Pop Rivets vs. Blind Rivets: A Comparison of Two Common Fasteners

Fasteners are devices that are used to join or hold two or more materials or parts together. There are many types and categories of fasteners, such as screws, bolts, nuts, washers, nails, pins, etc. Among them, rivets are one of the oldest and most widely used fasteners, especially in the fields of construction, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. Rivets are metal or plastic pins that have a head at one end and a tail at the other end. They are inserted into pre-drilled or punched holes in the materials or parts to be joined, and then the tail is deformed or broken off to create a second head, forming a permanent joint. Rivets can provide high strength, durability, and reliability for various applications.

However, not all rivets are the same. There are different types and designs of rivets, each with different characteristics and advantages. In this article, we will compare two common types of rivets: pop rivets and blind rivets. We will explain what they are, how they work, what are their pros and cons, and what are their common uses. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the right type of rivet for your project.

What are Pop Rivets and Blind Rivets?

Pop rivets and blind rivets are actually the same thing. They are both types of rivets that can be installed from one side of the material or part, without requiring access to or visibility of the other side. This is why they are also called "blind" rivets, because they can be used in "blind" situations, where the back side of the material or part is inaccessible or hidden. Pop rivets and blind rivets are also sometimes referred to as "breakstem" rivets, because they have a stem or mandrel that breaks off during the installation process.

Pop rivets and blind rivets consist of two parts: a rivet body and a mandrel. The rivet body is a hollow metal or plastic tube that has a head at one end and a hole at the other end. The mandrel is a metal or plastic rod that has a head at one end and a tail at the other end. The mandrel is inserted into the hole of the rivet body, and the head of the mandrel is slightly larger than the hole, so that it can hold the rivet body in place.

How to install Pop Rivets and Blind Rivets

To install a pop rivet or a blind rivet, you need a special tool called a rivet gun or a riveter. The rivet gun has a nosepiece that can fit the head of the rivet body, and a trigger that can pull the mandrel. The installation process is as follows:

•  First, you need to drill or punch a hole in the materials or parts that you want to join. The hole should be slightly larger than the diameter of the rivet body, so that the rivet can fit snugly into the hole.

•  Next, you need to insert the rivet into the hole, with the head of the rivet body facing the outside and the head of the mandrel facing the inside. You need to make sure that the rivet is fully inserted into the hole, and that the materials or parts are aligned and clamped together.

•  Then, you need to place the nosepiece of the rivet gun over the head of the rivet body, and squeeze the trigger. The rivet gun will pull the mandrel, causing the rivet body to expand and fill the hole. The rivet body will also form a second head on the inside of the material or part, creating a tight and secure joint.

•  Finally, you need to release the trigger, and the mandrel will break off at a predetermined point, leaving behind a small stub inside the rivet body. The rivet gun will eject the broken mandrel, and the installation is complete.

The following image shows a diagram of pop rivets and blind rivets, and how they are installed:

Pop Rivets vs. Blind Rivets : Advantages and Disadvantages

Both pop rivets and blind rivets have their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on their properties and applications. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of pop rivets and blind rivets:

•  Advantages: Pop rivets and blind rivets are easy and fast to install, requiring only one tool and one operator. They can be used in a wide range of materials and thicknesses, such as metal, plastic, wood, fiberglass, etc. They can also be used in hard-to-reach or limited-access areas, where other fasteners may not be feasible. Pop rivets and blind rivets can provide a smooth and clean appearance, as they do not protrude from the surface of the material or part. They can also reduce the weight and noise of the joint, as they do not require washers, nuts, or other accessories.

•  Disadvantages: Pop rivets and blind rivets are permanent fasteners, meaning that they cannot be easily removed or reused without damaging the material or part. They also require a precise hole size and alignment, as any deviation may cause the rivet to fail or loosen. Pop rivets and blind rivets may not be suitable for applications that require high strength, vibration resistance, or watertightness, as they may not be able to withstand the stress or seal the joint effectively. Pop rivets and blind rivets may also corrode or rust over time, especially if they are made of different metals than the material or part.

