Rivets In Stainless Steel Pans: Do They Go Bad?

Rivets are small pieces of metal that are crushed into position to hold two harder pieces of metal together. They are one of the most popular choices for fastening handles onto cookware. While rivets can be made from almost anything, they are usually made from aluminium or steel. Over time, rivets can work themselves loose, and they can be harder to clean than other fastening methods. However, they are generally stronger than welds, and they will give you a warning before they break.

How to clean stainless steel pans

While stainless steel pans are durable and excellent at conducting heat, they are susceptible to discolouration and stuck-on food. Here is a guide on how to clean them:

Before Cleaning

Before you begin, check the manufacturer's instructions for specific washing tips. Although stainless steel pans are often marketed as dishwasher-safe, hand-washing is typically the best way to clean them. To avoid warping, always let your cookware cool down before cleaning. Never use abrasive tools like steel wool or harsh cleaners like bleach or oven cleaner on your stainless-steel pans, as these can permanently damage the surface.

Everyday Cleanup

For everyday cleanup, scrub your stainless-steel pan with hot soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge.

Removing Stuck-On Food

If stuck-on food bits remain, fill the pan with enough soapy water to cover the residue, bring to a boil, and scrape with a spatula or wooden spoon. The food should come away easily. Allow the pan to cool, then wash as usual.

Removing Tougher Messes

Tougher messes, including burnt food or oil, might require more abrasive cleaning. Add a few spoonfuls of baking soda to your scorched pan, and enough water to cover the burnt areas. Bring to a boil and simmer until most of the water has evaporated. Turn off the heat and wait until the pan is cool enough to handle. Scrub away buildup with a non-abrasive sponge and wash in hot, soapy water. A commercial cleaner such as Bar Keepers Friend can be used to clean stainless-steel pans, following the manufacturer's directions.

Removing Discolouration

Once your stainless-steel pans are clean, you might notice some rainbow-coloured discolouration on the surface. This type of stain is typically caused by overheating the pan and can be easily removed. Splash some vinegar in your pan and wipe the area with a soft sponge before rinsing and drying fully.

Removing Chalky Buildup

Hard water can leave white, cloudy-looking residue on your stainless-steel pans. To get rid of this chalky buildup, bring a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water to a boil in the pan. Let it cool, then wash with soap and water.

Removing Smaller Water Spots

Sprinkle the pan with a damp sponge and baking soda to remove smaller water spots. To prevent water spots in the first place, be sure to dry your cookware immediately after washing.

Pros and cons of cookware without rivets

Pros of Cookware Without Rivets:

• Ease of cleaning: Cookware without rivets is easier to clean as there are no cracks or crevices for food and bacteria to collect in. This makes it more hygienic and less time-consuming to wash.
• Non-disruptive to non-stick coatings: Rivets can interrupt the smoothness of a pan, especially if they are not coated with a non-stick material. This can make it difficult to cook with and clean, as food may stick to the rivets and the non-stick coating may be damaged when cleaning around them.
• Longevity: The non-stick coating in cookware without rivets will last longer as it will not be damaged by scouring or scrubbing near rivets. This also helps to maintain the effectiveness and lifespan of the cookware.
• Suitability for induction cooktops: Cookware with riveted handles is not safe for induction cooktops.

Cons of Cookware Without Rivets:

• Handle failure: Welded handles can potentially fail without warning, leading to accidents. Rivets, on the other hand, will work themselves loose over time, giving you advanced notice before they break.
• Difficulty in construction: It is harder to weld handles onto aluminium and copper cookware. These types of cookware are almost always riveted instead of welded.
• Cost: Welded handles are generally more expensive than riveted handles.

