Blind Pop Rivet Instructions
Blind pop rivets are used to fasten together sheet materials such as metals and plastics. "Blind" refers to the rivet's ability to be installed in applications where its rear section is inaccessible. Pop rivet bodies are manufactured with a single head and a hollow core. A steel-setting mandrel is fed through the rivet's core. Pulling the mandrel with a rivet tool (or "gun") mushrooms the rivet body's rear section, forming a second rivet head and firmly locking the materials being secured together. At a pre-determined tension, the rivet head pops loose from the mandrel (thus the name "pop" rivet).
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Instructions
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Align the materials to be secured. Drill a hole the same diameter as the blind pop rivet through both pieces, using the appropriate bit.
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Slide a rivet body into the hole until its head contacts the top of material you are joining. Make sure the rivet fits snugly in the hole.
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Slide the rivet tool onto the mandrel. The mandrel fits into a corresponding-sized nosepiece that screws into the lower portion of the tool's head. Most rivet tools have four graduated nosepieces to accommodate different-sized rivet mandrels.
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Press the rivet tool's nosepiece tightly against the upper rivet head. Squeeze the tool's twin handles together. This forces the mandrel's rounded end into the rivet's rear section, forming a second rivet head by expanding (or "mushrooming") the rivet body. If necessary, squeeze the handles together several times until the head pops free of the mandrel.
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Test the rivet's bond by pressing on both sides of the rivet. Once installed, the rivet should fit snugly without any movement. Attempt to pull the materials apart. Do not pull too hard if you installed a soft metal rivet, or if you are securing soft metals or plastics. If any rivet is loose after installation, drill it out by drilling straight through its core. Remove the old rivet and install a new one.
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Tips & Warnings
Always use soft metal rivets on soft metals and plastics. Steel rivets can mar or break softer materials during installation.
Always make sure the drill bit you use is the same diameter as the rivet you plan to install. Rivets will not install properly in an oversize hole.
Always use steel rivets in applications where added strength is necessary, such as joining materials like stainless steel.
Always wear eye protection when working with power tools.
Never use a pop rivet as a substitute for a bolt in an application where a bolt is required. Pop rivets are hollow, and do not have a bolt's strength or ability to withstand heavy loads.
Never install a pop rivet with your face close to the rivet tool. When the head pops free of the mandrel, the tool kicks back, and can injure the operator.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit rivets pop en aluminium et leur reflet dans un mir image by jcm from Fotolia.com
