Chloe Zhang
Plastic blind rivets are ideal for use with soft or brittle materials such as plastic, rubber, urethane, wood, or insulation. They can be installed using conventional rivet tools, such as a rivet gun or hammer, and are designed to be installed from one side of the material. When installing plastic blind rivets, it is important to match the diameter of the rivet to the hole size to ensure a secure bond and avoid cracking the plastic. The rivet head style will determine the joint's final look, with dome heads being the most common for general applications. For a clean finish, the grip range of the rivet should match the combined thickness of the materials being joined.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rivet type | Pop rivets, peeled rivets, grooved rivets, multi-grip rivets, soft-set rivets, dome head rivets, bulbing rivets, T rivets, peel rivets, solid rivets, core-piercing rivets |
| Rivet material | Steel, stainless steel, nickel, nickel-copper alloy, copper, aluminum, plastic |
| Hole size | Exact hole size is required, with the rivet diameter matching the hole diameter for a secure bond |
| Grip range | Should match the combined thickness of the joined materials; if too long, the rivet will be too long and won't provide a clean finish; if too short, it won't create a lasting joint |
| Head type | Dome, flat, countersunk, large bearing head, large flange |
| Tool required | Pop rivet tool, rivet gun, hammer |
| Use case | Joining plastic-to-plastic, metal-to-metal, or softer materials like rubber or urethane; construction, manufacturing, repair, assembly lines, aircraft, automobiles, consumer electronics |
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Choosing the right rivet type
When choosing the right rivet type, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the type of material you are working with is important. Blind rivets are commonly used for joining hard and soft materials, such as steel, aluminium, plastic, rubber, leather, and wood. It is generally recommended to use a rivet made from the same material as the substrate, such as using a steel rivet for steel surfaces or an aluminium rivet for aluminium surfaces. This helps to prevent galvanic corrosion, which can occur when dissimilar metals are used together.
The size of the rivet is another crucial factor. The rivet should fit snugly into the pre-drilled hole, with the rivet diameter matching the hole size. If the rivet is too small, the joint may loosen, and if it is too large, it may be difficult to insert properly. The grip range, or the thickness of the materials being joined, also needs to be considered when selecting the length of the rivet.
The shape and size of the rivet head are also important considerations. The head should be sufficiently wide to prevent pull-through, with smaller heads typically used for harder materials and larger heads for softer materials. Domed rivet heads provide a good grip, while countersunk heads lie flush with the material but may require a wider head to prevent pull-through. For joining soft materials with hard materials, XL blind rivets with extra-large heads provide a larger surface area and extra resistance.
The type of blind rivet is another factor to consider. Standard blind rivets are versatile and suitable for everyday projects. Soft-set blind rivets, made from softer materials like aluminium, are suitable for more brittle materials. Trifurcating blind rivets have slots that form "legs" during installation, providing clamping force and preventing pull-through in ductile materials like plastics. Peel rivets, similar to trifurcating rivets, have mandrels with knife points that split the rivet body into sections, creating a strong bind. Grooved rivets are also suitable for soft materials as they have rings that expand and bite into the material.
Finally, other considerations include the installation tooling, accessibility, stress factors, and exposure to weather or corrosive environments. Blind rivets can be installed with manual riveters, battery-powered riveting tools, or pneumatic riveters, so the choice of installation tool may influence the type of rivet selected.
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Picking the right tool
When installing plastic blind rivets, it is important to select the right tool for the job. The primary consideration is accessibility. Some tools offer greater flexibility in tight spaces than others, so it is important to choose a tool that can easily reach the rivet location.
The pull stroke of the tool is another important factor. This refers to the distance the tool must pull the mandrel to set the rivet. Different applications require different degrees of force, so the traction power of the tool should be considered. Traction power is typically measured in pounds or newtons (N). For example, one pound is equal to 4.45N. Pneumatic or hydraulic tools may not require as much power, but it is still important to select a lightweight and easy-to-use option to avoid installer fatigue.
If you are using a portable blind rivet tool, consider the tool's weight and battery voltage, which will determine the pull strength, recharge time, and ease of use. For small tasks or repair work, a manual rivet tool with a long handle can provide additional leverage to set the rivet.
