What Is a Blind Fastener?

A Blind Fastener also called as rivet is a type of permanent mechanical fastener used to connect two or more materials, usually metal, plastic, or composite, by means of a pre-drilled hole. It typically consists of a cylindrical shaft with a head on one end, and is installed by deforming or expanding the opposite end so it holds the materials together tightly.

Unlike threaded fasteners like screws or bolts, blind fasteners do not rely on torque or threads to stay in place. Instead, they create a solid and lasting connection through compression and expansion, making them highly resistant to loosening due to vibration or movement.

Historically, riveting has been used in major structures like ships, bridges, and airplanes. Today, it's just as valuable—if not more—thanks to its integration in modern manufacturing, aerospace engineering, electronics, and automotive industries.

What Is Blind Fastening and How Is It Installed?

Blind Fastening, is a technique that allows you to fasten materials when you can only access one side of the assembly. This makes it uniquely suitable for use in enclosed spaces, hollow structures, or tight mechanical assemblies where the rear side isn’t reachable. Here’s how a blind rivet are installed:

• A rivet is placed into a pre-drilled hole that penetrates both pieces of material.
• A rivet is placed into a pre-drilled hole that penetrates both pieces of material.
• The tool grips the mandrel (the central pin of the rivet) and pulls it through the rivet body.
• This causes the body to expand and form a tight bulge on the blind side, effectively clamping the two materials together.
• When proper expansion is achieved, the mandrel snaps off, leaving behind a flush, sealed, and reliable joint.

This process is not only fast but also clean and repeatable—critical features for automated manufacturing environments.

Why Are Rivets Still So Widely Used Today?

Despite advances in welding, adhesives, and threaded fasteners, rivets remain irreplaceable in many situations due to the following key advantages:

Single-Side Access (Blind Installation)

You don’t need access to the back of the assembly, which significantly reduces design limitations and assembly time. This is especially beneficial for industries like automotive and aerospace.

Fast and Consistent Assembly

Blind rivets can be installed in just seconds, with no need for finishing or threading. This speed makes them ideal for automated production lines and high-volume manufacturing environments.

Strong, Durable Joints

Many blind rivets offer excellent shear and tensile strength, creating joints that can withstand dynamic stress, vibration, and pressure.

Material Compatibility

Rivets can be used to join dissimilar materials like plastic to metal or composites to aluminum, often without the corrosion or thermal stress issues seen in other fasteners.

Lightweight and Compact

They add minimal weight to a product while providing structural integrity, making them perfect for electronics, vehicles, and appliances.

Minimal Maintenance

Once installed, rivets form permanent, rattle-free joints that don’t require retightening or inspection like bolts might.

Real-World Applications of Blind Fastening

The versatility and reliability of blind fasteners mean they’re found in a wide range of sectors. Here’s how different industries use them:

When Should You Use Blind Rivets?

Here are some signs that a blind rivet is your best fastening solution:

• Backside access is restricted or impossible
• You’re working with thin, brittle, or layered materials
• Speed and consistency are important
• Vibration and stress resistance are required
• You're joining dissimilar materials (e.g., plastic to metal)

Engineers and designers often choose blind rivets early in product development because they simplify assembly without sacrificing performance.

Best Practices for Blind Riveting Success

• Choose the right rivet material – Match the rivet to the parent material for corrosion resistance.
• Consider grip range – Use multi-grip rivets when dealing with material thickness variations.
• Use proper tooling – Ensure compatibility between rivet size and tool strength.
• Test your joints – Always validate performance under load and environmental conditions.
• Train assembly teams & consider process monitoring – Even the best rivets can fail if installed incorrectly.