Automotive

Blind rivets and screws are both fasteners that are capable of joining different materials together. The difference between the two fasteners is that blind rivets are primarily suitable for permanent, non-detachable connections. Blind rivets also have the advantage that one-sided access to the workpiece is sufficient to set the rivet. If, on the other hand, an application is screwed together, it can be loosened again if necessary or may come loose on its own. GESIPA highlights that the choice between blind rivets or screws depends on the requirements of the application.

Blind rivets are an advantage when high load-bearing capacity and stability are required. Unlike screws, blind rivets do not loosen on their own – so in applications where vibration, shocks and movement are an issue, rivets are often the better alternative. This is an important issue in the automotive industry, for example, and wherever materials need to be joined securely over the long term, such as in the construction or mechanical engineering industries.

If you consider both fasteners for the same application, blind rivets are usually lighter than screws. This is due to the fact that rivets require less material than screws to create a secure connection. But not only that, in addition to the weight, blind rivets are often more space-saving compared to screw connections, as screws are often used in conjunction with washers or nuts for a better hold. Blind rivets are therefore the better choice over screws when the overall weight of the end product needs to be minimised or the size needs to be reduced.

To set a rivet, all you need are holes in the materials to be joined, the blind rivet and the setting tools. A blind rivet can therefore be set quickly and efficiently – even if the workpiece can only be accessed from one side. In industrial production, riveting processes can also be automated, which increases efficiency in the production line and reduces labour costs. Once the blind rivets have been set, the connection is secure and holds the materials firmly together. With screws, on the other hand, the fasteners may need to be reworked because a screw is still too loose or several screws in the same application have been tightened to different strengths. These corrections slow down the production process and, in the worst case, penalise the quality of the fasteners.

In many applications, materials have to be joined that are subsequently exposed to extreme weather conditions or corrosive substances. An important factor in choosing the right fasteners in these environments is the material. Fasteners made of stainless steel, plastic or Monel^® offer a high-level of corrosion protection. The advantage of blind rivets over screws in corrosive environments is that they are a relatively closed connection. This does not mean that the connection is completely watertight, but screw connections can have gaps to the adjacent material due to the threads, which favour the penetration of moisture. In addition, the threads required in screw connections can damage the material to be joined, which also makes it more susceptible to rusty spots in the application.

Sometimes it is not enough to simply join materials together; the visual perception of the joint plays an equally important role. Blind rivets or screws are not always hidden but are a visible part of the application. The aesthetics of set blind rivets or screws often play a major role in architectural buildings or furniture. Blind rivets can be more practical to use here than screws, as they create a smooth surface when set and are flush with the set material. Blind rivets are available in various head shapes, from dome heads and countersunk heads to large flanges. Coloured rivets are also an option for matching the colour of the fasteners to the design of the application. This enables a wide selection for the desired design in the application.

To set a blind rivet, only one-sided access to the workpiece is required. This means that a blind rivet can be used to join materials together even if the back is difficult or impossible to access. With a screw connection, on the other hand, you often need to have access from both sides in order to be able to process it properly. Blind rivets are often the better alternative, especially for applications that are difficult to access and require a permanent and secure connection.

To summarise, it always depends on the individual case whether it is better to use screws or blind rivets. However, blind rivets offer various advantages over screws that make them the more popular fasteners in many areas. It is important to consider the above-mentioned aspects for each application and to weigh up which ones have particularly high priority for the project in question. This ultimately results in the decision as to whether the selected materials are better processed with rivets or screws.