Of all the fastening solutions we offer at Bossard, rivets are the ones that have proven the most versatile. Rivets were used widely throughout the ages as a cost-effective and durable method of fastening. Even today, rivets are still the preferred option for applications that demand permanent assembly. Rivets are particularly capable of handling shear loads, but they can also support tension loads.
Rivets come in a surprising array of different types and designs for a broad spectrum of applications. Take blind rivets, for example. Also called “pop rivets” by many, blind rivets feature a mandrel that draws the blind end of the rivet inward. A device known as a riveter pulls the mandrel with internal jaws, while the riveter’s nosepiece pushes on the head of the rivet, causing the hollow shaft to deform and expand into the workpiece. The mandrel snaps off after the blind rivet is firmly secured into position. This feature differs from solid rivets that require a hammer and anvil[KT1] to flatten and expand the completely solid shaft.
Unlike traditional threaded fasteners, assemblers can install blind rivets without needing access to the back of the workpiece. Blind rivets are also used in high-strength applications, with one-piece lock bolt solutions offering similar shear and tensile strength to a comparably sized class 10.9 bolt.
The blind riveting process itself is usually 20% to 50% faster than torquing similar nuts and bolts, making them ideal for applications demanding high-speed installation. Rivet presenters and speed rivets can significantly reduce installation times, depending on the application.
Blind rivets excel in applications that require plastic-to-plastic or plastic-to-metal attachment. Using blind rivets with large rear bearing surfaces, assemblers can join thin sheet metals and weak or brittle plastics together without risking damage to any of the panels. You’ll also find rivets that feature rubber washers on the body or under the rivet head to stop water ingress in sealed applications.
Blind rivets are also ideal for assembly in applications where food safety is critical. Flush-breaking mandrels help blind rivets leave behind a completely flush surface[KT2] that prevents food or contaminants from gathering afterward, thereby meeting stringent NSF standards for cleanliness.
To learn more about how to use blind rivets, contact us today at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.
Rivets and Their Uses & Applications by Bossard
