Steel rivets are stronger than aluminum. Use steel rivets for heavy duty jobs and when riveting steel to steel. Use aluminum rivets for lighter weight jobs and materials such as aluminum, fabrics, plastics, leather, etc.
Aluminum Rivet/Steel Body-- 1/8: 400 - 600 lbs.; 5/32: 600 - 850 lbs.; 3/16: 750 - 1050 lbs. Steel Rivet/Steel Body-- 1/8: 600 - 800 lbs.; 5/32: 750 - 1000 lbs.; 3/16: 1150 - 1450 lbs. Stainless Rivet/Steel Body-- 1/8: 650 - 950 lbs.; 5/32 1150 - 1450 lbs.; 3/16: 1400 - 1900 lbs.