Blind Rivet vs Pop Rivet - What are the Differences

Rivets are a reliable and cost-effective method of securing materials such as plastic and metal in situations where access is not available to the back of the workpiece. Pop and blind rivets are the most popular choices when working with no access, but what are the differences between them? Which is better for your specific application? We will present you with a thorough explanation of blind rivet vs pop rivet.

Blind rivets are a type of fasteners that are installed from one side of the workpiece since they are designed for situations where the back of the piece cannot be reached or is confined – in essence blind installations. Their structure is that they are composed of two primary elements: a body that is used to rivet (or sleeves) and a mandrel (or the stem).

Installation is performed by using a specially designed rivet gun, which pulls an elongated mandrel through the body of a rivet changing its shape, and then securely anchoring the items in place. In the event of a proper force setting the mandrel splits at the predetermined point of break leaving behind a solid and durable joint.

Quick and Easy Installation

Blind rivets require little effort to set up quickly using either a pneumatic or hand rivet gun, enhancing effectiveness in manufacturing as well as repair work.

Single-Side Access Required

One of the biggest advantages is the fact that they can be used in a situation where only one side of the workpiece can be accessed which makes them ideal for restricted or tight spaces.

Permanent, Vibration-Resistant Connection

Once they’re installed they create an incredibly secure, tamper-proof joint that is resistant to mechanical stress and vibration.

Wide Range of Material Options

Available in steel, aluminum stainless steel, aluminum, and even plastic Blind rivets can be customized to meet the requirements of corrosion resistance and mechanical strength of a variety of applications.

Uniform Appearance

The sleek and polished surface creates a consistent and professional appearance.

Common Applications:

Aerospace Industry: Ideal for attaching lightweight aircraft panels where one of the sides could be difficult to reach.
Automotive Manufacturing: It is ideal for attaching parts of the body, interior components and other components during the process of car assembly.
Electrical Enclosures: Our enclosures allow for conductive and secure attachment to composite or metal encasements and secure fastening.
Furniture Assembly: Ideal to use for laminate or metal furniture where access to the backside is restricted or not desired.
Sheet Metal Structures: Sheet metal structures can be located inside HVAC systems, the ductwork, and other projects involving metal fabrication.

Part 2. What is a POP Rivet?

Pop rivets which are commonly referred to in the industry as blind rivets first commercially available to consumers and industrial markets through POP(r). Their brand name was trademarked and gave their brand name.

Because of their initial success and broad acceptance, “POP rivet” became synonymous with blind rivets as a whole like other brands have over time become common names (such like Velcro as well as Xerox).

Why Name “POP”?

The rivets got their name because of the distinct “popping” sound they make when their mandrel snaps loose when they are installed, signalling the secure and complete installation of each rivet. The distinctive sound signified that its location was correctly established.

POP Rivets Are Now on the Market

Today, the globalization of manufacturing has led to a variety of manufacturers of rivets providing blind rivets that have the style, performance and functionality of the traditional POP rivets. They can sell under different respective names or sold simply in the form of “POP rivets,” even when they aren’t from POP.

The most important aspects of contemporary POP rivets:

Similar in design and structure as blind rivets
It is used interchangeably with “blind rivet” in many industries
Made by various brands around the globe
Available in a variety of sizes and materials, as blind rivets.

Although the terms are frequently used interchangeably, many aren’t sure of the actual distinctions between them. Here’s an outline that will give you an idea of the difference:

Definition

Blind Rivet:

The technical term used to describe the kind of rivet that can be put in place from a different end of the piece. It describes the purpose and construction that the rivet has, and not the brand name or the manufacturer.

POP Rivet:

The name was initially developed in POP(r) the POP(r) firm (now an element of Stanley Engineered Fastening). In the course of time, as a result of its popularity and popularity, the term “POP rivet” became a generic term for blind rivets as a whole even though they’re not manufactured under POP(r) or the POP(r) name.

Function

Blind Rivet:

designed for installation on a single side blind rivets provide an extremely durable and long-lasting fixing solution for situations in which it is difficult to access the back is not possible or even impossible.

POP Rivet:

Functionally similar in function and functionality to blind rivets in function. POP rivets are a kind of blind rivets and accomplish the same function: making an unbreakable connection by using an sleeve and mandrel.

Use Cases

Blind Rivet:

Most commonly employed in manufacturing and industrial environments such as aerospace, automotive electrical enclosures sheet metal fabrication and for heavy-duty repair of machinery.

POP Rivet:

Additionally, it is employed in industrial applications, however the term is more used for DIY, home repair and for consumer use due to the wide-reaching acceptance that is associated with the POP(r) brand.

Available Brands

Blind Rivet:

Made by a variety of manufacturers around the world. They include the most well-known brands in the manufacturing of fasteners, including POP.

POP Rivet:

The original and current manufacturer is POP(r) however, today the term can be used to refer to similar rivets made by different brands. Numerous suppliers offer POP-style rivets regardless of manufacturer.

Are They Different Products?

