Blind Rivets Ranked by Grip Range and Shear Strength
POP Brand Aluminium Blind Rivets are our overall pick for consistent mandrel break and reliable grip. Bolt Dropper Stainless Steel Blind Rivets suit outdoor and marine work, while the Hilitchi Aluminium Blind Rivet Assortment Kit is the most useful set for a home workshop.
For general sheet metal work where you can only reach one side of the joint, POP Brand Aluminium Blind Rivets are the pick, because the mandrel breaks cleanly and the grip range is stated honestly. Bolt Dropper Stainless Steel Blind Rivets are the answer outdoors or near salt water, and the Hilitchi Aluminium Blind Rivet Assortment Kit covers the widest range of jobs in one box.
Blind rivets are trickier to buy than they appear, because the same diameter rivet comes in several grip ranges and picking the wrong one leaves a joint that spins or a mandrel that never sets. We compared listings on stated grip range, body material and mandrel type, head style, the drill size each needs, corrosion pairing with the parent metal, and what owners report about consistency across a box.
How to choose
Grip range is the specification that matters most Grip range is the total thickness of material the rivet can clamp, and it is the number most people ignore. Too little grip and the rivet will not set at all. Too much and the joint stays loose and the rivet spins in the hole. Measure the combined thickness of both pieces, then choose a rivet whose stated grip range brackets that figure with a little to spare on each side.
Match the rivet material to the parent metal Aluminium rivets in aluminium sheet, stainless in stainless, and steel in steel is the safe rule. Mixing metals in the presence of moisture invites galvanic corrosion, which eats the softer metal from the inside of the joint. All stainless rivets are the sensible choice for anything outdoors, since even a steel mandrel left inside an aluminium body will rust and stain over time.
Drill the right hole and deburr it Every rivet size expects a specific hole diameter, usually a fraction over the rivet body. An oversized hole means the rivet cannot expand enough to clamp, and an undersized one means it will not go in at all. Deburr both sides after drilling so the head sits flat, and clamp the pieces together while riveting, since a gap between the sheets is set permanently into the joint.
Pick the head style for the job Dome heads are the default and hold well in most sheet materials. Large flange heads spread the load, which is what you need in thin sheet, plastic or soft materials that would otherwise pull through. Countersunk heads sit flush where the surface must stay smooth, but they need the hole to be countersunk first, which reduces the effective thickness of the sheet.
The best picks, ranked
POP Brand Aluminium Blind Rivets
POP effectively invented this fastener and the consistency shows, with mandrels that snap at the right load rather than pulling through or leaving a proud stub. The aluminium body sets easily in a hand tool, which matters when a job runs to dozens of rivets. Owners report far fewer failed sets than with unbranded bulk packs.
Pros
- Very consistent mandrel break
- Sets easily with a hand riveter
- Widely available in matching sizes
Cons
- Aluminium body limits shear strength
- Steel mandrel can cause corrosion in wet use
Bolt Dropper Stainless Steel Blind Rivets
An all stainless body and mandrel is what you want for anything exposed to weather, salt or chemicals, because a steel mandrel left in an aluminium rivet is a classic corrosion trap. These need more grip from the tool to set, so a decent riveter helps. Owners report they hold up well on trailers, boats and outdoor enclosures.
Pros
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Higher shear strength than aluminium
- No dissimilar metal mandrel
Cons
- Needs a stronger riveter to set
- Harder on hand tools over long runs
Hilitchi Aluminium Blind Rivet Assortment Kit
A sorted case covering several diameters and grip lengths, which is the practical answer for a workshop where you never know what the next repair needs. The compartments keep sizes separated so you are not guessing at the bench. Owners report the case is worth keeping even after the original rivets are used up.
Pros
- Covers most common sizes at once
- Organised case saves guesswork
- Good starting point for a new riveter
Cons
- Quality varies across the assortment
- You will run out of popular sizes first
Arrow Fastener Aluminium Rivets
Arrow packs its rivets in the small quantities most household jobs actually need, which avoids buying a thousand when you need twelve. They pair neatly with Arrow hand riveters and set with modest hand pressure. Owners report they are ideal for gutters, ducting and thin sheet where high strength is not the point.
