Components: 2

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  Rivets

  Hammered rivets are used to join metal, but are sometimes used on products such as kitchen knives, where a wooden or plastic handle may be riveted to the blade.

  The soft metal shaft of the rivet is passed through a hole drilled in the material to be fixed. Then, while the head is held tightly in place on the other side, the shaft is hammered flat to form a secure joint.

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  Pop rivet

  Pop rivets were originally designed for use in the aircraft industry but are now used in many different products. They are often used where there is only access to one side of the material - eg fixing to a metal tube.The body of the rivet is inserted into a hole drilled into the material to be fixed, and when the pin is gripped and pulled by a special tool it pulls and expands the body to form a solid joint on both sides of the hole.

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  Hinges, catches and locks

  Hinges, catches and locks are used on boxes, cabinets and cupboards. There are many different types in all three categories, and they can be used on products made from wood, metal or plastic. They are normally fixed to the product with wood screws or machine screws and nuts.

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  Knock down (KD) fittings

  Knock down (KD) fittings are used where something has to be taken apart often, or which is designed for assembly by the user, such as kitchen units or self-assembly furniture. They are often plastic fittings which can be joined with one screw or bolt.