POP^® Rivet Selection Factors

Selection Factors

This illustration provides a graphic representation of the POP^® blind rivet selection factors described below.

Rivet Terminology/Nomenclature

1. Hole Size

Hole size can be important in blind riveting. Too small a hole will, of course, make rivet insertion difficult. Too large a hole will reduce the shear and tensile strengths. It may also cause bulging or separation of the members by allowing the rivet to expand between them instead of only on the blind side. (Best practice is to follow the hole size recommendations provided).

Avoid burrs in and around the holes.

2. Grip Range

The recommended thickness range over which the body length will consistently provide a proper setting in a hole of the specified diameter.

3. Shear

The load applied to a fastener along the joint interface.

4. Tensile

The load applied to a fastener along its length.

5. Joint strength

First determine the single-joint tensile and shear values required for the application. These are functions of total joint strength, fastener spacing, rivet body material, and rivet diameter. Then refer to the "Shear" and "Tensile" in the Rivet Selection Guide on the product and select a POP^® brand rivet that provides the values required. POP^® brand rivets are not certified for structural aerospace applications and such use is not recommended.

6. Joint thickness

Measure the total thickness of the materials to be joined. This determines the required "grip" of the rivet you select. You must select a rivet with a grip range that includes the work thickness required. Remember that insufficient rivet length will not allow proper formation of the secondary head at the back of the work.

7. Nature of materials

Both the rivet and the materials to be fastened will affect the ultimate joint strength. As a rule, the rivet materials should have the same physical and mechanical properties as the materials to be fastened, because a marked dissimilarity may cause joint failure due either to material fatigue or galvanic corrosion.

8. Head Style

The low-profile domed head is appropriate for most applications. However, when soft or brittle materials are fastened to a rigid backing member, the large flange head should be considered because it offers twice the bearing surface. Where a flush surface is required, the countersunk head style should be selected.

This illustration provide a graphic representation of the rivet selection factors to be considered: