Comparisons Wiki

Bolt vs. Rivet: Difference and Comparison

Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on November 11, 2023
Bolts are threaded fasteners that require a nut, used for assembling parts that might need to be disassembled, whereas rivets are permanent, unthreaded fasteners that join parts by deformation.
Bolt vs. Rivet

Difference Between Bolt and Rivet

Bolt and rivet, both essential in the world of construction and machinery, serve unique purposes. A bolt, characterized by its threaded body, is designed to be paired with a nut. It's a dynamic duo where the bolt gets inserted through aligned holes of the materials and then secured with its corresponding nut. On the other hand, a rivet acts solo. This metal pin, when inserted through material, has its end deformed, ensuring the fastened materials remain closely bonded.
Muazma Batool
Nov 11, 2023
The process of using a bolt usually requires a tool, like a wrench or a ratchet, to ensure the bolt and nut are securely tightened. The effectiveness of a bolt largely depends on the perfect pairing with its nut. Rivet installation, in contrast, involves the use of a rivet gun. The rivet, once positioned, gets its tail end deformed, making it flare out and hold the materials together. It's a permanent method, unlike the bolt which can be undone with relative ease.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 11, 2023
One may often find bolts in machinery, automotive applications, and even everyday furniture. Their removable nature makes them suitable for objects that may need regular maintenance or adjustments. Rivets, however, speak permanence. They're commonly found in aircraft, bridges, and jeans. The sturdiness of a rivet means the joined materials stay put unless the rivet itself is drilled out or removed with force.
Muazma Batool
Nov 11, 2023
In a nutshell, while both bolt and rivet are indispensable in holding things together, their application and permanence differ. The bolt offers a level of flexibility and adjustability, paired with its nut. The rivet, in its silent permanence, ensures things stay joined, come what may.
Leo
Nov 11, 2023

Bolt vs. Rivet Comparison Chart

Definition

A threaded fastener used with a nut.
A metal pin used to join materials by deforming its end.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 11, 2023

Nature of Use

Removable.
Permanent.
Muazma Batool
Nov 11, 2023

Tools Often Used

Wrench or ratchet.
Rivet gun.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 11, 2023

Primary Application Areas

Machinery, vehicles, furniture.
Aircraft, bridges, jeans.
Leo
Nov 11, 2023

Physical Features

Threaded body, head, used with a nut.
Metal pin with one end that's deformed upon installation.
Henry
Nov 11, 2023

Bolt vs. Rivet Definitions

Bolt

A sliding metal bar to fasten doors or gates.
She slid the bolt into place for security.
Olivia
Sep 15, 2023

Rivet

A point of interest or concern.
The accident became the rivet of the town's attention.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 15, 2023

Bolt

A bar made of wood or metal that slides into a socket and is used to fasten doors and gates.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rivet

To make firm or steadfast.
His belief was riveted by the evidence.
Muazma Batool
Sep 15, 2023

Bolt

A metal bar or rod in the mechanism of a lock that is thrown or withdrawn by turning the key.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rivet

To fasten or secure with a rivet.
The worker riveted the metal sheets together.
Nolan
Sep 15, 2023

Bolt

A fastener consisting of a threaded pin or rod with a head at one end, designed to be inserted through holes in assembled parts and secured by a mated nut that is tightened by applying torque.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rivet

A short metal pin used to hold together two plates of metal or other material.
The aircraft's wings were secured with rivets.
Elijah
Sep 15, 2023

Bolt

A sliding metal bar that positions the cartridge in breechloading rifles, closes the breech, and ejects the spent cartridge.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rivet

To attract and hold attention completely.
Her story riveted the audience.
Nolan
Sep 15, 2023

Bolt

A similar device in any breech mechanism.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rivet

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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A short, heavy arrow with a thick head, used especially with a crossbow.
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May 03, 2023

Rivet

To fasten or secure, especially with a rivet or rivets.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A flash of lightning; a thunderbolt.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rivet

To hammer and bend or flatten the headless end of (a nail or bolt) so as to fasten something.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A sudden or unexpected event
The announcement was a veritable bolt.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rivet

To fix the attention of (someone)
The audience was riveted by the suspense.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A sudden movement toward or away.
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May 03, 2023

Rivet

To engross or hold (the gaze or attention, for example).
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May 03, 2023

Bolt

A large roll of cloth of a definite length, especially as it comes from the loom.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rivet

A cylindrical mechanical fastener that attaches multiple parts together by fitting through a hole and deforming the head(s) at either end.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To secure or lock with or as if with a bolt.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rivet

(figuratively) Any fixed point or certain basis.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To arrange or roll (lengths of cloth, for example) on or in a bolt.
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May 03, 2023

Rivet

(obsolete) A light kind of footman's plate armour; an almain rivet. Category:en:Armor
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May 03, 2023