Blind Rivet:

No blind rivets, POP rivets or POP rivets do not differ in their structure or fundamentals. “Blind rivet” is just the more formal and broad term.

POP Rivet:

No POP rivets are just the variant that is blind rivets. In real-world use, they’re the same thing, but with different names.

Summary:

Comparison Aspect	Blind Rivet	POP Rivet
Definition	Technical term that refers to a particular class of rivets	Brand name is now a generic
Function	Single-side installation, permanent fix	Similar to blind rivets.
Applications	Repair, manufacturing, industrial	DIY, industrial, and household use
Brands	Many international brands	POP and other similar brands from third parties
Different Types?	Functionally and structurally the identical	It’s just a distinction in naming

Blind rivets (also called Pop rivets) are not just handy fasteners and could actually be the best option for specific situations when other methods such as welding, screws, and bolts might fail.

Below are the most frequently occurring and most ideal scenarios in which blind rivets are required.

When You Can Only Access One Side of the Workpiece

Blind rivets are specifically made for installation on a single side they are ideal in situations where the backside of the building is unaccessible when assembling. This can be the situation in:

Hollow tubes or hollow sections
Frames or enclosures that are mounted on walls
Body panels for aircraft or automobiles

Because they don’t need an access from the rear of their vehicle, they dramatically simplify installation in restricted or closed areas.

When Joining Thin Sheets or Metal Plates That Can’t Be Welded

Welding isn’t always efficient or secure, particularly when dealing with delicate or heat-sensitive substances (like plastic and aluminum). Blind rivets provide an alternative that is low-heat and low-distortion that ensures structural integrity.

Common materials include:

Aluminum panels made of aluminum
Steel sheets
Composites and plastics

They are also great for situations where a neat finish is required without the visible blemishes that screws or welding could cause.

The choice of the correct blind rivet (or Pop rivet) is essential to ensure an effective, long-lasting and long-lasting connection. Here are the main aspects to take into consideration in making your decision:

1. Material Compatibility

The material used for the rivet should be matched to the requirements of your project:

Aluminium Rivets Aluminum RivetsLightweight and resistant to corrosion, they are ideal for use in light-duty tasks such as enclosures, electronics and even indoor usage. Ideal for situations where weight reduction is the primary goal.

Stainless Steel Rivets: Highly durable and resistant to corrosion and rust. They are ideal for use in marine, outdoor environments, and any other place with the presence of chemicals or high levels of moisture.
Steel Rivets: They are a cost-effective option that is strong, but are susceptible to rusting in the absence of coating or use in indoor dry conditions. They are suitable for temporary structures and project that requires a lot of money.

2. Rivet Size and Grip Range

Selecting the right size and diameter is vital to ensure structural integrity

Check that the diameter of the rivet corresponds to the size of the hole you have predrilled. Make sure it is tight enough to hold the object but not so tight as to cause deformation.
The size of the bolt should usually be a little longer than the thickness of the two materials being joined (this is known as”grip range” or “grip range”).
Rivets that are too small might not be able for securing the joint. They are too long and they might not secure the joint.

3. Tool Compatibility

Different tools work best for different amounts and work environments:

Manual Rivet Guns: Manual Rivet Guns:Ideal for DIY projects and smaller-scale tasks such as fixes or furniture assembly. Simple and economical.
Electric or Pneumatic Rivet Guns: These tools are highly recommended for industrial tasks on production lines as they can reduce fatigue for operators and increase the efficiency of large-scale manufacturing processes.
Quick Tips: When selecting rivets be sure to select one with the appropriate materials, sizes and tools that maximize the effectiveness of installation while also strengthening the connection’s strength.

Blind rivets can offer a variety of advantages, such as single-side installation fast assembly and durable permanent fastening, but they may not be the ideal choice based on your specific requirements.

1. Self-Tapping Screws

They are threaded fasteners which can break their own threads in to materials such as plastic, metal or wood.

Ideal for: Projects that could require future modification or disassembly
Benefits: Reusable, easy to install using the standard tools
Limitations: It is possible to loosen with time due to vibrations and tamper resistance is less than rivets.

Welding

A method for permanently joining materials by using high temperatures, welding is a method of permanent joining that joins materials permanently.

Best for: Heavy-duty structure like frame, chassis, or pressure vessels.
Benefits: Provides an extremely reliable and seamless connection.
limitations: Requiring specialized equipment and expertise, this method may not be suitable to all types of materials (i.e. metallics, plastics or thin materials).

Snap-Fit or Clip Fastener Systems

These mechanical fastening systems can be typically used in furniture, consumer electronics and interiors of vehicles.

Best for:Applications requiring quick assembly and disassembly.
Benefits: No tools needed and it is reusable and clean.
Limitations: Unsuitable for construction load bearing parts

Wrap Up

“Pop rivet” and “blind rivet” are thought as two distinct items, yet they have an identical structure and function. When selecting the best rivet the most important thing is to think about the type of material size, application and the type of material rather more than the name.

If you require bulk blind rivets or professional advice for selecting the best kind, our expert team of fasteners in KENENG is available to help.