Home » How Blind Rivets Work

How Blind Rivets Work

marson-gesipa_logo

Blind Rivet Components

HOW BLIND RIVETS WORK



The standard blind rivet is comprised of two components, a rivet body and a mandrel. The blind rivet is first placed into an installation tool, and is then inserted into the application. Activating the tool pulls the blind rivet's mandrel, drawing the mandrel head into the blind-end of the rivet body. This action forms an upset head on the rivet body and securely clamps the application materials together.

Finally, the mandrel reaches its predetermined break-load, with the spent portion of the mandrel breaking away and being removed from the set blind rivet. Fast, easy-to-use blind rivets offer speed of assembly, consistent mechanical performance and excellent installed appearance, making blind riveting a reliable and economical assembly method.

Mechanical function of a blind rivet

The mechanical function of a blind break-mandrel rivet during installation.

Dome Head Blind Rivet

Dome Head Blind Rivet



The dome head blind rivet is the most widely available and commonly used head style of blind rivets. The dome head flange offers good bearing surface and is suitable for many applications. Dome head blind rivets are available in 3/32", 1/8", 5/32", 3/16" and 1/4" diameter in all materials.

Countersunk Head - 120° Blind Rivet

Countersunk Head - 120° Blind Rivet



The countersunk head blind rivet is used in applications requiring a flush surface. Countersunk blind rivets are available in 1/8", 5/32", and 3/16"diameter.

Blind Rivet Material Compatibility

The blind rivets selected should be compatible with the materials being joined. Dissimilar materials can cause failure due to galvanic corrosion. GESIPA blind rivets are available in the following material combinations:

  • Aluminum Rivet /Aluminum Mandrel
  • Aluminum Rivet / Steel Mandrel
  • Aluminum Rivet / Stainless Steel Mandrel
  • Steel Rivet / Steel Mandrel
  • Stainless Steel Rivet / Steel Mandrel
  • Stainless Steel Rivet / Stainless Steel Mandrel
  • Copper Rivet / Steel Mandrel
  • Copper Rivet / Bronze Mandrel
  • Plastic Rivet / Plastic Mandrel

 

 

Strength Requirements of Blind Rivets



The joint strength required will determine the diameter and spacing of the GESIPA blind rivet.

Material Thickness for Blind Rivets



Each GESIPA blind rivet is engineered for a specific range of material thickness for which it will be effective. This range of material or work thickness is the blind rivet’s "grip range".

Hole Size for Blind Rivets



Proper hole size is important to insure the integrity of the fastened joint. The recommended hole size and tolerances are shown in the technical data charts. Oversized holes can cause problems in blind riveted joints. A solution is to select a blind rivet which creates an oversized upset head (see Bulb-tite and Tri-fold rivets).