Unraveling the Strengths and Applications of Blind Rivets: Your Ultimate Guide

In the realm of fastening solutions, blind rivets emerge as unsung heroes, offering versatile and reliable connections in various industries. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a DIY enthusiast, understanding the ins and outs of blind rivets can significantly enhance your project outcomes. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of blind rivets, exploring their applications, advantages, and key considerations.

What Are Blind Rivets?

Blind rivets, also known as pop rivets, are mechanical fasteners designed for applications where access to both sides of the joint is limited. These rivets consist of a cylindrical body and a mandrel, the latter of which extends through the center of the rivet. When installed, the mandrel is pulled, causing the body to deform and create a secure, tight connection.

Applications of Blind Rivets:

Construction and Manufacturing: Blind rivets find extensive use in the construction and manufacturing sectors. They are ideal for joining materials like metal, plastic, and composite panels, providing a robust and durable connection. Common applications include the assembly of metal structures, automotive components, and aerospace panels.

Automotive Industry: In the automotive industry, blind rivets play a crucial role in assembling various components such as chassis, interior panels, and bodywork. Their ease of installation and ability to create strong bonds make them a preferred choice in assembly lines.

Electronics and Appliances: Blind rivets are employed in the assembly of electronics and household appliances. They offer a cost-effective and efficient solution for joining components like brackets, handles, and enclosures, ensuring stability and reliability.

Advantages of Blind Rivets:

Accessibility: One of the primary advantages of blind rivets is their ability to be installed from one side of the workpiece, making them ideal for applications with limited access. This characteristic simplifies the assembly process and reduces the need for intricate setups.

Versatility: Blind rivets are compatible with a wide range of materials, including metal, plastic, and composites. This versatility makes them a go-to choice for professionals working across diverse industries.

Quick Installation: The installation of blind rivets is a swift process, contributing to increased productivity in manufacturing and assembly lines. The simplicity of the installation also makes them suitable for DIY projects.

Considerations for Choosing Blind Rivets:

Material Compatibility: Select blind rivets based on the materials you are joining. Different materials may require specific types of blind rivets to ensure a secure and durable connection. 

Different types of rivet materials are indicative of their strength. In general, the strength of aluminum blind rivets is lowest, and that of stainless steel blind rivets is highest.

To minimize galvanic corrosion, it is important to ensure compatibility between the rivet material and the material being joined. It is recommended to avoid combining aluminium and stainless steel, and instead use similar metal materials for maximum durability. For example, stainless steel should be used with stainless steel, and aluminium with aluminium. Additionally, when selecting materials, environmental factors such as extreme temperatures or exposure to salt sprays should also be taken into consideration. Please refer to the table below for general guidance.

*Above table is a guide only. 

√ Compatible

× Incompatible, must not be in contact

□ Compatible in rural& mild environments( some corrosion may occur in marine/ industrial environment. Painting both metals will reduce reaction.)

Rivet Size and Hole Size: Firstly, please know about each part of blind rivet and mechanical property in the table below. 

	Grip range of the rivet
	Shearing strength (N = Newton) is the force of the mechanical breakdown of the rivet.
	Tensile strength (N = Newton) is the force of the mechanical breakdown of the rivet.

We usually write ‘rivet body diameter x rivet length’ as a complete rivet size. The rivet body diameter is due to the hole size of materials joint, and the rivet length is related to the thickness of materials joint. If the rivet length is too long, there will be a loose joining and the rivet swings in the hole. If the rivet diameter is too small, it fails to be fastened. Please refer to the table about the rivet diameter and the corresponding hole size.

Grip Range: The grip range of a blind rivet refers to the thickness of the materials it can effectively join. Ensure the chosen blind rivet accommodates the thickness of your workpieces for optimal performance.

Head Style: Blind rivets come in various head styles, including dome, countersunk, and large flange. Choose the appropriate head style based on the aesthetic and functional requirements of your project.

Blind rivets are indispensable in the world of fastening solutions, offering accessibility, versatility, and quick installation. Understanding their applications, advantages, and considerations is key to harnessing the full potential of these reliable mechanical fasteners. Whether you're in construction, automotive, or a DIY enthusiast, blind rivets can be your go-to choice for creating strong and secure connections. Borie Fasteners can offer you a blind rivets wholesale price to save more cost for you.