The type of rivet you are using will also influence your tool selection. Pop rivets, for example, require a specific pop rivet gun or tool to set the rivet correctly without crushing the material. Peeled pop rivets, grooved pop rivets, multi-grip pop rivets, soft-set pop rivets, and dome head pop rivets are some of the varieties available for different applications.
Finally, consider the nose pieces and set pressures required for your specific installation. Different pop rivets and installations necessitate distinct nose pieces and set pressures.
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Hole sizing
The first step is to ensure that the hole diameter matches the rivet size for a close fit. If the hole is too wide, the rivet will not grip securely, and if it is too narrow, the rivet may crack the plastic during installation. Therefore, achieving the exact hole size is crucial.
The hole should have minimal play when the rivet is set, allowing the shaft of the rivet to press securely against the sides of the hole. This secure fit creates a strong joint and prevents the rivet from pulling out.
The grip range of the rivet, which refers to the length of the rivet that grips the material, should be considered when sizing the hole. The grip range should match the combined thickness of the materials being joined. If the grip range is too long, the rivet will be too long, resulting in an untidy finish. Conversely, if the grip range is too short, the joint may not be durable.
Additionally, the type of rivet head should be considered when sizing the hole. The head must be large enough to prevent pull-out and provide adequate support, especially when working with thin, soft, or brittle materials like plastic. Dome heads, flat heads, and countersunk heads are common options, each providing a different finish and level of support.
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Grip range
To determine the appropriate grip range, start by measuring the combined thickness of the materials you plan to join. This measurement will dictate the required grip range of the blind rivet. Rivets come in various lengths, each designed for a specific grip range. The longer the required grip range, the thicker the rivet material needs to be.
When selecting a plastic blind rivet, it's essential to choose a softer material than the plastic you are joining. This ensures that the rivet can securely fasten the materials without damaging them. Additionally, consider the load-bearing area on the blind side of the rivet; it should be large enough to prevent the rivet from pulling out.
The type of rivet head also plays a role in the grip range. For instance, a dome head is suitable for general applications, while a countersunk or flush head provides a neat finish for low-clearance applications. For larger holes or when joining thin, soft, or brittle materials, a large bearing head or large flange rivet is recommended. This type of head offers added support and a more substantial bearing area.
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Head type
When installing plastic blind rivets, it is important to consider the head type to ensure optimal performance and the desired finish. The rivet head should be large enough to prevent pull-out and provide a strong joint. Here are some common head types to consider:
- Dome Head: Dome head rivets have a rounded, dome-like shape on the exposed side of the joint. They are commonly used for general applications and are ideal for connecting materials of different thicknesses. Dome head rivets provide a larger bearing surface, making them suitable for distributing compression forces over a larger area.
- Flat Head: Flat head rivets have a flat top surface that sits flush with the surface of the material. They are often used when a smooth, level surface is desired without any protruding parts.
- Countersunk Head: Countersunk rivets have a conical or angled head that sits flush with the surface of the material. They are designed to be countersunk into the material, creating a smooth, recessed finish. Countersunk rivets are commonly used in low-clearance applications or where a flush surface is required.
- Large Flange Head: Large flange rivets have a larger diameter head that provides added support and distributes stress loads. They are commonly used with softer materials, such as plastics, composites, or fiberglass, to provide extra bearing area and prevent pull-out.
It is important to note that the head type of a plastic blind rivet not only affects the aesthetics of the joint but also its functionality. The head type should be chosen based on the specific requirements of the application, the thickness of the materials being joined, and the desired finish.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a rivet gun or a hammer to install plastic blind rivets. You will also need a tool that will securely set the rivet without crushing the material.
Grooved blind rivets are best for plastic as they are designed for softer or brittle materials. Choose a rivet diameter that provides a firm fit. The rivet head's style will determine the joint's final look.
First, install the rivet into the nozzle and insert it into the pre-drilled hole. Then, start the tool, pull the rivet to expand and open, and fill the workpiece hole. When the load reaches the predetermined value, the rivet will break flat at the head and the rivet rod will be locked in place.
If you don't have a rivet gun, you can use a hammer. During riveting, the hammer strikes the rivet head to expose the core, making it flush with the end face of the rivet head.
To remove a plastic blind rivet, use a hammer to disassemble the rivet from the riveted workpiece.