Pop Rivets vs. Blind Rivets :  Uses

The uses of pop rivets and blind rivets depend on their properties and prices. Different rivets are suitable for different fields and industries. Here are some examples of the uses of pop rivets and blind rivets:

•  Pop rivets and blind rivets: Due to their versatility and convenience, pop rivets and blind rivets are widely used for various applications, such as construction, automotive, aerospace, marine, electrical, furniture, etc. Some examples of pop rivets and blind rivets products are ducts, panels, cabinets, doors, windows, gutters, signs, lights, etc.

•  Pop rivets: Pop rivets are a trademarked brand of blind rivets, owned by Stanley Engineered Fastening. Pop rivets are specially designed to provide a consistent and reliable performance, with a high-quality rivet body and mandrel. Pop rivets are available in various materials, sizes, shapes, and finishes, to suit different needs and preferences. Pop rivets are also compatible with various types of pop rivet guns, which are easy to use and maintain.

•  Blind rivets: Blind rivets are a generic term for any type of rivet that can be installed from one side of the material or part. Blind rivets can be further classified into different categories, based on their head shape, body shape, mandrel type, or function. Some of the common types of blind rivets are standard blind rivets, sealed blind rivets, multi-grip rivets, structural rivets, peel rivets, etc. Blind rivets can offer different benefits and features, such as watertightness, vibration resistance, tamper resistance, etc.

Summary

The pop rivets and blind rivets are two types of fasteners that can be installed from one side of the material or part, without requiring access to or visibility of the other side. They have the following main differences and advantages:

•  Pop rivets and blind rivets consist of two parts: a rivet body and a mandrel. The rivet body is a hollow metal or plastic tube that has a head at one end and a hole at the other end. The mandrel is a metal or plastic rod that has a head at one end and a tail at the other end. The mandrel is inserted into the hole of the rivet body, and the head of the mandrel is slightly larger than the hole, so that it can hold the rivet body in place.

•  Pop rivets and blind rivets are installed by using a special tool called a rivet gun or a riveter. The rivet gun has a nosepiece that can fit the head of the rivet body, and a trigger that can pull the mandrel. The rivet gun will pull the mandrel, causing the rivet body to expand and fill the hole. The rivet body will also form a second head on the inside of the material or part, creating a tight and secure joint. The mandrel will then break off at a predetermined point, leaving behind a small stub inside the rivet body. The rivet gun will eject the broken mandrel, and the installation is complete.

•  Pop rivets and blind rivets are easy and fast to install, requiring only one tool and one operator. They can be used in a wide range of materials and thicknesses, such as metal, plastic, wood, fiberglass, etc. They can also be used in hard-to-reach or limited-access areas, where other fasteners may not be feasible. Pop rivets and blind rivets can provide a smooth and clean appearance, as they do not protrude from the surface of the material or part. They can also reduce the weight and noise of the joint, as they do not require washers, nuts, or other accessories.

•  Pop rivets and blind rivets are permanent fasteners, meaning that they cannot be easily removed or reused without damaging the material or part. They also require a precise hole size and alignment, as any deviation may cause the rivet to fail or loosen. Pop rivets and blind rivets may not be suitable for applications that require high strength, vibration resistance, or watertightness, as they may not be able to withstand the stress or seal the joint effectively. Pop rivets and blind rivets may also corrode or rust over time, especially if they are made of different metals than the material or part.

•  Pop rivets and blind rivets are widely used for various applications, such as construction, automotive, aerospace, marine, electrical, furniture, etc. Some examples of pop rivets and blind rivets products are ducts, panels, cabinets, doors, windows, gutters, signs, lights, etc.

•  Pop rivets are a trademarked brand of blind rivets, owned by Stanley Engineered Fastening. Pop rivets are specially designed to provide a consistent and reliable performance, with a high-quality rivet body and mandrel. Pop rivets are available in various materials, sizes, shapes, and finishes, to suit different needs and preferences. Pop rivets are also compatible with various types of pop rivet guns, which are easy to use and maintain.

•  Blind rivets are a generic term for any type of rivet that can be installed from one side of the material or part. Blind rivets can be further classified into different categories, based on their head shape, body shape, mandrel type, or function. Some of the common types of blind rivets are standard blind rivets, sealed blind rivets, multi-grip rivets, structural rivets, peel rivets, etc. Blind rivets can offer different benefits and features, such as watertightness, vibration resistance, tamper resistance, etc.

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