Blind rivets offer a convenient fastening solution for aerospace parts. Like all rivets, they are designed to permanently secure multiple objects together. They are mechanical fasteners that, when installed, hold objects together. Blind rivets, however, only require access to one side of the objects.
You can install blind rivets even if you don’t have access to the back or “blind” side of the objects. While there are different types of blind rivets, you can install them by only accessing the front of the objects. Below is a breakdown of the different parts of a blind rivet and how they work.
The Body
Blind rivets have a body. Also known as the shank, it’s the short and wide cylindrical part. During installation, the body is inserted into a predrilled hole. A specialized tool or compression gun is then used to expand the body, thereby forming a lasting joint.
The Mandrel
In addition to a body, blind rivets have a mandrel. The mandrel is the longer and narrower part of a blind rivet. As shown in the photo above, blind rivets consist of two main parts: a long and narrow shank-like part, followed by a slightly wider and shorter part. The mandrel is the former. During installation, the mandrel is inserted into the tool or compression gun, whereas the body is inserted into a hole drilled into the objects.
The Head
All blind rivets have a head. The head is the visible portion of a blind rivet that rests against the surface of the objects after installation. On an unused blind rivet, the head is located between the body and mandrel.
Blind rivets are available in different head styles. Some of them have a dome-shaped head that protrudes slightly out of the objects. Other blind rivets have a countersunk head that sits flush with the surface of the objects. Regardless, the head is the part of a blind rivet that’s exposed and visible after installation.
How These Parts Work
Blind rivets are permanent mechanical fasteners. They feature several key parts, including a body, mandrel and head. The body is arguably the most important part of a blind rivet, as it’s responsible for creating a strong joint. The mandrel’s job is to provide a point of breakage so that it can snap off and separate from the body during installation. Finally, the head is designed to expand slightly so that it covers the predrilled hole and provides a finished surface area.
