Open-Type Blind Rivet Selection Guide

Open end blind rivets are one of the most commonly used single-side fasteners in industrial assembly. Their core advantage is installation from only one side of the workpiece—making them ideal for applications where traditional rivets (which require access from both sides) cannot be used. Available in aluminum and steel body materials, dome head and countersunk head styles, and a full range of sizes, these rivets meet diverse connection needs across construction, automotive, marine, appliance, and furniture industries.

This guide covers everything you need to know about open end blind rivets—from structural principles and material selection to performance grades, standards, and application selection.

1. What Are Open End Blind Rivets?

Blind rivets (also known as pop rivets) are a class of single-side fastening fasteners consisting of two parts: the rivet body (shell) and the mandrel (stem) . Installation requires a dedicated tool—manual, electric, or pneumatic rivet gun. The rivet gun pulls the mandrel, causing the body to expand and deform on the blind side, forming a second rivet head that securely joins two or more workpieces.

"Open end" refers to the body being open at the blind end. The mandrel breaks off and remains inside the body after installation, with the blind end forming a rolled or expanded rivet head.

Key Advantages

• One-side installation: Only need access to one side of the workpiece—no need to flip or reach behind

• Efficient operation: Rivet guns enable rapid high-volume riveting

• Wide applicability: Ideal for enclosed structures, pipes, thin sheets, and other locations where traditional riveting cannot reach

• Easy removal: Can be drilled out or removed with specialized tools for maintenance

2. Head Styles: Dome Head vs. Countersunk Head

Open end blind rivets come in two primary head configurations:

Dome Head (Protruding Head / Universal Head)

Standards: GB/T 12618 (older version), GB/T 12618.1 (new version, Classes 10 & 11)

• Characteristics: Round, domed head that remains visibly raised above the surface

• Advantage: Provides higher strength and greater load capacity than countersunk heads

• Applications: General industrial use where surface flushness is not required. Dome head blind rivets are the most widely used style

Countersunk Head (Flat Head / Flush Head)

Standards: GB/T 12617 (older version), GB/T 12617.1 (new version, Classes 10 & 11), GB/T 12617.4(Class 51, stainless steel)

• Characteristics: Conical head that sits flush with the workpiece surface after installation

• Advantage: Smooth, flush surface with no protrusions—ideal for appearance-critical and aerodynamic applications

• Applications: Where surface smoothness is required—visible surfaces, streamlined products

• Countersink angle: Standard 90° ± 2°

3. Material Options: Aluminum vs. Steel

Aluminum Body + Steel Mandrel (Al/St)

Standards: ISO 15977 (dome head), ISO 15978 (countersunk head)

• Body material: Aluminum alloy (e.g., 5052, 5A02, 5A05)

• Mandrel material: Carbon steel (e.g., 10, 15, 35, 45 steel)

• Classes: 10, 11 (per GB/T 12618.1)

• Characteristics: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, moderate cost

• Applications: Most common combination—building facades, automotive interiors, appliance housings

Steel Body + Steel Mandrel (St/St)

Standards: ISO 15979 (dome head), ISO 15980 (countersunk head)

• Body material: Carbon steel

• Mandrel material: Carbon steel

• Characteristics: Higher strength, superior shear and tensile properties compared to aluminum body

• Applications: High-load structural connections

Stainless Steel Body + Stainless Steel Mandrel (A2/A2)

Standards: ISO 15983 (dome head), ISO 15984 (countersunk head)

• Body material: Austenitic stainless steel (e.g., 0Cr18Ni9, 1Cr18Ni9)

• Mandrel material: Stainless steel (e.g., 0Cr18Ni9, 2Cr13)

• Class: 51

• Characteristics: Excellent corrosion resistance for marine, chemical, and food processing environments

• Applications: Outdoor, high-corrosion environments—countersunk versions especially suited for appearance-critical applications

Copper Body + Steel/Bronze/Stainless Mandrel (Cu/St or Cu/Br or Cu/SSt)

Standards: ISO 16582 (dome head), ISO 16583 (countersunk head)

• Characteristics: Copper alloys offer excellent electrical conductivity and decorative appearance

• Applications: Electrical connections, decorative hardware, specialty applications

4. Performance Classes and Standards

Performance Classifications

Per GB/T standards, open end blind rivets are classified by performance classes:

Major Standards Summary

Data sourced from standard specifications

5. Common Sizes and Stock Availability

Nominal Diameter Range

Common body diameters: 2.4, 3.2, 4.0, 4.8, 5.0, 6.4mm — six size series. 4mm and 5mm are the most frequently used.

Length Range

Standard lengths from 6mm to 20mm, including: 6, 8, 9.5, 11, 12, 12.5, 13, 14.5, 15.5, 16, 18, 20mm. Extended lengths beyond standard: 22, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60mm also available.

Material Combinations and Finishes

• Aluminum body: Typically left in natural finish (uncoated)

• Steel mandrel: May be oiled, phosphated and oiled, or zinc plated

• Steel body: May be zinc plated/passivated or powder coated

Full-size range in stock: From M2.4 through M6.4, all lengths and material combinations are available off-the-shelf.

6. Industry Applications

Open end blind rivets are used across a wide range of industries:

7. Quick Selection Guide

Final Thoughts

Open end blind rivets—with their single-side installation advantage and wide range of materials, head styles, and sizes—are indispensable fasteners in modern industrial assembly. From lightweight aluminum body rivets to high-strength steel body rivets, from dome head to countersunk head, from indoor environments to marine-grade corrosion protection, correct specification is the key to ensuring joint integrity and product service life.

Three critical selection factors: Choose material by load requirement, choose head style by appearance requirement, choose length by total material thickness. Full-size range inventory available—ready to meet your production and maintenance needs.