Bolt

To eat (food) hurriedly and with little chewing; gulp.
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May 03, 2023

Rivet

(transitive) To attach or fasten parts by using rivets.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To desert or withdraw support from (a political party).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rivet

(transitive) To install rivets.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To utter impulsively; blurt.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rivet

To command the attention of.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

(Archaic) To shoot or discharge (a missile, such as an arrow).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rivet

To make firm or immovable.
Terror riveted him to the spot.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To move or spring suddenly.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rivet

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.
With busy hammers closing rivets up.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To start suddenly and run away
The horse bolted at the sound of the shot. The frightened child bolted from the room.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rivet

To fasten with a rivet, or with rivets; as, to rivet two pieces of iron.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To break away from an affiliation, as from a political party.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rivet

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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

(Botany) To flower or produce seeds prematurely or develop a flowering stem from a rosette.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rivet

Hence, to fasten firmly; to make firm, strong, or immovable; as, to rivet friendship or affection.
Rivet and nail me where I stand, ye powers!
Thus his confidence was riveted and confirmed.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To pass (flour, for example) through a sieve.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rivet

ornament consisting of a circular rounded protuberance (as on a vault or shield or belt)
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A (usually) metal fastener consisting of a cylindrical body that is threaded, with a larger head on one end. It can be inserted into an unthreaded hole up to the head, with a nut then threaded on the other end; a heavy machine screw.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rivet

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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A sliding pin or bar in a lock or latch mechanism.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rivet

direct one's attention on something;
Please focus on your studies and not on your hobbies
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A bar of wood or metal dropped in horizontal hooks on a door and adjoining wall or between the two sides of a double door, to prevent the door(s) from being forced open.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rivet

fasten with a rivet or rivets
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A sliding mechanism to chamber and unchamber a cartridge in a firearm.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Rivet

hold (someone's attention);
The discovery of the skull riveted the paleontologists
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A small personal-armour-piercing missile for short-range use, or (in common usage though deprecated by experts) a short arrow, intended to be shot from a crossbow or a catapult.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A lightning spark, i.e., a lightning bolt.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A sudden event, action or emotion.
The problem's solution struck him like a bolt from the blue.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A large roll of fabric or similar material, as a bolt of cloth.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

(nautical) The standard linear measurement of canvas for use at sea: 39 yards.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A sudden spring or start; a sudden leap aside.
The horse made a bolt.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A sudden flight, as to escape creditors.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A refusal to support a nomination made by the party with which one has been connected; a breaking away from one's party.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

An iron to fasten the legs of a prisoner; a shackle; a fetter.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A burst of speed or efficiency.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A stalk or scape (of garlic, onion, etc).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A sieve, especially a long fine sieve used in milling for bolting flour and meal; a bolter.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To connect or assemble pieces using a bolt.
Bolt the vice to the bench.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To secure a door by locking or barring it.
Bolt the door.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

(intransitive) To flee, to depart, to accelerate suddenly.
Seeing the snake, the horse bolted.
The actor forgot his line and bolted from the stage.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

(transitive) To cause to start or spring forth; to dislodge (an animal being hunted).
to bolt a rabbit
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To strike or fall suddenly like a bolt.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

(intransitive) To escape.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To produce flower stalks and flowers or seeds quickly or prematurely; to form a bolt (stalk or scape); to go to seed.
Lettuce and spinach will bolt as the weather warms up.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To swallow food without chewing it.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To drink one's drink very quickly; to down a drink.
Come on, everyone, bolt your drinks; I want to go to the next pub!
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To refuse to support a nomination made by a party or caucus with which one has been connected; to break away from a party.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To utter precipitately; to blurt or throw out.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To sift, especially through a cloth.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To sift the bran and germ from wheat flour.
Graham flour is unbolted flour; in contrast, some other flours have been bolted.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To separate, assort, refine, or purify by other means.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

(legal) To discuss or argue privately, and for practice, as cases at law.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

Suddenly; straight; unbendingly.
The soldiers stood bolt upright for inspection.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A shaft or missile intended to be shot from a crossbow or catapult, esp. a short, stout, blunt-headed arrow; a quarrel; an arrow, or that which resembles an arrow; a dart.
Look that the crossbowmen lack not bolts.
A fool's bolt is soon shot.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

Lightning; a thunderbolt.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A strong pin, of iron or other material, used to fasten or hold something in place, often having a head at one end and screw thread cut upon the other end.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A sliding catch, or fastening, as for a door or gate; the portion of a lock which is shot or withdrawn by the action of the key.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