Pros
- Sold in sensible household quantities
- Easy to set by hand
- Widely stocked sizes
Cons
- Low shear strength
- Not suitable for structural joints
Marson Klik-Fast Aluminium Rivets
Marson supplies the trade, so these come in the larger counts you want when panelling a trailer or rebuilding ducting. The setting behaviour is uniform across a box, which is the main thing that separates trade rivets from bargain packs. Owners report they work well in pneumatic riveters over long runs.
Pros
- Uniform setting across a whole box
- Economical in bulk
- Suits pneumatic tools
Cons
- Too many for a one off repair
- Fewer specialty head styles
Hillman Aluminium Blind Rivets
Hillman covers the common diameters and grip lengths in clearly labelled packs, so matching a replacement rivet is straightforward. The labelling of grip range is clearer than many competing packs, which reduces the guesswork. Owners report they are a dependable default for general repairs around the house and garage.
Pros
- Clear grip range labelling
- Common sizes always available
- Sensible pack quantities
Cons
- Nothing unusual in the range
- Aluminium only in most packs
Prime-Line Blind Rivets
Straightforward rivets for screen doors, window frames and light repairs where the loads are small and appearance matters more than strength. Packs are small and cheap, which suits occasional use. Owners report they set easily but recommend stepping up to a stronger material for anything load bearing.
Pros
- Inexpensive for occasional repairs
- Sets with minimal effort
- Fine for trim and frames
Cons
- Low strength
- Limited size range
Side by side
| # | Model | Body material | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | POP Brand Aluminium Blind Rivets | Aluminium | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Bolt Dropper Stainless Steel Blind Rivets | Stainless steel | Best for outdoor use | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Hilitchi Aluminium Blind Rivet Assortment Kit | Aluminium | Best assortment | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | Arrow Fastener Aluminium Rivets | Aluminium | Best for light sheet work | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | Marson Klik-Fast Aluminium Rivets | Aluminium | Best for bulk work | 8.6 | Check price |
| 6 | Hillman Aluminium Blind Rivets | Aluminium | Best for easy sourcing | 8.3 | Check price |
| 7 | Prime-Line Blind Rivets | Aluminium | Best budget | 8.0 | Check price |
Good to know
What does blind rivet actually mean?
It means the rivet can be set from one side only, without access to the back of the joint. The mandrel is pulled through to expand the far end of the body, then snaps off, which is why they are also known as pop rivets.
What size hole should I drill?
Match the hole to the rivet body diameter with a small clearance, so a 1/8 inch rivet typically wants a 1/8 inch hole drilled cleanly. Manufacturers state the recommended drill size, and an oversized hole is the most common cause of a rivet that spins.
How strong are blind rivets compared with bolts?
Considerably weaker in both shear and tension, and they are not designed to be structural in the way a bolted joint is. They excel at joining sheet materials permanently and quickly where a bolt head would be intrusive or the back is inaccessible.
Can I remove a blind rivet?
Yes. Drill through the centre of the head with a bit the same size as the rivet body until the head separates, then push the remaining body through. Keep the drill straight so you do not enlarge the hole for the replacement.
Are aluminium or steel rivets better?
Aluminium sets easily and suits thin sheet and light repairs. Steel and stainless offer much higher shear strength and durability but need a stronger riveter. Choose based on load and on what metal you are joining.
What is a closed end rivet?
A sealed rivet whose body is closed at the far end, so it does not leak once set. These are used where the joint has to keep water or air out, such as tanks, boats and enclosures.
Why does my rivet keep spinning in the hole?
Either the grip range is too long for the material thickness or the hole is oversized. Drill out the rivet, check your combined thickness against the grip range, and fit a shorter rivet or step up one diameter.
Do I need a special tool for larger rivets?
For 3/16 inch and above, a long handled or lever riveter makes the job far easier, and 1/4 inch stainless rivets often need a pneumatic or hydraulic tool. A basic hand riveter is fine for aluminium up to about 5/32 inch.
Our take
POP Brand Aluminium Blind Rivets are the default we would keep on the shelf, because consistent mandrel break saves more time than any saving on a bargain box. Step up to Bolt Dropper Stainless Steel Blind Rivets for anything exposed to weather, and keep the Hilitchi assortment kit nearby for unexpected repairs.
