• Home>
• RIVETS & Rivet Nuts>
• Blind Rivets>
• Open End (most common)>
• Countersunk Head, Steel Rivet / Steel Mandrel

Countersunk Head Blind Rivets, Steel Rivet / Steel Mandrel

Also known as:  

POP Rivets, Nail Rivets, Breakstem Fasteners, Blind Fasteners

Blind Rivets are so named because they are used in applications where only one side of a work surface is accessible. They consist of two parts—the rivet and the setting mandrel—and require a special tool (available at additional cost) for setting. The rivet does the actual fastening; the mandrel is discarded after installation.

• Head Styles: Dome style offer a low profile and neat appearance and are the most versatile. Large Flange style are similar to dome style but the head diameter is larger. Countersunk style are ideal when a flush surface installation is needed because they have a 120 degree angled head.
• End Styles: Most blind rivets are Open End, which means that the rivet body is completely hollow. Closed End Rivets, compared to open end rivets of the same size and material, offer superior shear and tensile strengths. Closed End Rivets feature a special solid end that seals tightly, resisting intrusion by either liquids or vapors.
• Special Materials: Stainless Steel offers corrosion resistance, and withstands exposure to certain chemicals and solvents. Copper rivets are non-magnetic and are ideal for marine applications because they are corrosion-resistant (mandrels are made of carbon steel).
• Shear & Tensile Strengths: Aluminum Rivets & Aluminum Mandrels have the lowest shear and tensile strengths. Aluminum Rivets & Steel Mandrels offer higher strength, and Steel Rivet & Steel Mandrel are even better. Stainless Steel Rivet & Stainless Steel Mandrels offer the highest shear and tensile strengths. Closed End Rivets, compared to open end rivets of the same size and material, provide greater shear and tensile strength.
• Installation: First, determine either the total thickness of the material being joined or the grip range needed. Then choose a rivet diameter that matches the rivet tool's nosepiece size. Once the rivet is inserted through the hole in the material being joined, grip the mandrel by the jaws of the rivet tool. Finally, pull the lever (or "trigger") of the tool to set the rivet. (The rivet is set by pulling the mandrel into the rivet, making it expand to form a strong, tight, reliable joint.) The mandrel will break off at a predetermined setting force.

Best results are achieved when the fastening material and the rivet material are matched. Blind rivet washers (backup washers) give extra support when fastening soft materials and in applications that require a larger diameter surface to prevent pull-out (please see separate listing for backup washers).