Compare Rivet features:  break-stem rivets, Aluminum colored blind rivets, Aluminum Large head open end rivets, Aluminum painted blind rivets with steel nail. Multi Grip colored blind rivets, Multi-grip painted blind rivets, Multi-Grip Big head colored rivets. Multi grip dome head aluminum rivets. Cordless Rivet Tools provide easy method and typically sell for 50% less when compared to other brands. Watch our "how to" video for Rivet Mates, two-piece compression rivets for material thickness up to 2".

For rivet descriptions, their respective design intent, Pros and Cons, and their unique features. Comparison chart :"Conventional", "Exploding", "Expanding Peel" and "ULTIMATE" rivets.

   Exploding, expanding peel rivet page link.

Application materials?, (what is being riveted together):
Both the rivet and the materials to be fastened will affect the ultimate joint strength. As a general rule, the rivet materials should have similar physical and mechanical properties as the materials to be fastened.

Total Application thickness?, How thick are materials being riveted?  Ability to pull and clamp multiple application layers together:
Measure the total thickness of the materials to be joined. This determines the required "grip"of the rivet you select. Refer to the conventional blind rivet "Grip Range" chart, and select a rivet with a grip range that includes the work thickness required. Our Ultimate Rivets save you time and money because one rivet can replace up to SIX conventional rivet sizes.

Hole size? (what drill & corresponding rivet diameter being used):
Hole size can be very important when using conventional blind riveting. Too small a hole will, of course, make rivet insertion difficult. Too large a hole may reduce joint strength and/or will require using a "back-up" washer on the blind side. Oversized holes also may cause the nail head to pull into the hole, which can cause "high nail breaks". It is a critical practice to follow the hole size recommendations provided. Also, avoid burrs in and around the holes. Our Ultimate Rivets eliminate these concerns as their performance fills oversized holes and never expose "high nail breaks".

Durable strength?, (how strong and durable will rivets be):
First determine the single-joint tensile and shear values required for the application. These are functions of total joint strength, fastener spacing, rivet material and diameter. Then refer to the "Shear" and "Tensile" columns on the product, (catalog) and select a blind rivet that provides the values required. The shear and tensile values listed in our catalog, and/or web site represent typical results. Actual application results may vary due to each applications conditions. aDP rivets are not certified for aerospace applications and such use is not recommended unless verification process is achieved.

SAFETY concerns?, both finish and exposed blindside: Safety is a major concern, especially when both the front and back side of the rivet are exposed. The finish side (front) should be smooth with only the smooth rivet head exposed. The back side, when exposed, is preferred to have a rounded, sealed upset rivet footprint.

Ease of use?, User friendly rivet?: How easy it is to use and/or replace rivets.

Cost?: How much money will it cost you, and consider your total cost.

Blind Side Clearance, to allow both insertion and back-side formation: This is the distance from the underside of the rivet head to the end of the mandrel before setting minus the total thickness of the materials being fastened. Design must permit enough blind side clearance to allow complete insertion before set, and enough room for the after set swell.

Tool Compatibility, and Clearance: With few exceptions, most Tools and rivets are designed to industrial fastener standards and universally compatible. However, depending on the country of origin, standards may not be worldwide. Both our rivets and tools are designed to U.S. standard specifications. Clearance: Avoid obstructions that will prevent the tool from setting flush on the work, and/or the rivet be fully inserted into the tool. If this problem can't be avoided, try reversing the rivet and setting it from the opposite side. 

One size fits all option: Why buy and/or inventory more than one rivet if it can do it all?

Edge Clearance, (where to drill holes): For better joint strength, position the rivet centerline to the edge of a sheet should not be less than twice the rivet diameter. I.E. for a 3/16" diameter rivet, x 2 =3/8" minimum distance from edge of sheet to center of drilled hole. Where joint strength is not critical, this dimension can be reduced, however it is preferred the head of the rivet be no less than 1/32" from the edge of the sheet being riveted.

Adverse application conditions (Thick and/or Thin, or soft and/or firm): Hint, wherever possible, the blindside material should be the thicker, and or firmer material. If this isn't possible, you may need a blindside back-up washer for desirable results.

Tubing: This common application is found in many applications where ever flat or contoured sheets are fastened to tube frame construction. This is a classic blind application as in most cases, the rivet is inserted thru  the sheet and into a hole in the tube, which is a sealed. For best results, use rivets which provide the maximum blind side footprint to achieve optimum joint strength and rigidity.

Plastic, Rubber and Brittle, acrylic Materials: (will rivets crack or deform?)

Technology: (Innovation time line)

How rivets work: The material to be fastened together has a hole drilled (see recommended holes sizes in our downloadable catalog) through all the materials. With conventional rivets is strongly suggested the back-side or blind side material has the recommended hole size. The rivet is either fully inserted into the hole, OR fully inserted into the nosepiece of the rivet tool, and then fully inserted into the application hole. In either case, it is important the rivet is fully inserted into the application hole and the rivet tool is fully against the head of the rivet BEFORE activation the rivet tool's setting trigger. The rivet is "set" by the tools "jaws" gripping into the "nail" and pulling it into the tool, thus causing the "nail" head to bulge the rivet body blindside and clasp the materials together. The "nail" then breaks at a predetermined location once the strength required to "set" the rivet are reached. The tool with the broken or spent nail is now free from the "set" rivet and the nail is discarded.

How to use blind rivets with our Cordless Rivet Tools (click here, or on cordless tool photo). A blind rivet is a two piece assembly containing a "rivet body" and the setting "nail" (also referred to as "mandrel"). High speed wire forming machines, (headers), form solid wire into both the "rivet body" and/or "nail". Click to watch aDP Rivet factory video.

• Wikipedia definition (colloquially: blind rivet)
• See how Blind, popped Rivets are manufactured
• Blind Rivets - Head Styles - Dome, small head, Countersink or Large Head
• How Blind Rivets Work using rivet guns and our Cordless Rivet Tools
• How To Remove Blind, popped Rivets -(Video Instruction)
• Video demonstration of The ULTIMATE Rivet excellent clamp and hole filling capabilities with no need for back-up washer!

The success of any fastener depends on how well it's applied, and all brands of blind rivets, which are made to the IFI-114 guidelines are included. Blind Rivets are multi-piece rivet assemblies, capable of being installed from one side of the work piece. They are referred to as, "blind rivets" because you don't have to see or have access to the back side of the application. Blind rivet application opportunities are countless as they offer lower cost per unit, and lower labor and installation costs. Blind rivets are easy to use and eliminate many ergonomic and technical concerns other fasteners present. Once a blind rivet is "set", it won't torque loose as many threaded fasteners do.