sell rivet tool kits that include common rivet sizes and a compatible gun — a time-saver if you’re not sure what you’ll need.

Tool recommendations by use-case

- Occasional DIY: a basic hand riveter and a few sizes of aluminium pop rivets.
- Regular trades use: battery or pneumatic rivet gun and bulk packs from Screwfix or Toolstation.
- Industrial work: heavy-duty rivet tools and stainless rivets from RS Components or specialist fastener suppliers.

How to pick rivet size and grip length

Two things determine the right rivet: diameter and grip range (the thickness it can fasten). For diameter, choose based on the hole size and stress on the joint; 1/8" rivets suit small loads, while 3/16" is better for heavier joins. For grip length, measure the total combined thickness of parts and select a rivet with a grip range that covers that thickness. You want the mandrel to collapse correctly and form a proper tail without over-compression or a loose joint.

Simple rule of thumb

Measure combined material thickness in inches, then choose a rivet with a grip range that spans that thickness but isn’t more than the rivet’s maximum. If you’re between sizes, pick the next longer grip length for safety rather than a shorter one that won’t form properly.

Saving money: pack sizes and where to buy bulk

If you use rivets regularly, buying boxes of 50 or 100 pays off. Retailers like Screwfix, Toolstation, and specialist fastener stores offer larger bulk packs. Expert Electrical CK packs of 40 or 50 are handy for tradespeople who prefer branded packs. Compare unit prices — sometimes a larger box from a specialist supplier is cheaper per rivet than smaller branded boxes in mainstream stores.

Bulk-buy strategies

Buy common sizes like 1/8" and 3/16" in larger quantities and keep an assortment of less-used sizes on hand. For site work, pre-pack small kits with the most used sizes to avoid wasted trips back to the shop.

Installation tips and common mistakes to avoid

Drilling the correct hole size is the first critical step. Too large a hole means a weak joint; too small and the rivet won't seat properly. Use a de-burring tool or countersink for neatness and to avoid stress risers. When using a rivet gun, pull steadily — jerky pulls can break mandrels prematurely. Finally, toss mandrels into a scrap bin as you go; accumulated loose mandrels create mess and hazards on a job site.

Common errors

- Using the wrong rivet material for outdoor or marine work.
- Choosing a rivet with inadequate grip length.
- Drilling oversized holes. Be precise: small mistakes lead to movement and failure over time.

Where to compare prices quickly

Before buying, compare prices between stores like Expert Electrical, Screwfix, Toolstation, B&Q, Wickes, RS Components, and marketplace sellers. Look at pack size, material, and the type of rivet gun included if any. A short comparison can save you money and ensure you get the right rivet for the job — it’s like checking the weather before setting out: a tiny bit of prep prevents headaches.

Final buying checklist

- Confirm rivet diameter and grip range in inches.
- Choose material appropriate to the environment.
- Pair rivets with a compatible rivet gun.
- Buy in bulk for regular use to save per-unit cost.
- Check specialist suppliers for corrosion-resistant or high-strength options.

Conclusion

Rivets remain a simple but indispensable fastener for both DIYers and professionals. Retailers such as Expert Electrical, Screwfix, Toolstation, B&Q, Wickes, and RS Components offer a wide range of rivets and tools to suit any job — from a small home repair to larger structural work. Understand the basic differences in material, diameter (in inches), and grip length, and you'll avoid most common mistakes. Take a moment to compare prices and pack sizes across retailers, and you’ll get the right rivet without overpaying. Ready to fasten confidently? A little planning goes a long way.