How to tell if rivets are going bad

Rivets are small pieces of metal that are crushed into position between two harder pieces of metal. They are commonly used to fasten handles onto cookware. While rivets are generally durable, they are not indestructible and can deteriorate over time. Here are some signs that may indicate your rivets are going bad:

• Visual inspection: One of the most obvious signs that rivets are going bad is if you notice any visible changes or damage to the rivets themselves. This could include corrosion, pitting, or erosion. Corroded rivets may exhibit signs of oxidation, leaving holes that weaken the structure.
• Loose handles: If you can wiggle the handle of your cookware, it may be an indication that the rivets have stretched and loosened. This can happen over time due to the stress of hanging a pot or the weight of heavy water.
• Leaking: If you notice any leaking from the rivets, it could be a sign that they are no longer creating a tight seal. This could be due to erosion or corrosion of the rivet material.
• Difficult cleaning: Rivets create small crevices where food and bacteria can collect, making them more challenging to clean. If you find it increasingly difficult to clean around the rivets, it could be a sign that they are not functioning properly.
• Discolouration: Discolouration around the rivets may indicate that food or bacteria have been collecting and burning onto the surface.

To prolong the life of your rivets, it is recommended to wash your cookware by hand and avoid putting it in the dishwasher. Additionally, regular cleaning can help prevent the build-up of food and grime, which can contribute to rivet deterioration.

How to fix loose rivets

Loose rivets on a stainless steel pan can be fixed, but it is important to be careful as improper repairs can cause further damage. The first step is to identify the type of rivet: pop rivets, blind rivets, or solid rivets. Once you know the type of rivet, you can start the repair process.

If you have a pop rivet, you will need to drill out the old rivet and replace it with a new one. This can be done using an electric drill and a bit that is slightly larger than the diameter of the rivet stem. After drilling the hole, insert the new pop rivet, and use a hammer or other tool to flatten the stem.

If the rivets are attached by force, you can try to tighten them by smacking them with a hammer. However, this method can backfire, causing the rivet to mushroom or crack. A safer method is to first get a piece of metal or wood that is hollow enough to enclose the rivet on the handle. This way, there is no direct pressure on the rivet itself. Then, find a block of metal or hard plastic that fits inside the pot and is relatively close to the radius of the interior of the pot. Place the pot steady with the rivet area you will be hammering in the center of the interior fixture. Put the piece of wood or metal over the rivet on the handle, and hammer hard a few times.

If there is corrosion on the rivet, use a wire brush to remove it before attempting any repairs. Corroded fasteners can weaken over time and cause further damage. After removing the corrosion, replace the damaged rivets with new ones of the same dimensions and material as the original. You can also apply anti-seize lubricant to the new rivet to prevent further corrosion.

If the material surrounding the rivet is damaged, you may need to cut or drill out a larger hole to accommodate a new fastener. Make sure to use an appropriate amount of pressure when installing the new rivet to ensure that it is tight and secure.

Alternatives to rivets for attaching handles to pans

There are several alternatives to rivets for attaching handles to pans. Here are some options:

Welding

Welding is a popular choice for attaching handles to pans. It involves melting two pieces of metal together, sometimes with a filler material. While welding can be strong, it is important to note that it can be more difficult to weld handles onto aluminium and copper cookware due to their lower melting points. Additionally, welded handles may fail suddenly without warning, whereas rivets will work themselves loose over time.

Brazing

Brazing is a method of joining two pieces of metal by heating a small amount of metal with a lower melting point between them. However, brazing is not commonly used for modern cookware handles as it can fail when temperatures reach the softening or melting point of the brazing material.

Screwed-on Handles

Screwed-on handles are typically found on cheaper cookware or high-end European cookware. They use a screw to fasten the handle to the cooking vessel. While some may find screws to look tacky, they are cheap and effective. Screwed-on handles also offer the convenience of being user-replaceable, although finding a screw of the correct length can be challenging.

Body-Extension Handles

Body-extension handles are formed as an extension of the body of the cookware itself, such as with cast iron pans. While these handles can be strong, the drawback is that the handle can get hot during use due to being made of the same heat-conductive material as the pan.

Stud Flameguard

This option is commonly used for welded handles, even if the inner part is riveted. The handle is fixed to a stud by a screw, and this connection is protected by a flameguard—a special metal ring that guarantees the mechanical strength and resistance of the product. Flameguards can be made from aluminium or steel and can be personalised with a logo or coated in colour.

Detachable Handles

Detachable handles are a removable fixing solution that offers benefits such as stovetop-to-oven cooking, easy dishwasher cleaning, and efficient storage. Examples include the SUPER and FORTE handle systems, which can be easily detached with the push of a button or by using one hand.

Frequently asked questions