The importance of fastening technologies cannot be overstated in modern industrial production and manufacturing. Rivets are vital across various industries as an ancient yet effective connection method.  Blind rivets have emerged prominently in numerous application scenarios due to their unique advantages. This article will delve deep into the differences between rivets and blind rivets, their respective characteristics, and the types and applications of blind rivets. Understanding these fundamentals will help you make more informed project decisions whether you are an engineer, designer, or manufacturer. Let’s begin our in-depth exploration of these small connectors and discover how they play a pivotal role in major industries.

What Are the Differences Between Rivets and Blind Rivets?

The primary differences between rivets and blind rivets are as follows:

Riveting Method:

• Rivets: These typically require access to both sides of the components being joined. They connect the riveted parts using a deformation or interference fit.
• Blind Rivets are suitable for single-sided riveting, especially in situations where ordinary rivets (which must be riveted from both sides) are not feasible. They are widely used in products such as buildings, automobiles, ships, airplanes, machinery, electrical appliances, and furniture.

Operating Tools:

• Rivets: Generally require special riveting machines during installation, similar to a punch press.
• Blind Rivets Require the use of specialized tools, such as rivet guns (manual, electric, or pneumatic), for installation.

Structural Characteristics:

• Rivets: These are rod-shaped components with a head on one end. After inserting into the connected components, the other end is hammered or pressed to form another head, pressing and fixing the components together.
• Blind Rivets: Composed of a rivet body and a mandrel. The rivet body is hollow, and the mandrel passes through it. During riveting, pulling the mandrel causes the rivet body to deform within the hole of the joined materials and form a clinch, fastening the materials together.

Appearance and Uses:

• Rivets: Come in various appearances and uses, with numerous types and forms.
• Blind Rivets: After riveting, the end of the rivet body typically forms a relatively uniform clinch shape. The appearance is relatively simple and unadorned. The primary function is to achieve fastening without any specially designed decorative appearance.

Connection Strength and Application Scenarios:

• Rivets: The connection strength and application scenarios depend on the specific type and design of the rivet.
• Blind Rivets Offer high reliability, muscular connection strength, a long lifespan, and convenient operation. They can connect aluminum alloys, structural steel, and composite materials.

The main differences between rivets and blind rivets lie in the riveting method, operating tools, structural characteristics, appearance and uses, connection strength, and application scenarios. Blind rivets, with their convenience for single-sided operation and a broad range of applications, have replaced traditional rivets in many situations.

What Are the Differences in Connection Strength Between Rivets and Blind Rivets?

The differences in connection strength between rivets and blind rivets are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

Shear Strength Comparison:

• Practical Studies: Research results indicate that flow drill self-tapping connections and internally locking pull-type blind rivets have high connection strength. Notably, a 6.4mm internally locking pull-type blind rivet’s shear strength is close to an M5 flow drill self-tapping connection. This shows that in specific applications, blind rivets can provide connection strength comparable to traditional rivets.

Tensile-Shear Strength:

• Experimental Results: Practical tests have shown that the combination of structural blind rivets with Betamate 1630 adhesive closely matches the shear capacity of the original spot weld joint, achieving about 80% of the connection strength. This means that in specific applications, structural blind rivets can provide connection strength similar to traditional welding.

Relationship Between Connection Strength and Material Thickness:

• Observations: In practice, solid rivets have higher tensile strength than shear strength, especially when connecting thicker plates or when the joint is used in tensile applications. Due to their structural characteristics, blind rivets can achieve connections on thicker materials, and the installation process is more straightforward.

Characteristics of Structural Rivets:

• Structural Rivets: Compared to ordinary rivets, structural rivets (such as internally locking pull-type rivets) have high strength and feature a mandrel that locks within the rivet body after installation, remaining tight and not loosening. This design provides additional holding power, enhancing the connection’s stability and strength.

Impact Under Long-Term Stress:

• High-Strength Stress Effects: Studies on the impact of high-strength residual stress on blind rivet strength indicate that in high-strength blind rivet connections, the rivet bears significant tensile stress, often exceeding the yield point. This suggests that under long-term high-stress conditions, the connection strength of blind rivets may be affected, requiring further research and evaluation.

In conclusion, both rivets and blind rivets have advantages in connection strength. Blind rivets, in certain circumstances, can provide connection strength comparable to traditional rivets, especially in single-sided operation and mixed-material connection applications. Additionally, structural blind rivets, due to their unique design, can offer higher connection strength and stability.

What Types of Blind Rivets Are There?

Blind rivets come in various types, which can be categorized based on their characteristics and uses:

Standard Open-End Blind Rivets:

• Description: Includes open-end countersunk (flat head) blind rivets. These rivets are easy to operate, provide excellent riveting, have a beautiful appearance, and have high physical performance. They can be riveted from one side.

