How To Size A Rivet?

Selecting the right blind rivet for your application requires understanding the rivet diameter, grip range, head style, flange size and corrosion resistance. We’ve already touched on head style and corrosion resistance, so let’s look at rivet diameter, grip range and flange size.

Rivet diameter: Blind rivets are available in diameters from 3/32″ to ¼” in 1/32″ increments. Diameter selection is based on space, strength, and material thickness. The larger the diameter, the higher the shear and tensile strength, which is due to the thickness and material of the rivet body.

Grip range: A rivet’s grip range is how wide the rivet’s body (the area shown as “B”, the body) will expand to when placed in the hole and then squeezed. The materials being joined must have a thickness that falls within a rivet’s grip range. Grip ranges increase in 1/16″ increments. A 1/2″ grip range is usually the maximum length attained by standard mandrels.