How to Blind rivet, how to use Break-stem rivets, Blind Multi grip, tri fold, Nail, & Open end, rivets work

Ultimate Rivets installation videos:          1. Fills oversized holes 2. No back-up washer  3. Easy to drill-out

 

 

 

 

Our latest technology XXL length Ultimate Rivets clamp and hold tight from paper thin up to 5/8" thick materials.

Thickness is critical with conventional and exploding rivets. Too thick and the nail will pop too soon. Too thin and the nail will stick out.  Ultimate Rivets completely fill the application hole and never pop too soon or stick out after set.

Click on my hand and I'll show you how to fill oversized holes the Ultimate way.

 

Click on my big blue rivet and watch how our ultimate rivets hold tight even after snapped off!

SAFE sets will keep you racing.

 

 

 

 

It's easy to use these Cordless tools. Click on my hands and watch our Cordless Rivet Gun in action. Got a tight spot to fill, not enough elbow room to really get in there? We use our "tight-fit" cordless tool. Click on picture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Extra, extra Long (XXL) length clams and holds tight from paper thin up to 5/8" thick materials of all types, including: Acrylic, plastic, and rubber.

Fasteners: How to use Aluminum blind break-stem rivets, Aluminum colored blind nail rivets, Aluminum Large head open end rivets, Aluminum painted blind break-stem 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".

Comparison chart :"Conventional", "Exploding" and "ULTIMATE" rivets.

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.


The material that follows will provide a useful planning guide, and comparison between "Conventional", "Exploding", and "ULTIMATE" rivets. Click on photos in left margin for video demonstrations.

 Compare application materials application thickness application Hole size Durable strength Safety concerns Easy to use Cost Back side clearance One size fits all Soft, rubber or plastic materials Technology
Conventional Fair choice Fair choice Fair choice Fair choice Fair choice Good choice $ Lowest Good choice Poor choice Fair choice Circa 1940
Exploding Fair choice Fair choice Fair  choice Fair choice Poor choice Good choice $$$$ Highest Good choice Fair choice Good choice Old school
Ultimate Best choice Best choice Best choice Best choice Best choice Best choice $$ moderate Best choice Best choice Best choice Latest Innovations

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.

Conventional rivets Fair choice: Limited fit and function range. These rivets require consistent application conditions and should be used in like application materials. i.e. aluminum rivets in aluminum sheet, steel rivets in steel sheet. Aluminum/steel rivets in assorted application materials.
Exploding rivets Fair choice: Limited ability to clamp and hold due to lower strength nail and only three point contact with blind side material. May not provide durability when used in applications where movement is present.
Ultimate rivets Best choice: Outstanding ability to work in many materials and application conditions. Very user friendly, durable clamp and holding in steel and aluminum sheet and won't crack soft or brittle materials.

Total Application thickness?, (how thick are materials being riveted?):
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.

Conventional rivets Fair choice: Rivets have limited working range ability, often as little as 1/8" variation or malfunction may occur. 
Exploding rivets Fair choice, somewhat limited working range variation (about 1/4").
Ultimate rivets BEST choice, outstanding ability to work from paper thin up to 5/8" with XXL length. Great option for parts consolidation as our XXL length can replace up to SIX conventional 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 is 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".

Conventional rivets Critical and often requires use of "back-up" washers which adds costs and annoying task of inserting the washer over the rivet's blind side.
Exploding rivets Fair choice: Rivet will partially fill somewhat oversized holes, however, only contacts three points leaving about 35% of the hole unfilled, open and not sealed
Ultimate rivets BEST choice, outstanding ability to completely fill oversized holes by forming expanded layers on the blind side and avoiding 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 structural aerospace applications and such use is not recommended.

Conventional rivets Fair choice consideration due to limited fit and function rage ability. These rivets can be reliable when rivet selection and applications are optimum and consistent for the rivet size and material selected. Less forgiving when exposed inconsistent conditions.
Exploding rivets Poor choice consideration due to limited hole fill, only three points leaving about 35% unfilled, and void of contact with rivet. Exploding rivets are NOT known for durability and often come loose.
Ultimate rivets BEST choice, outstanding ability to work in almost any material and 360 degree fill of application holes, providing optimum joint strength, and highly durable, mile after mile performance even on rough roads.

