SPRING 2012

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 127
CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SELECTING BLIND RIVETS continued from page 74
Hole Preparation
The next consideration is the diameter and condition
of the hole in the application to be riveted. The diameter
of the hole must be within the manufacturers
specifications in order to achieve the best riveting
results. Hole diameter is critical for proper blind rivet
hole fill, clamping force and blind rivet body upset. The
hole to be riveted must be free of burrs. Burrs will cut
into the rivet body when setting the rivet and will weaken
the rivet body wall, which will reduce the tensile and
shear value of the set rivet.
Blind Rivet Length
Next is the correct rivet body length. The total
thickness of the components to be riveted will determine
the length of the blind rivet that should be used. Once
you have the maximum thickness of the blind rivet
application, look at the manufacturers catalog that will
give you the minimum and maximum work thickness
range of the blind rivet listed. Check the work thickness
of your application with the grip range shown in the
manufacturer's catalog and that will be the proper blind
rivet length for your application. Proper blind right length
is important to achieve mandrel head retention in the set
rivet.
Setting Tool
Be sure that your power or hand tool is in good
working order. Follow the manufacturers maintenance
procedures. A properly maintained power or hand-setting
tool will set any blind rivet that is the proper length for
the application, in one stroke. If a power tool does not
set the blind rivet in one stroke, the power tool is either
low on hydraulic oil, air pressure is too low or the pulling
jaws are worn and should be replaced. If the hand tool
does not set the proper length blind rivet in one stroke,
the tool is in need of new pulling jaws or the pulling jaws
need cleaning.