What is the most common rivet head type?

• A. Round head
• B. Flat head
• C. Brazier head
• D. Pan head

Answer: (C)

When selecting a rivet head, the key is how the load is distributed and how easy the joint is to form. The brazier head provides a rounded top with a broad bearing surface around the neck, which spreads the clamping force over a larger area of the sheet metal. That helps prevent crushing in thin or softer metals and gives reliable resistance to pull-through, while still being straightforward to set with standard riveting tools. This practical balance—good load distribution, solid set, and a neat appearance—makes brazier heads the most commonly encountered in everyday sheet metal work.

Round heads sit higher and can protrude, which isn’t always desirable; flat (countersunk) heads sit flush but have less bearing area and can be harder to install cleanly in soft metal; pan heads are low-profile but don’t distribute load as effectively in many applications.