Duplicate with transform is just the ticket for you Select the first rivet, then open the Duplicate option box, turn transform on. You may have to change to Parent from World to get the box useable. Now hit duplicate. Move the second rivet where you want it, keeping in mind that each rivet you make will be spaced the same way from the next one in line. Then once you have it moved, hit ctrl+d and keep adding rivets

Darkon