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.

Conventional rivets Fair choice: Due to potential of exposed nail above the finish side if oversized hole and/or if used in thin materials.
Exploding rivets POOR choice: Consider potential for both the front and back side This rivet's back side functions by leaving three split wings, exposing six sharp aluminum edges, which can cause finger cuts, rag snags, and collect mud on dirt tracks. In thin materials, the nail may stick out the finish side of the rivet
Ultimate rivets BEST choice: Smooth front side rivet head with no concern for nail sticking out. Smooth back side shape leaves a rounded, sealed, joint. 

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

Conventional rivets Good choice when application conditions are within rivet's limited range. Often requires back-up washer, which ads costs, time and labor. Can be difficult to drill out as nail presents drilling difficulty.
Exploding rivets Good choice when application conditions are within rivet's range. Can be difficult to drill out as nail presents drilling difficulty.
Ultimate rivets Best choice: Very easy to use, "you can't make this rivet fail!" Easy to drill out as drill never touches nail, only aluminum rivet head.

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

Conventional rivets $ Least expensive rivet. However, added cost for back-up washers
Exploding rivets $$$$ Highest cost rivet
Ultimate rivets $$ moderate cost, about 40% LESS than "exploding" rivets, plus save back up washer 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.

Conventional rivets Good choice: When used within it's limited grip range, however when used at or below it's minimum grip range it's blindside sticks up.
Exploding rivets Good choice: When used within it's limited grip range, however after set form sticks up higher than other rivets and requires considerably more blind side clearance than others
Ultimate rivets BEST choice: provides outstanding ability to clamp materials together while compressing itself against the blind side leaving a lower shape

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?

Conventional rivets Poor choice: These rivets have a limited working range, only 1/8"
Exploding rivets Fair choice: These rivets have a limited working range, only 1/4:
Ultimate rivets Best Choice: XXL length works from paper thin up to 5/8"

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.

Conventional rivets Fair choice: Limited ability to perform in adverse application conditions
Exploding rivets Fair choice: fair ability to clamp soft or thin materials, however may not pull together multiple layers and leaves about 30% unfilled, and void of contact with rivet. In thin materials, the nail may stick out the finish side of the rivet
Ultimate rivets BEST choice, outstanding ability to work in almost any material and 360 degree fill of application holes, which provides optimum joint strength without any nails sticking out the finish side or the rivet.

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.

Conventional rivets Critical design consideration due to limited Blindside footprint size
Exploding rivets Less critical, good ability to spreading blindside footprint, HOWEVER if the tube I.D. doesn't allow for the blindside spreading the result may be a weak joint with limited holding. In thin materials, the nail may stick out the finish side of the rivet
Ultimate rivets BEST choice, outstanding ability to work in almost any material and 360 degree fill of application holes, which provides optimum joint strength without any nails sticking out the finish side or the rivet.

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

Conventional rivets Fair choice: limited ability to perform in these materials. Hole size is critical and back-up washer may be needed
Exploding rivets Fair choice with ability to clamp soft materials by its spreading back side shape, however only three points contact leaving about 30% unfilled, and void of contact, which often loosen yielding poor joint strength. These rivets may not provide long lasting durability.
Ultimate rivets BEST choice, outstanding ability to work in almost any material without marring the surface of causing cracks in lexan, acrylic or plastic. These rivets will provide long lasting joint strength and durable results.

Technology: (Innovation time line)

Conventional rivets Circa 1940: Reliable, low cost fastener for many decades continues on
Exploding rivets Old School: popularity fading while costs remains HIGH
Ultimate rivets Newest technology provides "fail-proof" performance at costs savings prices with "one size fits all" feature.

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.

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.

 

Blind rivets: Aluminum blind rivets, Copper blind rivets, Large or Big head blind rivets, small head pop rivets, Steel blind Rivets, & Stainless steel blind rivets, Painted blind rivets, Colored Multi grip rivets. Blind rivet Tools.