Guide for choosing a blind rivet / pop rivet
Choosing the right blind rivet is essential for ensuring a durable and stable fastening. Here is a complete guide to help you choose the right rivet material, length, and diameter to avoid corrosion and guarantee a correct installation.
Selection of material: Rivet and workpiece
When joining materials, it is important that the rivet material has the same properties as the material it is being fastened into. The wrong combination can lead to corrosion and reduced durability.
Recommended material combinations
|
Rivet material |
Aluminum |
Copper |
Steel |
Stainless steel |
|
Aluminum |
Good |
Poor |
Acceptable |
Acceptable |
|
Copper |
Poor |
Good |
Poor |
Acceptable |
|
Steel |
Acceptable |
Poor |
Good |
Good |
|
Stainless steel |
Acceptable |
Acceptable |
Good |
Good |
Explanations:
- Good: The combination works well and minimizes the risk of corrosion.
- Acceptable: The combination is acceptable but not optimal.
- Poor: The combination should be avoided, as the risk of corrosion or reduced durability is high.
Summary:
- Aluminum and copper are not compatible.
- Steel works well with both steel and stainless steel rivets.
- Stainless steel is the most versatile option and works with all materials.
Choosing the right length and diameter
To ensure proper installation of the blind rivet, you need to measure the grip range and adjust the length and diameter of the rivet.
- Measure the grip range
The grip range is the combined thickness of the materials to be joined. This measurement determines the rivet length you should choose.
- Choose the right length
Use the table below to choose the right rivet length based on the grip range. Example: If the grip range is 13 mm and you are using a rivet with a 4.8 mm diameter, the rivet length should be 18 mm.
- Choose the right diameter
The rivet diameter should be 0.1 mm smaller than the hole size. A hole that is too small makes installation difficult, while a hole that is too large reduces the stability and strength of the fastening.
Recommended length for blind rivets
|
Ø (mm) |
Grip range (mm) |
Rivet length (mm) |
|
3.2 |
2–4 |
8 |
|
4.0 |
2–5 |
8 |
|
4.0 |
6–9 |
12 |
|
4.0 |
8–10 |
14 |
|
4.0 |
9–12 |
16 |
|
4.0 |
12–15 |
18 |
|
4.8 |
4–7 |
10 |
|
4.8 |
6–9 |
12 |
|
4.8 |
8–11 |
14 |
|
4.8 |
9–12 |
16 |
|
4.8 |
12–14 |
18 |
|
4.8 |
14–16 |
20 |
|
4.8 |
19–22 |
25 |
Summary
- Material: Ensure the rivet material is compatible with the workpiece to avoid corrosion.
- Grip range: Measure the total thickness of the materials to find the correct length.
- Hole size: Adapt the rivet diameter to the hole for optimal fastening.
With the right material, length, and diameter, you ensure that your blind rivet functions optimally and that the fastening becomes durable and stable.