An iron to fasten the legs of a prisoner; a shackle; a fetter.
Away with him to prison!lay bolts enough upon him.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A compact package or roll of cloth, as of canvas or silk, often containing about forty yards.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A bundle, as of oziers.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A sudden spring or start; a sudden spring aside; as, the horse made a bolt.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A sudden flight, as to escape creditors.
This gentleman was so hopelessly involved that he contemplated a bolt to America - or anywhere.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A refusal to support a nomination made by the party with which one has been connected; a breaking away from one's party.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A sieve, esp. a long fine sieve used in milling for bolting flour and meal; a bolter.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To shoot; to discharge or drive forth.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To utter precipitately; to blurt or throw out.
I hate when Vice can bolt her arguments.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To swallow without chewing; as, to bolt food; often used with down.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To refuse to support, as a nomination made by a party to which one has belonged or by a caucus in which one has taken part.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To cause to start or spring forth; to dislodge, as conies, rabbits, etc.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To fasten or secure with, or as with, a bolt or bolts, as a door, a timber, fetters; to shackle; to restrain.
Let tenfold iron bolt my door.
Which shackles accidents and bolts up change.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To start forth like a bolt or arrow; to spring abruptly; to come or go suddenly; to dart; as, to bolt out of the room.
This Puck seems but a dreaming dolt, . . . And oft out of a bush doth bolt.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To strike or fall suddenly like a bolt.
His cloudless thunder bolted on their heads.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To spring suddenly aside, or out of the regular path; as, the horse bolted.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To refuse to support a nomination made by a party or a caucus with which one has been connected; to break away from a party.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To sift or separate the coarser from the finer particles of, as bran from flour, by means of a bolter; to separate, assort, refine, or purify by other means.
He now had bolted all the flour.
Ill schooled in bolted language.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To separate, as if by sifting or bolting; - with out.
Time and nature will bolt out the truth of things.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

To discuss or argue privately, and for practice, as cases at law.
This bolts the matter fairly to the bran.
The report of the committee was examined and sifted and bolted to the bran.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

In the manner of a bolt; suddenly; straight; unbendingly.
[He] came bolt up against the heavy dragoon.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

a sliding bar in a breech-loading firearm that ejects an empty cartridge and replaces it and closes the breech
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

the part of a lock that is engaged or withdrawn with a key
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

the act of moving with great haste;
he made a dash for the door
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

a roll of cloth or wallpaper of a definite length
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

a screw that screws into a nut to form a fastener
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

a sudden abandonment (as from a political party)
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

move or jump suddenly;
She bolted from her seat
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

secure or lock with a bolt;
bolt the door
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

swallow hastily
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

run away; usually includes taking something or somebody along
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

leave suddenly and as if in a hurry;
The listeners bolted when he discussed his strange ideas
When she started to tell silly stories, I ran out
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

eat hastily without proper chewing;
Don't bolt your food!
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

make or roll into bolts;
bolt fabric
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

in a rigid manner;
the body was rigidly erect
ge sat bolt upright
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

directly;
he ran bang into the pole
ran slap into her
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Bolt

A metal pin or bar with a threaded end.
He tightened the bolt on the wheel.
Elijah
Sep 15, 2023

Bolt

A sudden dash or escape.
The horse made a bolt for the open field.
Muazma Batool
Sep 15, 2023

Bolt

A roll of fabric or wallpaper.
She purchased a bolt of blue silk.
Leo
Sep 15, 2023

Bolt

A lightning flash.
A bolt of lightning lit up the sky.
Elijah
Sep 15, 2023

Bolt vs. Rivet Frequently Asked Questions

Can bolts be removed easily?

Yes, bolts can be unscrewed and removed, unlike rivets which are more permanent.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 11, 2023

Are bolts only used for metal?

No, bolts can be used to fasten various materials, including wood and plastic.
Nolan
Nov 11, 2023

Where might I find rivets used in daily life?

Rivets are commonly found in aircraft, jeans, and certain types of jewelry.
Muazma Batool
Nov 11, 2023

Is a rivet more secure than a bolt?

Rivets offer a more permanent join, while bolts provide flexibility and adjustability.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 11, 2023

Why might someone choose a rivet over a bolt?

For applications requiring a permanent bond, rivets are often preferred.
Muazma Batool
Nov 11, 2023

How is a rivet different from a bolt?

A rivet is a metal pin that joins materials by deforming its end, offering a more permanent join than a bolt.
Muazma Batool
Nov 11, 2023

Do both bolts and rivets require tools for installation?

Yes, bolts often require wrenches, while rivets require a rivet gun.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 11, 2023

What is a bolt in construction?

A bolt is a threaded fastener used with a nut to join materials together.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 11, 2023

Can rivets be removed?

Yes, but they typically need to be drilled out or removed with force, unlike bolts that can be unscrewed.
Olivia
Nov 11, 2023

Is there a difference in cost between bolts and rivets?

The cost varies based on material, size, and application, but generally, bolts can be more expensive due to the additional component, the nut.
William
Nov 11, 2023

Content Creators

Written by
Muneeza Rehman
At Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma Batool
As a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.

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