General Notes on Blind Rivets
A blind rivet is a mechanical fastener capable of joining workpieces together from one side of the assembly only. Below are a selection of commentaries on the product details, and are intended for general guidance only. No responsibility for the contents can be accepted.
What is blind rivet - an introduction
A blind rivet consists of two parts:-
• the body, also referred to as the rivet body
• and within it, the setting device, the mandrel (sometimes called the nail or rivet stem).
The rivet body is normally manufactured from one of three methods:-
• from wire, the most common method
• from tube, common in longer lengths, not normally as strong as wire drawn
• from sheet, least popular and generally the weakest option.
Blind rivets are particularly used when access to the joint is only available from one side. The rivetis placed in a pre-drilled hole and is set by pulling the mandrel head into the rivet body, expanding the body and causing it to flare against the reverse side. As the head of the mandrel reaches the face of the blind side material, the pulling force is resisted, and at a predetermined force, the mandrel will snap at the break point of the mandrel. A tight joint formed by the rivet body remains, the head of the mandrel remains encapsulated at the blind side, although variations of this are available, and the mandrel stem is ejected.
Rivet selection factors to consider
• a. Rivet Joint strength
First determine the single-joint tensile and shear values required for the application. These are functions of total joint strength, fastener spacing, rivet body material and rivet diameter. Then refer to the "Shear" and "Tensile" columns on the product, and select a TOP brand rivet that provides the values required. "TOP" brand rivets are not certified for structural aerospace applications and such use is not recommended.
• b. Joint thickness
Measure the total thickness of the materials to be joined. This determines the required "grip" of the rivet you select. Refer to the "Grip Range" column and select a rivet with a grip range that includes the work thickness required. Remember that insufficient rivet length will not allow proper formation of the secondary head at the back of the work.
• c. Nature of rivets' materials
Both the rivet and the materials to be fastened will affect the ultimate joint strength. As a general rule, the rivet materials should have the same physical and mechanical properties as the materials to be fastened, because a marked dissimilarity may cause joint failure due either to material fatigue or galvanic corrosion.
• d. Hole size
Hole size can be important in blind riveting. Too small a hole will, of course, make rivet insertion difficult. Best practice is to follow the hole size recommendations provided.
• e. Rivet Head Style
The low-profile dome head rivet is appropriate for most applications. However, when soft or brittle materials are fastened to a rigid backing member, the large flange head rivet should be considered, because it offers twice the bearing. surface. Where a flush surface is required, the countersunk head rivet style should be selected.
Rivets name comparison
Description |
FAST-FIX |
Steel, Stainless steel multi-grip type rivet |
SSMG , BBMG |
Avinox rivet |
BB-A-FIX |
Avibulb rivet |
SS-A-FIX |
Monobolt rivet |
CUP-FIX |
HEMLOK rivet |
HEMFIX |
Magna-lok |
CUP-LOCK |
Rivets code comparison:
CODE |
FAST-FIX |
CODE |
FAST-FIX |
2771-0613 |
SS-C-FIX 0604 |
2221-0812 |
SS-H-FIX0812 |
2771-0617 |
SS-C-FIX 0607 |
2221-0813 |
SS-H-FIX0813 |
2771-0817 |
SS-C-FIX 0806 |
2221-0814 |
SS-H-FIX0814 |
2771-0824 |
SS-C-FIX 0810 |
2221-0815 |
SS-H-FIX0815 |
2761-0615 |
SS-C-FIX 0606C |
2221-0817 |
SS-H-FIX0817 |
2761-0619 |
SS-C-FIX 0608C |
2221-0818 |
SS-H-FIX0818 |
2761-0821 |
SS-C-FIX 0808C |
2221-0819 |
SS-H-FIX0819 |
2711-0613 |
BB-C-FIX 0604 |
2221-0820 |
SS-H-FIX0820 |
2711-0617 |
BB-C-FIX 0607 |
2221-0821 |
SS-H-FIX0821 |
2711-0817 |
BB-C-FIX 0806 |
BN01 |
BB-A-FIX |
2711-0824 |
BB-C-FIX 0810 |
BS01,BS04 |
SS-A-FIX |
BE34 |
SSMG-LF |
BS11 |
BBMG |
Rivet Language:
①Rivet's mandrel head
②Mandrel's assembly lock
③Mandrel's break point
④Rivet's mandrel
①Rivet diameter
②Rivet length
③Rivet body
④Rivet head
⑤Rivet head diameter
⑥Rivet head height
①Rivet diameter
②Rivet's grip range
③Rivet's tensile strength
④Rivet's shear strength
⑤Primary head style
⑥Fully formed secondary head
⑦Blind side clearance
⑧Nature of materials