An Overview of Breakstem Rivets

Breakstem rivets have become the mainstay of the fastener industry. Commonly referred to as blind rivets or pop rivets, breakstem rivets are used for everything from patio furniture to construction.

Breakstem rivets are so popular because of how versatile they are. They come in different sizes and materials and can handle multiple grip ranges. They are also easy to install using either manual or power tools.

What Are Breakstem Rivets?

Breakstem rivets are a type of blind rivet, which means they can be installed from one side of a workpiece. The rivet consists of a rivet body and a mandrel. The installer inserts the rivet into the joint hole and pulls the mandrel, breaking the stem inside the rivet, hence the name.

Breakstem rivets can be used with various materials, including plastics, wood, soft materials, and brittle materials. One of the advantages of using breakstem rivets is that they can accommodate different joint widths, so they are very versatile.

There are two basic types of breakstem rivets: structural and non-structural. The difference between the two is where the mandrel breaks off. The breaking point is predefined with structural rivets, and the stem is mechanically locked inside the rivet body so it won’t fall out. Structural rivets have a high shear strength and tensile force. They can be made watertight when installed with washers.

Unlike structural rivets, the mandrel in non-structural rivets doesn’t lock in place and doesn’t have the same shear and tensile strength.  

Installing Breakstem Rivets

Breakstem rivets are easy to install. Start with a pre-drilled hole and ensure the rivet fits snugly in it. A close fit ensures a secure and lasting joint.

Once the rivet is inserted, pull the mandrel to set the rivet. Pulling the mandrel into the rivet expands the rivet body, forming a firm joint on the blind side. Since breakstem rivets can accommodate different widths, the mandrel will expand until it reaches resistance, so you can set the rivet to any width. The rivet tool snaps off the excess mandrel above the rivet head.

You can use either manual or power rivet tools to install breakstem rivets. Manual tools work well when doing simple repairs or when there are only a few rivets to set. For factory assembly work, most people choose a pneumatic rivet tool. Battery-powered tools are also becoming more common and are ideal for field installations, construction jobs, or applications where a pneumatic hose is impractical.

Choosing the Right Rivet for the Application

Breakstem rivets are used in virtually any application where you find blind rivets. They are commonly used to manufacture automobiles, airplanes, transportation equipment, appliances, lighting systems, and similar applications. Breakstem rivets can be used in almost any application that requires a blind rivet. Manufacturers especially like breakstem rivets for assembly lines because they are fast to install and have a clean finish.

Breakstem rivets are available in different materials, including steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Different materials have different characteristics for shear and tensile strength. Special surfaces, such as zinc and nickel plating, reduce corrosion.

When choosing the best breakstem rivet for any job, consider the best size and the suitable materials. The rivet diameter should provide a snug fit in the hole. Most breakstem rivets are multi-grip, so be sure the grip range is sufficient to handle the material thickness. Head size is also a consideration. For example, using rivets in softer materials, the head should be large enough to take the load without pulling out.

Offering Breakstem Rivets from Major Manufacturers

The Bay Supply Marketplace offers breakstem rivets from various rivet manufacturers. Here is a sampling of some breakstem rivets available from STANLEY Engineered Fastening.

Multigrip Non-Structural Breakstem Rivets

• Avdel Avex: The multi-grip Avex rivet is an aluminum rivet with a large blind-side bearing area, making it ideal for thinner materials. It’s used in making appliances, electronics, electrical equipment, HVAC systems, and similar applications.

• Avdel Stavex: The Avdel Stavex is a multi-grip fastener in steel and stainless steel that can replace grip fasteners, allowing you to carry fewer fasteners. It has a large bulbing tail, making it suitable for thinner materials.

• Avdel Avibulb: Designed for general applications, the Avibulb has good hole fill-compensating characteristics for irregular, misaligned, and oversized holes.

• Avdel Bulbex: The Bulbex has a split-tail configuration for better load bearing on the blind side. It’s an aluminum alloy multi-grip fastener.

• Avdel T-Lok: Designed for wood and soft materials, the T-Lok is a suitable replacement for self-tapping screws. It has excellent pull-out force and won’t break through the back substrate.

• Avdelmate: The Avdelmate is a two-piece breakstem fastener with a wide grip for soft, thin sheets and brittle materials. It is often used for stadium seating, playground equipment, street signs, and related applications.  

• Avdel Klamp-Tite non-structural: Ideal for plastic assemblies, Klamp-Tite non-structural fasteners are made of aluminum alloy with a split-tail design.

Structural Breakstem Rivets

• Avdel Avibulb XT: The Avibulb XT is a high-strength steel breakstem fastener with a bulbing tail formation, making it ideal for sheets with varying thicknesses. It’s often used for HVAC, automotive, appliances, renewable energy, and similar applications.

• Avdel Avinox XT: The Avinox XT is a corrosion-resistant structural fastener designed to work with thin metals in extreme temperatures.

• Avdel Hemlok: Designed as a robust and vibration-resistant fastener, the Hemlok has exceptional tensile and shear strength and a larger, load-bearing blind-side area.

• Avdel Monobolt: The Monobolt is a multi-grip fastener that combines safety and performance. It’s available in two grades of stainless steel and can be used for metal-to-metal and metal-to-plastic joints.

• Avdel Interlock: The Interlock is designed to provide additional structural strength and vibration resistance. It has excellent hole-fill characteristics and can close significant gaps.

• Avdel Q Rivet: The Q Rivet is weatherproof and has an interference lock for added strength. It also has a stainless steel option for additional corrosion resistance.

• Avdel Klamp-Tite structural: The Klamp-Tite structural breakstem rivet has a visible mechanical lock for extra strength. It’s made of an aluminum alloy and has an optional washer to create a waterproof seal.

This is just a sampling of the breakstem blind fasteners available on the Bay Supply Marketplace, where you can also find breakstem rivets from other manufacturers. To learn more about rivets, download The Essential Guide to Blind Rivets.