A Guide to Blind Rivets

Rivets are a mechanical fastener, shaped as a cylindrical shaft with a head on one end. Commonly made out of metal, rivets are used for a variety of construction purposes such as boat building and bridge construction. There are a variety of different types of rivets, including solid rivets, semi-tubular rivets, and drive rivets. However, one of the most common version is known as blind rivets.

Blind rivets, also known as pop rivets, are longer than typical rivets. Though blind rivets are in a variety of shapes and sizes, they typically possess a long, tubular shape with a mandrel through the center. Blind rivets are applied by drilling them through a hole, then using a special tool to send the mandrel through the rivet. The mandrel is then snapped off, binding the parts together. Rivets are available in different configurations, such as tapered, float, and serrated designs. Therefore, when choosing a blind rivet, it is important to choose a design that is best suited for the construction project.

Tips for Choosing Blind Rivets

Blind rivets are useful in a variety of applications, from assembling phones to large-scale building construction. But for each project, it is important to keep in mind which blind rivet would be able to withstand the conditions of a project. When choosing blind rivets, keep the following tips in mind:

Type:
Though blind rivets all possess a relatively similar design, there are a number of different types, depending on the application. Blind rivets can be distinguished by rivet head styles, such as dome head, large flange, and countersunk heads. In addition, blind rivets are also differentiated by the type of blind fastener: open-end and closed-end.

Materials:
The common perception of blind rivets is that they are made from metal. However, a variety of different materials can be used to construct a blind rivet. Some of the materials that can be used to make blind rivets are aluminum, steel, and plastic. One general tip when selecting blind rivets is to choose a rivet that is compatible with the materials assembled.

Hole Size:
When using blind rivets, it is important to make sure that the rivet will properly fit in the hole. If the rivet is incompatible with the hole size, then as a result, the entire construction project may be weakened. Oftentimes, manufacturers will possess lists and charts of the dimensions of blind rivets. Therefore, make sure that you properly understand which blind rivet will best suit your projects.