Closed-End Blind Rivets (Also Known as Waterproof Rivets):

• Features: Specifically designed to encapsulate the mandrel head after riveting, they are ideal for waterproofing applications. They offer high shear strength and vibration resistance and withstand high pressure.

Structural Rivets:

• Characteristics: The difference between structural and ordinary rivets is that, in addition to high strength, a typical feature is that the mandrel is locked inside the rivet body after installation and does not loosen. Structural rivets include many types, such as external locking pull-type rivets, interlock rivets, mono-bolt rivets, internally locking pull-type rivets, steel tri-fold rivets, stainless steel tri-fold rivets, double-lock rivets, and BOM rivets.

Special Purpose Rivets:

• Includes Bulb-type blind rivets, cup-type blind rivets, lantern-type blind rivets, and grooved structural blind rivets.

Material Classification:

• Materials: Blind rivets can be made from various materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, iron, and copper.

Other Types:

• Additional Types: Flowering rivets, closed-type rivets, double-fold rivets, grooved rivets, etc.

These blind rivets provide diverse options based on various application scenarios and needs.

In Which Industries Are Blind Rivets Widely Used?

Blind rivets are extensively used across multiple industries, mainly including:

Automotive Manufacturing:

• Applications: In the automotive industry, blind rivets are used in car body structures, chassis connections, and more, meeting the demands for high-strength and lightweight designs. As automobile production increases, the demand for blind rivets continues to grow.

Aerospace:

• Usage: Blind rivets are used to secure aircraft structures and aerospace components in the aerospace field. These applications demand strict requirements for rivets’ high-temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and lightweight properties.

Construction Industry:

• Applications: Blind rivets are widely used to connect steel structures and aluminum alloy components and are suitable for joining various building materials, ensuring structural stability and safety.

Electronics Industry:

• Usage: Blind rivets secure electronic components and connect metal casings in electronic device manufacturing. As devices become smaller and more multifunctional, the demand for miniaturized and precision blind rivets is increasing.

Machinery and Equipment:

• Applications: Blind rivets are also widely applied in machinery manufacturing, providing reliable fastening solutions.

Furniture Manufacturing:

• Usage: Blind rivets are used as connectors in furniture production processes to ensure structural stability.

Shipbuilding:

• Applications: Blind rivets are used in shipbuilding to connect hull structures, offering excellent waterproofing and corrosion resistance.

Blind rivets are crucial in numerous industries due to their high strength, reliability, and convenient installation methods.

How to Choose Blind Rivets?

When selecting blind rivets, multiple factors must be considered to ensure they are suitable for specific application scenarios. Here are some key guidelines:

Strength Requirements:

• Determine Required Strength: Assess the necessary tensile and shear strength for the connection. Calculate the requirements for individual rivets based on the total connection strength needed for the workpiece and the number of rivets used. The diameter of the rivet, the material of the rivet body, and the type of rivet will all affect strength.

Riveting Thickness (Grip Range):

• Measure Thickness: Measure the thickness that needs to be riveted and select the appropriate rivet based on the recommended grip range. The rivet must accommodate the total thickness of the materials to ensure a firm connection.

Rivet Material:

• Material Selection: Common rivet body materials include aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and copper. When choosing, consider the material of the workpieces being riveted to ensure the rivet can perform effectively. For example, stainless steel rivets are suitable for workpieces requiring high shear strength, while aluminum rivets are suitable for civilian applications.

Drill Hole Diameter:

• Importance of Hole Size: The hole size is critical for riveting. If it is too small, the rivet will be challenging to insert; if it is too large, the riveting will not be tight. Choose an appropriate hole diameter to ensure the rivet is correctly installed.

Head Shape (Flange Shape):

• Types of Heads: Rivet heads come in dome heads, countersunk (CSK head), large flange (FLANGE), etc. If a flush surface is required after riveting, use a countersunk head; a large flange is more suitable if the riveted material is relatively soft.

Rivet Diameter and Length:

• Proper Sizing: Choose the appropriate rivet diameter and length to suit specific riveting occasions. Rivets with different specifications have different diameters and lengths.

Performance Grade:

• Select According to Needs: Based on specific application requirements, choose blind rivets with the corresponding performance grade—for example, the Grade 51 national standard suits open-end dome head blind rivets.

Special Requirements:

• Consider Special Conditions: For scenarios requiring waterproofing, corrosion resistance, high-temperature resistance, etc., select blind rivets with the corresponding materials and types.

Industry Standards:

• Refer to Standards: Consult industry standards such as the aerospace industry standard HB 8006-2002, “General Specification for Blind Rivets,” to ensure that the selected rivets meet industry requirements.

