AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 0056B ACCREDITED

What are Blind Rivets and POP Rivets?

Rivets are a commonly used fastener type within the realm of aircraft design and construction, allowing for various parts and structures to be securely attached together with a permanent connection that can withstand rigorous environmental conditions. While standard solid rivets are commonplace on aircraft and serve numerous applications, they are not the only type that is used for aviation construction. Blind rivets, also trademarked as POP rivets, are types of rivets that are widely used for the construction of aircraft, serving for the assembly of their skin sections, HVAC systems, overhead doors, and more. Blind or POP rivets are generally chosen for their special design that allows them to be installed from a single side of an assembly, making it easier for workers to secure objects in areas where access to both sides is impossible or not feasible.

To install traditional solid rivets, one generally needs access to both sides of the assembly so that they can use a rivet hammer on one side while a buckling bar is utilized on the other. While this process typically results in highly reliable joints that meet airworthiness and performance standards, such an installation method is not possible when there is only access to a single side of the assembly. Blind rivets feature an internal mandrel within their shaft, and after the fastener is passed through the holes of materials, a riveter is used to draw the mandrel while the rivet is held. This results in the mandrel deforming the sides of the rivet as it is pulled back, eventually snapping the mandrel to create a second head on the opposite side of the assembly. Despite following a different process, blind rivet installations are still very reliable for aircraft applications.

While POP rivets are often discussed as a separate component, they are actually just another name for blind rivets. POP rivets were first developed in 1934 by George Tucker Eyelet Company due to a demand for an aviation blind rivet, and they gained their name from the popping sound that they make as the mandrel is pulled and snapped. As the trademark name “POP rivet” has become so recognizable and widely used, it has now colloquially surpassed its role as a brand name and now serves as a part type description for the category of blind fasteners. Nevertheless, legitimate POP rivets are specifically those made by Stanley Engineered Fastening, while other types would simply just be blind rivets.

When shopping for blind rivets, it is important to know that they are generally categorized based on the rivet and mandrel material. For instance, if a particular aluminum rivet contained a mandrel that was made from steel, it would most likely be called an “aluminum/steel” blind rivet. While various grades of aluminum are common for fasteners to match the material of metal sheet sections and structures, one may also take advantage of those made from stainless steel, steel, and nickel-copper alloy. Whether you are planning to use blind rivets for attaching a sign to a wall or are securing fuselage skin sections, it is important that you choose the right type of blind rivet and fastener materials to ensure compatibility and reliability.

Procurement Domain is a premier purchasing platform owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, and our expansive inventory is replete with high-quality fasteners and aircraft components that you can depend on with ease. Whether you require a POP rivet, blind rivet, or basic solid rivets, we can support you with competitive pricing and rapid lead-times for your benefit. As you explore our current set of offerings, please take advantage of our RFQ services for the means of requesting quotes for your comparisons, and our team of industry experts will reach out to you with a customized solution within 15 minutes of receiving a completed form. If you have any questions or concerns regarding our offerings or capabilities, give us a call or email at your earliest convenience, and we would be more than happy to assist you however we can.


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