Open End Rivets

When should I use an open end rivet?

Use one whenever sealing is not part of the job, which covers most riveting. Open end rivets carry a wide load spread, cost less than every other style, and come in the broadest range of materials and sizes, which is why they account for the bulk of blind rivet use. What they will not do is keep water or air out. The body stays hollow after setting, so moisture can travel straight through the rivet and out the back. If the panel sees weather, holds fluid, or has to stay airtight, a closed end rivet is the correct part even though it costs more.

Why choose open end rivets

• Lowest cost per joint of any blind rivet style
• Widest availability across materials, diameters, and grip ranges
• Fast setting with any standard hand riveter or pneumatic tool
• Broad load spread suits general purpose sheet metal work
• Available with matched mandrels for corrosion critical assemblies

Material options

• Aluminum with aluminum mandrel, best galvanic compatibility with aluminum panels, lowest strength
• Aluminum with steel mandrel, stronger set than all aluminum, at the cost of a steel component left in the joint
• All steel, higher shear and tensile than aluminum at moderate cost, least corrosion resistant
• Stainless steel, highest strength and best corrosion resistance for outdoor and marine work
• Copper with brass or steel mandrel, for electrical, decorative, and restoration work

Common applications

• General sheet metal fabrication and panel assembly
• Ductwork and HVAC where sealing is handled separately
• Interior trim, brackets, and mounting plates
• Signage, shelving, and display fixtures
• Appliance and equipment housings
• Repair and maintenance work across trailers, machinery, and enclosures

If the joint has to keep water out, use closed end rivets instead. Where the hole is oversized or the material is soft, large flange rivets spread the load better. For a flush surface, see countersunk rivets.

Related Categories

• Blind Rivets
• Closed End Rivets
• Large Flange Rivets
• Countersunk Rivets
• Rivet Tools

Open End Rivet FAQs

Are open end rivets waterproof?

No. The body remains hollow through the center after setting, so water and air pass straight through. The mandrel head plugs the blind side but does not seal it. For any watertight or airtight joint, use a closed end rivet.

What is the difference between open end and closed end rivets?

The blind end of the body. An open end rivet is a tube open at both ends. A closed end rivet has a solid cup at the far end that stays sealed after setting, blocking moisture and gas. Closed end rivets also run higher in shear and tensile strength at the same size and material.

Which mandrel should I choose?

Match the mandrel to the body when the joint will get wet. A steel mandrel in an aluminum body sets stronger and costs less, but the steel remnant left inside can rust, weaken the joint, and streak the panel. In dry indoor work the steel mandrel is a sensible economy.

Do the mandrel heads fall out?

They can, on open end rivets. The mandrel head is retained by friction, not by a mechanical lock, so vibration can eventually shake it loose. That is one reason structural rivets exist, since their mandrels are locked in place and cannot vibrate out.

What head style do open end rivets come in?

Dome head is standard, a low, slightly rounded profile that suits most work. Large flange and countersunk versions are stocked separately, since the head style changes both the load spread and the finished appearance.

Can I use aluminum rivets on steel panels?

You can, but consider corrosion. Aluminum is less noble than steel, so in the presence of moisture the aluminum rivet corrodes preferentially and the joint loosens over time. For mixed metal joints outdoors, stainless is usually the safer specification.