Help
When installing blind rivets, you can encounter any number of problems. For example, the rivet diameter may be wrong for the hole size, the rivet may have the wrong grip length to make a firm joint, or you may have chosen the wrong rivet materials for the job. A common problem is the holes in the material being misaligned. If the holes don’t line up, it can be impossible to install the blind rivet correctly.
When you have these types of challenges, consider using easy entry rivets.
What Are POP® Easy Entry Rivets?
Easy entry rivets are a type of POP® rivet STANLEY Engineered Fastening developed specifically to address misaligned materials. Easy entry blind rivets feature a cone-shaped mandrel point that makes it easy to insert through multiple sheets of material, even when the holes aren’t perfectly aligned.
An advantage of using easy entry blind rivets is that they have a faster assembly time. You won’t face delays when realigning or adjusting the materials to ensure you place the rivet smoothly. Easy entry rivets also have better radial expansion for a secure grip, even in oversized holes. They come with domed heads or large flange heads.
Easy entry rivets have diameters from 1/8 to 5/32 inches. They are also available in aluminum and steel with different coatings and finishes.
Typical Applications for Easy Entry Rivets
Easy entry rivets are ideal for manufacturing applications where multiple layers of thin-gauge metal must be joined. They are often used to join aluminum or steel panels and can also be used to join different types of materials.
Easy entry rivets are commonly used to make light fixtures, photocopiers, home appliances, recreational vehicles, automobiles, lockers, metal ductwork, metal signs, vending machines, aluminum doors, and more.
Installing Easy Entry Rivets
You install easy entry rivets just like any other pop rivet. Start by choosing the right rivet tool. For manual assembly, you may want to use a battery-powered or manual rivet tool. You can choose a hydraulic rivet tool for factory assembly, a production line, or assembly in a machine shop.
Start by aligning the materials you want to join, including the pre-drilled holes. If the holes aren’t perfectly aligned, the easy entry rivet should be able to find its way through all the material layers. The cone head makes alignment easier.
Once you insert the rivet into the hole, set it using the rivet tool. Finalize the joint by pulling and snapping off the mandrel. Once set, inspect the joint to ensure the rivet is snug and the joint is secure.
The Disadvantages of Easy Entry Rivets
Easy entry rivets with cone heads can be useful for applications where hole alignment is a challenge, and a blind rivet that can be installed from one side of the workpiece is needed. However, easy entry rivets aren’t for every application.
First, you should only use them with thin materials. The grip range for easy entry rivets is typically lower than that of other types of blind rivets, so using them for thicker materials may mean reduced mechanical strength.
Installing easy entry rivets can also put more wear and tear on rivet tools, so they wear out faster. If you install several easy entry rivets, it pays to use a high-quality rivet tool.
Easy entry rivets are also more expensive than other blind rivets, so they may not be cost-effective for large jobs. For routine tasks, consider using less costly blind rivets and blind rivet tools.
It can also be more difficult to remove easy entry rivets, and you may need special tools to do so.
Get Expert Advice
If you want to learn more about easy entry rivets, how to choose them, and when to use them, contact the rivet experts at Bay Supply. You can also shop for easy entry rivets on the Bay Supply Marketplace.
Comments