Blind Rivets Basics

Blind Rivet Reference

How Blind Rivets Work

The standard blind break-mandrel rivet consists of two components, a rivet body and mandrel. The rivet is first placed into an installation tool and is then inserted into the application. Activating the tool pulls the 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 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.

(click on image to enlarge)

(click on image to enlarge)

Rivet Head Styles

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

Large Flange
The Large Flange blind rivet offers a larger bearing surface than the Dome Head and is suited for joining compressible or brittle materials to structural members, e.g. wood/steel, plastic/steel. Large Flange rivets are available in 1/8" , 5/32", and 3/16" ø; 1/4" ø by special order.

Countersunk Head - 120°
The Countersunk Head blind rivet is used in applications requiring a flush surface. Countersunk rivets are available in 1/8" , 5/32", and 3/16" ø; 1/4" ø by special order.

Application Considerations

Material Compatibility

The blind rivet 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
• Plastic Rivet/Plastic Mandrel

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

Material Thickness
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
Proper hole size is important to ensure 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 that creates and oversized upset head (see Bulb-tite and Tri-fold rivets.)