Custom Requirements:

• Customization: If you have special needs, consider custom-made rivets, including the material, size, head type, surface treatment, etc.

Considering these factors, you can select blind rivets suitable for specific applications.

Are There Recommended International Industry Standards for Reference?

Yes, the following are some recommended international industry standards for your reference:

ISO 5845-2:

• Content: Issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard involves the simplified representation of rivets in technical drawings, particularly for aerospace equipment. ISO 5845-2:1995

ISO 15977:

• Description: This international standard specifies the requirements for blind rivets with aluminum alloy bodies and steel mandrels, covering their mechanical properties. ISO 15977

ISO 9418:1998:

• Details: This standard specifies the characteristics and quality assurance requirements for solid rivets of aluminum or aluminum alloy used in aerospace construction. ISO 9418:1998

ISO 15973:

• Content: This standard deals with the requirements for blind rivets with aluminum alloy bodies and steel mandrels, including their mechanical properties. ISO 15973

ISO 3230:1998:

• Description: This standard specifies the dimensions of 100-degree typical countersunk head metal solid rivets with or without surface treatment. ISO 3230:1998

ISO 16585:

• Details: This international standard specifies the requirements for blind rivets with austenitic stainless steel A2 bodies and stainless steel mandrels. ISO 16585

ISO 12289:2016:

• Content: This standard specifies the characteristics and quality assurance requirements for solid rivets of corrosion-resistant steel used in aerospace construction. ISO 12289:2016

These international standards provide detailed technical specifications and requirements for blind rivets, helping ensure that the blind rivets you select and use meet international quality standards.

How to Evaluate the Quality of Blind Rivets?

To evaluate the quality of blind rivets, consider the following aspects:

Appearance Inspection:

• Packaging: Check if the product’s external packaging is transparent. Regular manufacturers usually have dedicated design teams for packaging produced by reputable manufacturers.

Material Distinction:

• Wire Material: Distinguish from the wire material used. Imported wire materials have superior rust resistance, avoiding quality issues during processing. Ordinary materials like scrap aluminum, iron, and stainless steel wires have poor rust resistance and may cause quality problems during use.

Plating Quality:

• Plating Time: High-quality blind rivets have a plating time exceeding 24 hours, reaching 96 hours, while ordinary blind rivets may have only 8 hours or 2-3 hours of salt spray testing.

Production Equipment:

• Equipment Quality: Differentiate based on the equipment used to produce blind rivets. Good equipment ensures the quality and precision of blind rivets. The least advanced equipment is a 2-die 4-blow machine, while a 3-die 6-blow machine is more common.

Dimensional Accuracy:

• Precision: Check if the dimensions of the blind rivets are accurate and whether they are precisely made, safe, controllable, and suitable for assembly.

Mechanical Performance Tests:

• Testing: Include tests for mandrel break load, tensile strength, shear strength, and mandrel retaining force. These tests can evaluate the rivet’s performance in actual use.

Riveting Effect Inspection:

• Cross-Section Observation: To evaluate the riveting effect, observe the cross-section along the meridian plane at the riveted point after riveting.

Performance Grade Standards:

• Refer to Standards: Consult international standards like ISO 15978:2002 and ISO 15977:2002, which cover performance requirements, test methods, and inspection rules for blind rivets.

Surface Corrosion Resistance:

• Evaluate Corrosion Resistance: Assessing the rivet’s corrosion resistance is crucial for enhancing its lifespan and reliability.

Quality Assurance Provisions and Delivery Preparation:

• Standards Compliance: Refer to standards like HB 8006-2002, which stipulate the requirements for blind rivets, quality assurance provisions, and delivery preparations.

By following these methods, you can comprehensively evaluate the quality of blind rivets, ensuring that the rivets you select meet application needs and safety standards.

After a comprehensive analysis of rivets and blind rivets, we can see that although they share similarities in fastening technology, blind rivets have become an indispensable part of the modern industry due to their convenience of single-sided operation, high-strength connection performance, and broad applicability to various materials. From automotive manufacturing to aerospace, from the construction industry to electronic devices, the applications of blind rivets are found in virtually every corner.

When choosing blind rivets, consider strength requirements, riveting thickness, material selection, drill hole diameter, head shape, diameter and length, performance grade, and special requirements. This will ensure that the rivets you select meet the needs of specific applications. Additionally, referring to international industry standards and conducting rigorous quality evaluations will further guarantee the reliability and safety of the products.

In this article, we learned the basics of blind rivets and explored how to select the appropriate rivets based on different application scenarios. We hope this information will help you make more precise choices and use blind rivets effectively in your future work, improving production efficiency and product quality. Though small, blind rivets play a massive role in connecting the world.