What is typical real-world rivet spacing?

Aircraft skin rivets are spaced 20-30mm apart. Ship hull rivets are 50-75mm. Structural steel rivets are 75-150mm. Locomotive boiler rivets are 40-60mm. Check prototype references for your specific subject.

How do I add rivets to a model?

Methods include: pounce wheel (rows of uniform dots), Archer rivet transfers (self-adhesive decals), styrene rod pressed into drilled holes, or commercial rivet tools like the Rosie the Riveter. Liquid putty dots using a pin can also work.

At what scale do rivets become visible?

Rivets are clearly visible at 1:35 and larger. At 1:48 they add subtle texture. At 1:72 they are very fine and often represented by raised lines rather than individual dots. At 1:144, individual rivets are impractical to model.

How do I keep rivet rows straight?

Use Dymo tape or thin masking tape as a guide. Press rivet dots along the tape edge. A steel ruler and fine pin vise can mark spacing guides. For pounce wheels, roll along the tape edge for perfectly straight rows.

ModelCalcs

Rivet Spacing Calculator — Authentic Detail

Calculate realistic rivet spacing and row patterns at your model scale.

Real Rivet Spacing (mm)

Centre-to-centre distance

Scale

Row Length (mm on model)

Number of Rows

How We Calculate This

Scales real-world rivet spacing to model scale and calculates the number of rivets needed.

Formula

Scale spacing = Real spacing / Scale ratio
Rivets per row = Row length / Scale spacing + 1
Total rivets = Rivets per row x Number of rows
Rivet diameter = Real head diameter / Scale ratio

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.