What are blind rivets used for?

A blind rivet is a type of pre-assembled fastener that secures two components together. That’s the job of all rivets, but blind rivets have an advantage that comes in handy. This guide is designed to explain what you need to know, from how they work to the different types. We’ll cover:

• What is a blind rivet?
• How does a blind rivet work?
• How to measure a blind rivet
• How to install a blind rivet
• How to remove a blind rivet
• Types of blind rivets
• The difference between pop rivets and blind rivets

What is a blind rivet?

Blind rivets are typically used when you lack access to the rear side of the application, such as installing sheet metal in restricted spaces. This is why they’re often referred to as blind hole rivets. They’re used in applications where space is limited, such as HVAC systems, overhead doors and gutter construction. 

It’s worth noting here that blind rivet nuts are not used with blind rivets, but screws. These are nuts used to create a threaded hole in a piece of material that is too thin for drilling and can’t be tapped, or if you only have access to one side, hence the name “blind rivet nut.” 

Blind rivets are known for their ease of installation and versatility. Compare these to solid rivets, which you use when you have access to all sides of the rivet hole. 

Solid rivets vs. blind rivets

A solid rivet is the traditional rivet we all know. It has a solid shank and a head. The solid rivet is inserted through the hole of the materials you’re joining with the tail end protruding. The tail end is then formed with either a rivet gun or a hammer and a bucking bar, creating a head that holds the two pieces of material together. 

Solid rivets are known for their high strength and durability, which is why they’re typically used when safety is involved. This includes automotive, aerospace, construction, and heavy machinery and equipment.  

How to measure a blind rivet

You need to know your blind rivet dimensions to ensure the specifications are correct for your application. Blind rivet sizes vary. Using a rivet that’s too narrow can increase shear stress, and reduce shear strength and tensile strength. Using a rivet that’s too wide for the hole will make installation difficult. The bottom line is, your blind rivet hole size is important – use a rivet that fits its diameter. 

How you measure blind rivet fasteners will depend on the rivet head. Ignore the mandrel head. Look at Fig.1 to see the rivet head. 

If you’re measuring a blind rivet with a countersunk head, meaning a flush blind rivet:

• Measure from the top of the head to the end of the body

If it’s a dome-head blind rivet:

• Measure from under the head to the end of the body. 

From there, follow these steps: 

1. With a caliper or measuring gauge, measure the diameter of the rivet’s body.
2. Measure the thickness of the materials you need to rivet. This thickness is called grip range. The diameter of your rivets should be one quarter of the grip range. This will be shorter than the measured length. 
   • Your length should be ¼ times the grip range
3. Your formula for determining the blind rivet size needed:
   • Diameter = ¼ x grip range

How to install a blind rivet

Blind rivet installation is quick and easy. If you’re dealing with a metal rivet, you’ll need a blind rivet gun, such as a battery-operated or pneumatic blind rivet gun or blind rivet tool. That is to say, blind rivets can be installed using any rivet gun or hand tool for rivets. 

For a correctly installed blind rivet:

1. Drill a hole into the metal sheets you’re riveting.
2. Set the rivet into the tool and then into the hole. 
3. The jaws of the tool fixes the rivet, pulling the mandrel into the rivet body. 
4. When the rivet body expands, it flares against the application’s blind side. 

Plastic blind rivets also install quickly. Simply tap the rivet into the hole with a hammer or mallet. 

How to remove a blind rivet

Metal blind rivets are intended as permanent joints but that said, sometimes you can remove them by following these steps:

1. You’ll need a drill bit the same diameter as the hole on the body, or one size up.  Choose a drill bit that’s compatible with the rivet material. For example, if the rivet is steel, then use a cobalt drill bit.
2. Punch a hole through the rivet.
3. Drill. If the rivet begins to turn or spin, stop. Cover the rivet in duct tape to hold it in place as you continue drilling. 
4. When finished, just pull the rivet out.

Here again, plastic blind rivets are easier to remove. Some are even designed for that purpose. You only need to stick a small dowel body or screw into the hole on the rivet head. This will ‘pop’ it out slightly. You can either pull it out by hand or use a tool, but take care not to scratch the surface of your application.

Types of blind rivets

It’s worth noting here that blind rivet nuts are not used with blind rivets. These are nuts used to create a threaded hole in a piece of material that is too thin for drilling and can’t be tapped, or if you only have access to one side, hence the name “blind rivet nut.” 

Below are some examples of blind rivet types and what they offer. 

The difference between pop rivets and blind rivets

This isn’t a case of pop rivet vs. blind rivet. The two phrases are now used interchangeably, but pop rivets are actually a type of blind rivet. Pop® rivets were – and still are – a successful brand. So successful, in fact, that the term pop rivets came to apply to the entire category of blind rivets. Blind rivets include any rivet that can be installed by means of blind fixing, and of course, that pop rivets fall under that category.

Download free CADs and try before you buy

Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download. You can also request free samples to make sure you’ve chosen exactly what you need. If you’re not quite sure which plastic rivets will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you.

Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast despatch. Request your free samples or download free CADs now.

Questions?

Email us at sales@essentracomponents.co.uk or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 0345 528 0474.