Aluminum pop rivets or wood screws - which will be the best in this case?

I am making a few instrument cases for my music instruments and studio equipments basically to ship them oversees. I need to attach handles and latches to the plywood boxes. I have never used Pop rivets, but I have seen a few places that suggest pop rivets over wood screws. I know the tool costs about $20 at Lowes, which is no problem. But I am not convinced the strength of pop rivets as I don't understand how they hold things together. Can somebody explain the logic or mechanic behind how it holds things together. Also, is it better than using 1/2 or 3/4 wood screws in my case. I will be using about 5-8 on each handle/latch. Thanks.