Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
IS 2999:1984 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for mild steel rivets for general engineering purposes (12 to 48 mm diameter). This standard specifies the dimensions, tolerances, and material requirements for mild steel rivets of 12 mm to 48 mm diameter used in general engineering and structural applications. It covers various head types including snap, pan, and countersunk heads. While riveting is largely obsolete in modern construction, this code remains relevant for repair, maintenance of heritage structures, and specific mechanical assemblies.
Specifies requirements for mild steel rivets of 12 to 48 mm diameter for general engineering purposes.
Standard Specification for Steel Structural Rivets
Specifies carbon steel rivets for structural fabrication, closely matching the application of IS 2999.
BS 4620:1970BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
HighWithdrawn
Specification for rivets for general engineering purposes
Covers dimensions, materials, and testing for mild steel and other metal rivets for general use.
DIN 124:1987-03DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung), Germany
MediumWithdrawn
Round Head Rivets; Nominal Diameters 10 to 36
Specifies dimensions for round head (snap head) rivets, which are one of the types covered in IS 2999.
ISO 1051:2012ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
LowCurrent
Rivet shank diameters
Provides a standard range of metric shank diameters for rivets, but does not cover material, head forms, or testing.
Key Differences
≠IS 2999:1984 remains an active Indian standard, while its closest international equivalents, such as ASTM A502 and BS 4620, have been withdrawn, reflecting the global shift from riveting to high-strength bolting in general construction.
≠The standards reference different, non-interchangeable material specifications. IS 2999 refers to steel grade IS 2062 (superseding IS 226), whereas ASTM A502 specifies its own Grade 1 and Grade 2 carbon steels.
≠There are minor differences in the specified diameter ranges. IS 2999 covers 12 to 48 mm, while ASTM A502 covered 1/2" to 1-1/2" (12.7 to 38.1 mm).
≠Specific test procedures can vary. For instance, the flattening test in IS 2999 is performed cold on the shank, while in ASTM A502 it was performed hot on the rivet head.
Key Similarities
≈All primary standards (IS 2999, ASTM A502, BS 4620) are intended for general purpose or structural rivets made from low to medium carbon (mild) steel, not high-strength alloys.
≈The standards specify very similar head forms, including Snap (Round), Pan, and Countersunk heads, with comparable dimensional proportions relative to the shank diameter.
≈All include requirements for mechanical testing to ensure material quality, typically including a tensile test on the raw material and ductility tests (like bend or flattening) on the finished rivet.
≈The fundamental manufacturing process assumed by the standards is hot forging, with requirements ensuring the finished rivet is well-formed and free from injurious defects.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Material Tensile Strength
410 MPa (min) for steel grade IS 2062 E250 A
310 - 415 MPa (for Grade 1)
ASTM A502/A502M-03
Material Elongation (Ductility)
23% minimum on a 5.65√S₀ gauge length
24% minimum on a 2-inch gauge length (for Grade 1)
ASTM A502/A502M-03
Snap Head Diameter (for 20mm shank)
32 mm (1.6 x shank diameter)
32 mm (1.6 x shank diameter)
BS 4620:1970
Snap Head Height (for 20mm shank)
14 mm (0.7 x shank diameter)
14 mm (0.7 x shank diameter)
BS 4620:1970
Countersunk Head Angle
60° or 90°
78° (for structural rivets)
ASTM A502/A502M-03
Shear Strength (of driven rivet)
Not specified in standard; defined in design codes (e.g., IS 800)
235 - 285 MPa (for Grade 1)
ASTM A502/A502M-03
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values3
Quick Reference Values
diameter range covered12 mm to 48 mm
material specificationIS 1148 (Hot rolled steel rivet bars)