# 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.

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</div>## 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.

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</div>## 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

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</div>## 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

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</div>## Common Uses

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

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</div>## 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.

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</div>## Limitations

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

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</div>## 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

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</div>## Key Idea

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