The essential role of hot-driven rivets is described for the
industrial revolution with very limited-size rolling capability, with costly poor-quality bolts and without dependable fusion welding. While cold rivets were common for ages, the shrinkage of hot rivets gave water or steam tight joint. Rolled plate was limited to 1 x 3 m because of small mills, low power and manual handling. The essentials of riveting procedures and their limitations are described. The application of rivets in boilers, ships and bridges are described.