The Rivet Gallery Blog Guide to selecting the right blind rivet.

Strength:It is important to determine the shear and tensile strengths required for your application and then select the rivet to best meet that requirement. Style, Material, Diameter and Grip Range can be a factor in the ability of a rivet to hold the material properly.Rivet Material:You must select a rivet that is made of a similar or compatible metal to the material you are joining. Other things to consider is the environment in which the finished product will be placed, the level of moisture, high temperatures or corrosive atmosphere.Hole Size:Rivets are available in numerous different diameters including: 3/31", 1/8", 5/32", 3/16", 1/4". Iti s very important that the hole size is correct in order to assure that the rivets perform properly. Too big of a hole and the rivet will slip right through.Work Thickness:Always measure the total thickness of the material to be fastened in order to deterime the required grip range required of the rivet. Make sure to select a sufficient grip range to allow the secondary head of the rivet to properly form on the back side of the material so it wont pull out.Rivet Style:Blind rivets are available in several styles. Blind rivets can be used as an alternative to spot welding. The open-end blind rivet produces a neat, low profile finished assembly and look. The large flange open-end blind rivet would be recommended where soft materials are fastened to a hard backing material. Closed-end rivets should be used where a watertight seal is required. Closed-end rivets prevent the passage of fluid around or through the rivet when set. In addition, closed-end rivets offer the benefit of greater shear and tensile strengths as well as better mandrel protection.Part 2 coming soon.