Raised Countersunk Head Rivets

A raised countersunk rivet (sometimes called an oval countersunk rivet) combines a countersunk base, which seats flush into a matching countersunk hole, with a small domed profile standing proud above the surface. This gives more head strength and bearing area than a fully flush countersunk rivet, while still allowing it to sit in tighter spaces than a full round or mushroom head — a compromise often chosen for visible fastenings where appearance matters alongside strength, such as on furniture, cabinetry, and some automotive trim.

The charts below give dimensional information on raised countersunk head rivets to BS275:1927, BS275:1970, and BS425:1943. Dimensions shown are in inches; if you wish to convert to mm, please use our universal converter.

The solid rivet is the most widely used mechanical fastener in construction and manufacturing assembly. It offers the user these advantages:

Its cost is low

It allows high rate of production with minimal investment in machinery.

It facilitates joining different materials of differing thicknesses.

It has high shear strength.

It is consistently applied by unskilled labour.

It provides a tamper-resistant permanent joint.

It is versatile - can be structural yet decorative.

A typical application for solid rivets would be within the structural parts of aircraft. Hundreds of thousands of solid rivets are used to put together the frame of a modern aeroplane. Such solid rivets come with rounded (universal) or countersunk heads. Typical aircraft rivets are composed of aluminum alloys, titanium, and nickel-based alloys.

The setting of solid rivet fasteners requires access from both sides of the structures. Solid rivets are driven using hydraulically driven squeezing tools or even handheld hammers. When only one side is available, blind rivets are more appropriate tools.

RAISED COUNTERSUNK HEAD RIVET DIMENSIONS - BS275: 1927 TABLE 2, FIGURE 6 - ROUNDED 60° COUNTERSUNK HEAD

Head Diameter A=1.5D, Head Depth B=0.604D, Depth of Round C=0.201D, Setting Allowance S=0.584D

The British Standard does not specify tolerances for Head Diameter, Depth, Radius & Angle of Countersink or Shank Length. It is normal to have a radius under the head and at the periphery of the countersink, but no dimensions are specified.

RAISED COUNTERSUNK HEAD RIVET DIMENSIONS - BS275: 1927 TABLE 2, FIGURE 8 - ROUNDED 45° COUNTERSUNK HEAD

Head Diameter A=1.5D, Head Depth B=0.604D, Depth of Round C=0.201D, Setting Allowance S=0.584D

The British Standard does not specify tolerances for Head Diameter, Depth, Radius & Angle of Countersink or Shank Length. It is normal to have a radius under the head and at the periphery of the countersink, but no dimensions are specified.

RAISED COUNTERSUNK HEAD RIVET DIMENSIONS - BS425: 1943 FIGURE 10 - ROUNDED 60° COUNTERSUNK HEAD TYPE 2

Head Diameter A=1.577D, Head Depth B=0.5D, Depth of Round C=0.385D, Setting Allowance S=0.862D

BS 425 allows an upward tolerance of 1/64" for Fillet Depth, Head Diameter, Depth & Radius. No tolerances are specified for Fillet Angle, Head Angle of Countersink or Shank Length. It is normal to have a radius under the head and at the periphery of the countersink, but no dimensions are specified.

RAISED COUNTERSUNK HEAD RIVET DIMENSIONS - BS425: 1943 FIGURE 8 - ROUNDED 60° COUNTERSUNK HEAD TYPE 1

Head Diameter A=1.5D, Head Depth B=0.433D, Depth of Round C=0.201D, Setting Allowance S=0.484D

BS 425 allows an upward tolerance of 1/64" for Fillet Depth, Head Diameter, Depth & Radius. No tolerances are specified for Fillet Angle, Head Angle of Countersink or Shank Length. It is normal to have a radius under the head and at the periphery of the countersink, but no dimensions are specified.

RAISED COUNTERSUNK HEAD RIVET DIMENSIONS - BS4620: 1970 TABLE 7.2 - RAISED 60° COUNTERSUNK HEAD

Head Diameter A=1.5D, Head Depth B=0.43D, Depth of Raise C=0.2D, Setting Allowance S=0.483D

The British Standard does not specify tolerances for Head Depth & Radius. There is no negative tolerance on Shank Length. The countersink angle can vary between 57½° and 62½°. It is normal to have a radius under the head and at the periphery of the countersink, but no dimensions are specified.

RELATED PAGES

• Countersunk Head Rivets
• Mushroom Head Rivets
• Round Head Rivets
• Engineering Glossary — Rivet

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why choose a raised countersunk rivet over a fully flush countersunk rivet?

The raised profile gives extra head strength and bearing surface compared to a fully flush head, which can matter where the rivet is carrying significant shear or tension load, while still keeping the head lower profile than a full round or mushroom head.

Does a raised countersunk rivet still need a countersunk hole?

Yes — the base of the head is still countersunk-shaped and needs a matching countersink machined into the parent material, even though the top of the head stands slightly proud once fitted.

What materials are these rivets typically available in?

Common materials include aluminium, steel, copper, and stainless steel, chosen to suit the application's strength, weight, and corrosion resistance requirements — check with your rivet supplier for the specific material options available for a given standard and size.