Blind Fasteners: A Transformative Joining Solution

Blind fasteners have revolutionized the way components are joined together, offering a practical solution for working with complex assemblies and hard-to-reach areas. This has made them a cornerstone in industries like aerospace and automotive, where fasteners often need to be installed from one side due to space constraints or structural design limitations. In this blog, we will discuss the basics of both blind rivets and bolts, exploring their different uses and the factors that influence their selection.

In situations where the rear side of a material is obstructed, hidden, or otherwise unreachable, blind fasteners are able to provide a secure and reliable joint with minimal effort. This unique capability proves indispensable for engineers and manufacturers who must overcome the challenges of enclosed structures or hard-to-reach areas. With their ability to accommodate difficult applications, blind fasteners are available in both rivet and bolt variations to meet different installation needs.

To start, a blind rivet is a tubular fastener that features a mandrel running through its body. For installation, a rivet gun is used to pull the mandrel through the body, deforming the rivet to create a strong, permanent joint. Known for their resilience under high levels of vibration and stress, blind rivets are a preferred choice in demanding industries. For instance, they are often used to secure an aircraft’s fuselage panels and other structural components, where their resilience is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the airframe.

In contrast, blind bolts are designed with a threaded shank that extends through the workpiece. During installation, the bolt is inserted into the material, and as it is tightened, the threaded shank expands or locks into place on the blind side. Their threading provides exceptional strength and durability, as well as makes them particularly well-suited for applications that may require disassembly or maintenance down the line. Furthermore, their ability to handle high load-bearing capacities makes blind bolts essential in the construction of aircraft, bridges, and other large structures.

Both blind rivets and bolts are prized in industries where traditional fasteners simply do not offer enough flexibility or reliability, contributing to the success of projects across countless sectors. However, a few key factors must be considered when selecting the right type of blind fastener for a particular application. One such consideration is the installation process needed for the job. In scenarios where time is a critical factor, such as in high-volume assembly lines, ease and speed of installation may be top priorities, and blind rivets are known to be installed quickly and efficiently. Conversely, blind bolts often require more time and effort to install. The process of tightening the bolt and ensuring proper engagement on the blind side is more involved, but it may be necessary when a stronger, more durable connection is desired.

In addition to the installation process, the material being joined is another significant factor in fastener selection. Different materials demand different types of fasteners to ensure a secure and lasting fit. For example, when working with lightweight materials, blind rivets made from aluminum are often the preferred choice to maintain a light profile. In contrast, applications involving heavy-duty materials like steel may require the superior strength of a durable metal blind bolt to handle the greater forces or weight loads at play.

Furthermore, the environment in which the fastener will operate is also essential to consider. Environments that are prone to moisture, chemicals, or corrosive substances may require fasteners made from stainless steel, aluminum, or other corrosion-resistant materials to uphold the longevity of the fastening assembly. High-temperature environments or areas subject to extreme vibration also influence the selection, as certain fasteners may be better suited to handle stress or thermal expansion over time.

One final aspect to consider is whether the application may require future disassembly or maintenance. Blind rivets create a permanent, tamper-resistant joint that is perfect for situations where the fastened components will ideally remain fixed for the life of the product. However, if regular maintenance or disassembly is anticipated, blind bolts are the better option due to their threaded design, where both removal and reinstallation are possible without compromising the integrity of the fastener.

If you are interested in procuring blind rivets or bolts for your operations, there is no better source than ASAP Jet Supplies. We encourage you to explore our vast range of offerings using our collection of catalogs, or you can narrow down the exact items you require with our search engine and filters. However you choose to find components of interest, our RFQ forms are linked across our website for the means of securing custom quotes for your consideration. With our team working around the clock, we always respond to quote requests within 15 minutes of receiving them, using offered details to curate quotes that accommodate the specifications of each customer. This being said, do not hesitate to get in touch with a representative to see how we can serve you!