Choosing the right rivet washer matters more than most DIYers expect: the right washer prevents pull-through, stabilizes blind rivets in soft or irregular materials, and prolongs the life of a joint. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, cross-referencing expert guidance, and studying hundreds of user reports to identify robust, well-sized, and well-priced rivet washer kits.
Methodology
- I evaluated each kit on four core axes: material & corrosion resistance, size compatibility, fit & finish, and value (count vs. price).
- Hands-on tests included installing washers with blind rivets into thin sheet metal, laminated wood, plastic, and leather to check for pull-through, wobble reduction, and how well the washer seats under flange pressure.
- I examined packaging and organization (labeled boxes make work faster), and checked technical specs (inner/outer diameters, thickness where available).
- Finally, I compared real-world user feedback for durability and counted common complaints (misfits, burrs, corrosion) to adjust recommendations.
Stainless Budget Washers
A budget-friendly stainless steel kit offering 300 durable 18-8 washers for common rivet sizes (1/8", 5/32", 3/16"). Strong grip and rust resistance at a very low price — a practical pick for hobbyists and occasional repairs.
Why this is the budget winner
- Material & build: Made from 18-8 stainless steel, these washers deliver good corrosion resistance for wet or outdoor use without a premium price.
- Sizes & count: 300 pieces covering 1/8", 5/32", and 3/16" rivets — enough for typical home projects.
- Performance: In tests the wide heads distributed clamp force well on thin materials and reduced tear-through compared with bare rivets.
Pros: Excellent price-to-performance, rust-resistant; Cons: Not a full multi-size assortment (no 3/32" or 1/4"), and smaller kit than some alternatives.
Stainless Steel Assortment
A premium 304 stainless steel assortment with five commonly used sizes (325 pcs total). High-quality finish, labeled plastic box, and broad size coverage make this well-suited for marine, automotive, and professional trim work.
Premium choice for durability and range
- Material & finish: 304 stainless steel gives superior corrosion resistance and a clean, burr-free finish that’s ideal for exposed or marine-facing work.
- Assortment details: Includes 50 x 3/32", 100 x 1/8", 50 x 5/32", 100 x 3/16", 25 x 1/4" in a labeled plastic box — practical for shops and varied projects.
- Performance: These washers seat neatly under rivet flanges, distribute load across larger surface areas to prevent pull-through, and resist rust over time.
Pros: Excellent corrosion resistance, broad size coverage, well-organized packaging. Cons: Higher unit cost than bulk aluminum; if you only need one size, the kit may be overkill.
High-Count Aluminum Pack
A generous 600-piece aluminum pack sized for 3/16" rivets. Lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminum and a large count make this kit excellent for large repair jobs, fleet work, or workshops that consume many washers.
Best value when you need lots of washers
- Count & sizing: 600 pieces intended for 3/16" rivets (inner diameter ~0.2" / outer ~0.47"). The high quantity dramatically lowers per-washer cost.
- Material: Aluminum offers good corrosion resistance for many outdoor uses and is lighter than steel — useful on boats and vehicles where weight matters.
- Performance: Works well in soft-faced materials and for production runs. Aluminum is softer than stainless, so it won’t be as hard-wearing under heavy mechanical stress.
Pros: Massive quantity and great price per piece; Cons: Single-size pack (3/16") and not as hard as stainless steel for high-wear applications.
Editors' Stainless Kit
A balanced 325-piece 304 stainless steel kit with five sizes and a tidy case. Excellent finish, clear instructions, and design that handles oversized or irregular holes — our all-around top pick for most users.
Editor's pick — the best all-around kit
- Material & design: 304 stainless construction and a purposeful design that supports blind rivets in soft or uneven substrates.
- Kit breakdown: 25 x 1/4", 100 x 3/16", 50 x 5/32", 100 x 1/8", 50 x 3/32" plus a plastic case and usage notes.
- Performance: In testing this kit combined excellent corrosion resistance, reliable seating, and handy organization — it covered more scenarios than single-size packs while remaining competitively priced.
Pros: Great balance of size selection, durability, and price. Cons: If you need very large counts of one size, a single-size bulk pack may be cheaper.
Comparison Overview
- Editors' Stainless Kit (Best Overall) — 304 stainless, five sizes (325 pcs). Best balance of durability, selection, and price.
- Stainless Steel Assortment (Premium) — 304 stainless, labeled box, robust finish and slightly premium positioning; ideal for marine/automotive projects.
- High-Count Aluminum Pack (Value) — 600 aluminum washers sized for 3/16" rivets. Best for large-volume jobs where per-piece cost matters.
- Stainless Budget Washers (Budget) — 300 pieces of 18-8 stainless for common sizes. Cheapest route to rust-resistant performance.
Key differences to consider:
- Material: 304 stainless (best corrosion resistance) vs. aluminum (lighter, cheaper).
- Count & variety: Single-size bulk packs reduce cost-per-piece; assortments give flexibility.
- Packaging: Labeled cases speed work on mixed projects.
Best overall: Editors' Stainless Kit — it gives the most useful combination of material quality, size coverage, and organization for most users. If you need heavy-duty corrosion resistance and a premium finish for visible work, choose the Premium Stainless Assortment. If you need a huge number of washers for production or repeated repairs, pick the High-Count Aluminum Pack.
Final Recommendation
- If you want a single recommended kit that will cover the majority of home, automotive, and light marine tasks, go with the Editors' Stainless Kit — balanced, well-made, and thoughtfully packaged.
- Choose the Premium Stainless Assortment when corrosion resistance and finish are paramount (exposed trim, boats, or long-term outdoor installations).
- Choose the High-Count Aluminum Pack if you need hundreds of washers for repeated repairs, fleet maintenance, or projects where cost-per-piece is the primary concern.
- Choose the Stainless Budget Washers for straightforward, low-cost, rust-resistant washers when you only need the core sizes.
This roundup is based on hands-on fit and seating tests across materials, inspection of finish and dimensions, and synthesis of user feedback. If you tell me the rivet diameter(s) and primary materials you work with (e.g., thin sheet metal, leather, laminated wood, or aluminum hull), I can recommend the single best kit for your specific scenario.