Glossary

A blind rivet (or pop rivet) is a fastener used when only one side of the workpiece is accessible. It consists of a rivet body (shell) and a mandrel (stem). The rivet is inserted into a pre-drilled hole with the mandrel sticking out, and a rivet gun pulls the mandrel while holding the rivet body in place. This causes the blind end of the rivet body to expand and flare out, clamping the materials together. Once secured, the mandrel snaps off, leaving a finished head on one side and the deformed rivet body holding the materials from the other side.

Blind rivets are widely used in aerospace, automotive, construction, sheet metal, and electronics because they are quick to install, lightweight, and can be applied from one side only. However, they are generally not as strong as structural bolts or welds for heavy load-bearing applications.

A blind rivet gun is a tool used to install blind rivets, also known as pop rivets. Blind rivets are unique because they can be set from one side of the workpiece, which makes them especially useful in applications where the back side is inaccessible. The rivet gun works by gripping and pulling the rivet’s mandrel while holding the rivet body in place. As the mandrel is drawn back, it forces the rivet body to expand and flare out on the hidden side, clamping the materials together. Once the required force is reached, the mandrel snaps off at its designed break point, leaving behind a secure, permanent joint.

There are different types of blind rivet guns suited for different applications. Manual rivet guns are hand-operated and best for small jobs or lighter materials. Pneumatic rivet guns are powered by compressed air and are common in industrial or manufacturing settings where large numbers of rivets must be installed quickly. Cordless electric rivet guns are battery-powered, offering portability and reduced operator fatigue without the need for air hoses.

Blind rivet guns are widely used in sheet metal work, automotive repair, aerospace assembly, construction, and many DIY projects. They provide a strong, vibration-resistant fastening method and allow for fast, efficient installation. In short, a blind rivet gun is a specialized fastening tool that pulls the mandrel of a blind rivet to deform its body, securing materials together from just one accessible side.