Pop rivets are simple and easy to use. They require
no complicated installations, expensive equipment, or
skilled operators. Just drill a hole, insert and set the pop
rivet from the same side, and high-riveting quality and
strength is quickly accomplished.
There are two basic designs of pop rivets: closed
end and open end. The closedend type of rivet tills the
need for blind rivets, which seal as they are set. They
are gas tight and liquid tight. They are installed and set
from the same side just like the open-end type. As the
rivet sets, a high degree of radial expansion is generated
in the rivet body, providing hole-filling characteristics.
The open-end type of pop rivet resembles a hollow
rivet from the outside. Because the mandrel head stays
in the rivet body, the mandrel stem seals to a certain
degree, but is now liquid tight.
Figure 12-102 shows two of the tools that are used
Figure 12-102.--Pop rivet tools.
for setting the pop rivets. These tools are lightweight
and easy to use. For example, when using the small hand
tool you need only to insert the mandrel of the rivet into
Before inserting another rivet into the tool, make
the nosepiece, squeeze the handle, and the rivet is set.
sure that the broken mandrel has been ejected from the
To operate the scissors type of tool, fully extend the
tool. Fully extend the lever linkage and the mandrel will
lever linkage or gatelike mechanism. Then insert the
drop clear.
rivet mandrel into the nosepiece of the tool. Place the
The scissors or expandable tool is unique because
rivet into the structure that is to be riveted. Apply firm
it can reach hard to get at areas and set the rivets with
pressure to the tool, making sure that the nosepiece
ease. This tool is particularly useful for installation of
remains in close contact with the rivet head. Closing of
ventilation ducting.
the lever linkage retracts the gripping mechanism,
Pop rivets that can be set by the tools shown in
which in turn will withdraw the mandrel. The rivet is
figure 12-102 are indicated by asterisks in table 12-3.
set when the mandrel head breaks.
Table 12-3.--Pop rivet data
Rivet Diameter
Mandrel Material
Rivet Material
(in inches)
3/32
7/64
l/8
5/32
3/16
OPEN END RIVETS
*
*
*
*
Aluminum
Aluminum
*
*
*
Aluminum
Steel
*
*
Steel
Steel
*
*
Monel
Steel
*
Stainless
Stainless
CLOSED END RIVETS
*
*
*
Aluminum
Aluminum
*
Steel
Aluminum
12-42