5 Common Misconceptions About How Blind Rivets Work

One of the earliest uses of blind rivets was in the manufacture of all-metal airplanes in the 1920s. Today, blind fasteners have been adapted for manufacturing, construction, and other applications because they’re durable and easy to install.

How do blind rivets work? 

Blind rivets consist of a hollow rivet body or sleeve and a solid mandrel insert. You use the blind rivet in a pre-drilled hole to fasten two pieces of material together. Insert the blind fastener into the hole, and pull the mandrel to deform the rivet on the opposite or blind side of the joint. To complete the joint, you remove or snap off the mandrel, which is why some blind fasteners are called pop rivets.

Although they have the same basic design, blind rivets come in different sizes, configurations, and materials for different applications. To choose the right blind fastener, you must consider the materials, diameter, fastener length, head type, grip range, and other key factors.

What are 5 misconceptions about how blind rivets work?

Now that we know how blind rivets work, here are five common misconceptions about blind fasteners to help you choose the best blind rivet for any task:

1.  All blind rivets are the same.

Not true. As with all fasteners, you must choose the correct blind rivet for the task. That includes choosing the right material, whether it’s steel, aluminum, copper, nickel plate, brass, or something else. It also includes selecting the right style of rivet head, such as dome, flat, large flange, countersunk, or another type.

For example, when building planes, you want a rivet that combines performance with lightweight properties, so you may choose to use aluminum or titanium. Automobile manufacturers tend to use steel rivets, whereas ship builders may use brass fasteners that won’t corrode.

You also must consider whether you need structural or non-structural rivets. Structural rivets have locking mandrels that provide more strength, while non-structural rivets are for general use.

2. Blind fasteners are difficult to install.

Blind fasteners are designed for easy installation by one person. All blind fasteners are installed from one side of a workpiece. They are called “blind” rivets because the rivet is set by pulling the mandrel on one side of a joint without seeing what happens on the other side.

Unlike screws or bolts, blind rivets are ideal for applications where you only have access to one side of a workpiece, such as in aircraft or car assembly. Blind rivets are also suitable for installation in enclosed spaces, such as tubing, hollow sections, or machinery.

3. Blind rivets are removable like bolts or screws.

Unlike other types of fasteners, blind rivets are permanent. They can’t be unscrewed or removed without drilling them out, which damages the workpiece.

Permanent installation is an advantage for applications where you want a tamper-resistant joint. That’s why they’re used in critical applications, such as aircraft manufacturing, automobile assembly, and construction.

4. It doesn’t matter which type of blind rivet you choose.

The type of blind rivet you use matters. Different blind rivets have different performance characteristics, which is why it’s essential to choose the right rivet.

Blind rivets won’t work loose under continuous vibration, making them ideal for transportation applications, such as in trucks or rail cars, or use in heavy machinery. Steel blind rivets offer lasting strength, but you sometimes need rivets made of other materials, such as brass, which won't corrode in seawater, or aluminum, which is strong and lightweight. Special rivet designs are also available for specific applications, such as sealed blind rivets used to make tanks and for other applications where you need to contain or lock out fluids or gases.

5. There is no difference in fastener suppliers.

The right supplier can help you find the right blind rivet. Choosing the right fastener shouldn’t be a guessing game, but some suppliers lack the in-depth expertise to recommend the right types of blind rivets for your needs or know when you need specialty fasteners. Working with an authorized fastener distributor not only ensures you have access to the best quality fasteners but also that they can provide expert guides and tooling support.

When choosing the best blind fastener, you must consider all aspects of the job, including the types of blind fasteners and the right tools. For example, we have been seeing more customers looking for fasteners best suited for commercial solar installations. When selecting the right fastener for this application, consider materials that can withstand prolonged exposure to the elements and wind shear. You must also find the right installation tools to ensure the proper amount of installation force, to prevent cracking the solar panels. There are a variety of new battery-powered rivet tools entering the market that are specifically designed for this kind of field installation.

Shop blind rivets on the Bay Supply Marketplace.

Bay Supply has one of the largest selections of fasteners and tools, as well as the most comprehensive online catalog available. Our industry experts are available to answer questions to help you choose the best fasteners and tools to meet your needs. Bay Supply is a factory-authorized distributor and service outlet for all major fastener brands.

If you haven’t already registered, be sure to visit the Bay Supply Marketplace and see for yourself.