What are Closed End Rivets?
Closed end rivets are sealed blind rivets. The body is closed at the tail, so when the mandrel is pulled the body expands and the closed end helps block liquids, air, and debris from passing through the set rivet. Many designs keep the mandrel head inside the rivet to add strength and reduce rattle in equipment and enclosures.
How do Closed End Rivets work?
Drill a correctly sized hole, insert the rivet, and pull the mandrel with a rivet tool. The mandrel flares the body behind the joint to clamp the stack; it then snaps at a designed point, leaving a one-side installation that resists vibration and helps seal the passage through the rivet.
Closed End vs Open End Rivets, what’s the difference?
- Sealing: Closed end helps block liquids and air through the rivet body; open end does not.
- Mandrel retention: Many closed end designs retain the mandrel head; open end typically does not.
- Use cases: Closed end for splash/weather or contamination control; open end for general sheet-metal fastening.
What drill size do I need for Closed End Rivets?
Use the recommended drill for the exact diameter/series. A tight, clean hole slightly over the rivet body diameter sets best and helps sealing. Deburr both sides.
How to choose the right size and material
- Grip range: Match the rated grip range to the total stack thickness (all layers together).
- Diameter: Choose the smallest diameter that delivers the needed strength and bearing area for your materials.
- Head style: Dome (general purpose), countersunk (flush finish), large flange (spreads load on thin/soft materials).
- Materials: Aluminum (lightweight), steel (economy strength), stainless (corrosion resistance). Pair fastener and base metals to limit galvanic corrosion.
Common sizes, materials & finishes
- Popular diameters (inch): 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 1/4.
- Typical grip ranges: roughly 1/16 in to 1/2 in+, depending on diameter and part number.
- Head styles: dome, 100° countersunk, large flange.
- Bodies & mandrels: aluminum, steel, stainless; plain or coated finishes.
Where are Closed End Rivets used?
- Marine hardware and cabinetry where splash resistance matters
- Electrical/electronic housings and panels where mandrel retention helps prevent loose parts
- Automotive, truck bodies, trailers, and RV interiors
- HVAC ducting, plenums, and general sheet-metal fabrication
- Appliances, signage, displays, and general manufacturing
Installation & best practices
- Measure total stack thickness; select a rivet whose grip range covers it.
- Drill square and to spec; deburr both sides for proper seating and sealing.
- Insert from the finished side; support the joint to avoid “pillowing.”
- Pull the mandrel until it snaps; avoid over-pulling that can distort thin sheet.
- For added sealing, apply a compatible sealant to the hole or flange if required.
- Do not: oversize holes, exceed grip range, or mix dissimilar metals without corrosion control.
Common issues & quick fixes
- Leakage after setting → Hole oversized or not deburred; re-drill/deburr to spec, or step up in diameter. Verify a closed end part is used and seated flat.
- Rivet spins in hole → Hole too large or substrate too hard/soft; choose a larger diameter or a large-flange/countersunk head.
- Loose joint → Rivet outside its grip range; select a part whose range covers the stack.
- Mandrel head visible/proud → Tool stroke or part mismatch; verify tool setting and part specification.
Why buy Closed End Rivets from AlbanyCountyFasteners.com
- Wide selection of diameters, grip ranges, and head styles in aluminum, steel, and stainless.
- Sealed, mandrel-retaining options for splash-prone and equipment applications.
- Fast shipping with contractor-friendly quantities and bulk pricing.
- USA-based support for size selection, drill sizes, and installation guidance.
FAQs
Answers to common sizing, sealing, and installation questions for closed end blind rivets.
Are closed end rivets waterproof?
They’re designed to help block liquids and air through the rivet body when installed in a correctly sized, deburred hole. For harsh exposure, pair with a suitable sealant.
What drill size should I use?
Use the manufacturer’s recommended drill size for the exact diameter and series; a tight, clean hole improves clamp and sealing.
How do I choose the right grip range?
Measure the total stack thickness and pick a rivet whose rated grip range covers that value. Too short → weak clamp; too long → inconsistent set.
Do closed end rivets retain the mandrel?
Many designs keep the mandrel head inside the set rivet to improve strength and help prevent loose parts in assemblies.
Closed end vs open end—when should I use each?
Use closed end where sealing or mandrel retention matters (marine, enclosures). Use open end for general fastening where sealing isn’t required.
Are stainless closed end rivets good for marine use?
Stainless provides strong corrosion resistance for outdoor and marine environments; still consider isolating dissimilar metals to limit galvanic corrosion.