Blind Rivets

Blind rivets (also called “pop rivets”) are a common fastening method in FRC used to join materials when you only have access to one side of the joint.

What Is a Blind Rivet?

A blind rivet is a fastener that is installed from one side of the material using a rivet gun. When set, it expands and locks the materials together permanently.

Why They Are Called “Blind”

They are called blind rivets because you do not need access to the back side of the joint during installation.

This is useful when:

• One side of the assembly is enclosed
• You cannot reach the back of the material
• Working inside tight robot structures

Why FRC Teams Use Them

Blind rivets are popular in FRC because they are:

• Fast to install
• Lightweight
• Strong enough for sheet metal and gussets
• Ideal for tight or inaccessible areas

Common Uses

• Mounting sheet metal panels
• Attaching gussets to extrusion
• Securing enclosures or covers
• Light structural connections

Installation Tool

Blind rivets are installed using a:

• Hand rivet gun
• Pneumatic rivet tool (for faster assembly during build season)

The tool pulls a mandrel through the rivet, expanding it and locking it in place.

Limitations

• Permanent (must be drilled out to remove)
• Not suitable for high-load structural joints
• Requires correct hole sizing for a tight fit

Best Practice

• Match rivet size to drilled hole
• Clamp materials before riveting
• Deburr holes for better seating
• Ensure the rivet is fully set before releasing the tool

Key Idea

Blind rivets are used when access is limited but a fast, lightweight, and secure fastening method is needed in FRC fabrication.