Which statement accurately describes rivets?

Rivets are unique fasteners that are used to join two or more components together by deforming one end of the rivet after it has been passed through pre-drilled holes in the parts being joined. This deformation creates a permanent connection that does not rely on torque, which is typically required by threaded fasteners such as screws and bolts. The process involves the use of a tool that compresses or flares the rivet's tail, securing the components without the need for twisting or turning. As a result, the statement that rivets do not require torque for fastening accurately captures the fundamental characteristic of rivets, distinguishing them from other types of fasteners that do depend on torque to secure connections effectively.

Other options, while informative, do not accurately reflect the properties of rivets. Rivets are indeed used for permanent connections, not temporary ones. They also have applications in a variety of material types, including metals and composites, not just soft materials. Therefore, the understanding that rivets fasten without torque emphasizes their unique method of creating a secure bond between components.