What Is the Difference between Solid and Blind Rivets?

A wide range of aircraft and industrial assemblies rely on rivets for durable connections that support structural integrity under stress. Although all rivets serve the core function of fastening components, variations in installation techniques and structural properties can significantly impact suitability for specific use cases. This blog will explore key attributes of solid and blind rivets, comparing their design and performance to help you evaluate which type is most suitable for your project.

An Overview of Solid Rivets

Solid rivets, which are typically made from a single metal shaft with a pre-formed head, represent one of the oldest and most reliable fastening methods. To create a secure joint, the rivet is inserted through assembled materials, and the opposite end is then deformed using a rivet gun or hammer. This process yields a durable connection that is widely utilized in aerospace, automotive, and heavy industrial settings due to its notable strength and consistent performance.

Strengths of Solid Rivets

Solid rivets are routinely selected for structural applications that require high shear strength and long-term durability. Their simple construction and lack of moving components help minimize the likelihood of mechanical failure in various high-vibration settings like turbine assemblies. These components are also widely used in aircraft fuselage construction, where their strong fatigue resistance has made them a consistently trusted fastening solution among engineers.

Challenges Associated with Solid Rivets

Despite their strength, solid rivets often pose installation challenges that can restrict their use in certain applications. For example, the need for access to both sides of the material limits their practicality in a wide variety of closed structures or tight assemblies. More than that, installing solid rivets generally requires substantial manual effort, along with specialized tools and trained personnel to ensure that proper tail formation and structural integrity are achieved.

Understanding Blind Rivets

Also called pop rivets, blind rivets are designed for situations where only one side of the workpiece is accessible, making them well-suited for more enclosed or hard-to-reach areas. A blind rivet consists of a hollow sleeve and a mandrel that, when pulled, causes the sleeve to expand and grip the surrounding material. Once the rivet is set, the mandrel either breaks off or remains in place, depending on the engineering characteristics and intended performance attributes of the rivet.

Where Blind Rivets Excel

Blind rivets are widely used in a broad range of high-throughput production environments where simplified fastening techniques can offer efficiency gains. These fasteners are also available in a range of materials and sizes to suit various substrate requirements, enabling their integration into assemblies involving metals, plastics, or composite structures. Additionally, their ability to be installed without requiring rear access has made them a common choice for applications like airframe interiors, enclosures, and other primarily non-load-bearing components.

The Limitations of Blind Rivets

While blind rivets are convenient, they typically do not match the strength and reliability of solid rivets in demanding structural settings or high-stress applications. Their holding power is also significantly influenced by proper hole sizing and alignment, where the internal mandrel may introduce vulnerabilities in terms of corrosion resistance or long-term durability if not adequately sealed. As a result, these components are often reserved for applications where extreme strength requirements are not the primary concern.

Secure Competitive Purchasing Solutions on Rivets You Need

Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, The Fastener Mart is a trusted website where customers can access a vast selection of rivets sourced from our network of reputable manufacturers and suppliers. Whether you require new, used, obsolete, or hard-to-find components, you can rest assured that our staff will always strive to provide high-caliber items with affordable market prices, all while aiming to address any time constraints that you may have. If you have any specific questions concerning our collection of rivets, do not hesitate to connect with us via phone or email today, as our experts would be more than happy to help you.