Blind Rivet Selection Guide: Types, Materials, Sizes and Applications
How to Choose the Right Blind Rivet
Blind rivets are permanent fasteners designed for applications where installation is possible from only one side of the workpiece. Choosing the correct rivet depends on the materials being joined, total material thickness, hole diameter, head style, installation environment, and required holding performance.
Common Types of Blind Rivets
Closed-End Blind Rivets
Closed-end rivets have a sealed body that helps limit the passage of moisture, air, and debris through the center of the rivet. They are commonly considered for enclosures, exterior panels, roofing components, vehicles, and other applications where reducing water ingress is important.
Waterproof Blind Rivets
Water-resistant fastening performance depends on the complete joint, including the rivet, hole condition, installation quality, surface contact, and any sealant used. Always test the completed assembly when a specific level of sealing is required.
Tri-Fold Blind Rivets
Tri-fold rivets form three legs behind the material during installation. This wider load distribution can be useful for plastic panels, fiberglass, vehicle panels, and other relatively soft or thin materials.
Large-Head Blind Rivets
A larger flange distributes pressure across a wider surface area. Large-head rivets are often selected for thin sheet, plastic, fiberglass, and applications where a standard head may pull through the material.
Extra-Long Blind Rivets
Extra-long rivets are available for assemblies with greater combined material thickness. Rivet length alone does not determine compatibility—the stated grip range must cover the total thickness of all materials being joined.
8mm Diameter Blind Rivets
Larger-diameter rivets may be considered when the application, hole size, and joining materials require a larger fastener. Confirm the specified hole diameter, grip range, and compatible installation tool before ordering.
Choosing the Rivet Material
- Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion resistant for many general-purpose applications.
- Steel: Commonly selected where greater mechanical strength is required and the environment is suitable.
- Stainless steel: Suitable for applications where corrosion resistance and durability are important.
- Copper: Often selected for appearance, electrical conductivity, or compatibility with particular materials.
When joining dissimilar metals, consider the possibility of galvanic corrosion. Environmental exposure, coatings, insulation between materials, and maintenance conditions should be evaluated before installation.
Diameter, Length and Grip Range
The grip range is the total thickness that the rivet is designed to fasten. Measure all materials in the joint and select a variant whose stated grip range includes that combined thickness.
The drilled hole must match the recommended diameter for the selected rivet. A hole that is too large may reduce joint quality, while a hole that is too small may prevent correct installation.
Installation Checklist
- Confirm the materials being joined.
- Measure the total material thickness.
- Check the required hole diameter.
- Select the appropriate rivet body and mandrel materials.
- Confirm the head style and installation environment.
- Use a rivet tool and nosepiece compatible with the rivet diameter.
- Test the joint before using the rivet in a critical or production application.
Need Help Selecting a Rivet?
If you are unsure which available specification to choose, contact JIANDAXIN before ordering. Please provide the material types, total thickness, drilled hole diameter, application environment, preferred quantity, and any sealing requirements.
Product availability, dimensions, materials, quantities, and other specifications are shown on the relevant product pages.