What is a Countersunk Blind Rivet?
Rivmate Fastener
Top Rivet and Rivet Nut Manufacturer in China
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Before buying countersunk head blind rivets, you need to have a brief understanding of ‘what is a countersunk blind rivet’.
By reading this guide, you will know the definition of countersunk head blind rivets, pros, cons, how to install, usage scenarios and the difference between countersunk head blind rivets and deme head blind rivets.
Let’s read it together!
Table of Contents
What is a Countersunk Blind Rivet?
Countersunk head blind rivets are fasteners that combine a countersunk head design with blind riveting technology. It is primarily used in scenarios where a concealed connection is required and one-sided operation is required.
Countersunk head blind rivets are based on the same principle as other blind rivets. It is through the deformation of the rivet body to form a tight mechanical connection. The difference is that the rivet head of countersunk head blind rivets can be completely embedded in the surface of the material, thus forming a flat joint surface.
Pros and Cons of Countersunk Head Blind Rivets
Pros
- High concealment: countersunk head design allows the head of the rivet to be completely embedded in the surface of the material, forming a flat connection surface and avoiding bulges. Suitable for scenarios that require high aesthetics (e.g. furniture, building exteriors).
- One-side operation: Installation is required from one side only, suitable for narrow spaces where the backside is inaccessible (e.g. automotive interiors, electronics interiors).
- Wide range of applications: Both countersunk head and blind riveting characteristics, can meet the needs of automotive, aerospace and other high-precision field connection.
Cons
- Higher installation complexity: requires the use of a countersinking tool to pre-process the hole to ensure that the countersunk head rivet is flush with the surface of the material, increasing the number of processing steps.
- Stringent requirements for hole accuracy: mismatched hole sizes or chamfering angles may result in a bulging rivet head or a weak connection.
How to Install Countersunk Rivets?
Installing countersunk head blind rivets is no different than regular blind rivets. The only caveat is that the mounting holes for countersunk head blind rivets need to be pre-processed.
1. Pre-processing holes
- The holes are drilled precisely to the rivet diameter and chamfered using a countersinking tool. This step ensures that the head of the countersunk head rivet is fully embedded in the surface of the material to form a flat joint.
- The chamfering angle must match the design of the rivet head (typically 100° or 120°) to avoid bulging or insufficient strength of the rivet due to angular deviation.
2. Installation of rivets
- Insert the rivet into the pre-treated hole with the head facing outward and the tail facing to the inaccessible side.
- Using a specialized riveting tool (e.g., blind rivet gun), the rivet mandrel is clamped and tensile force is applied to expand the tail to form a solid connection.
3. Inspection and adjustment
- Verify that the head of the rivet is flush with the surface of the material with no bulges or depressions.
- If looseness is found (e.g., cracked paint or stain buildup on the head), replace according to specifications.
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When Would You Use a Countersunk Head Rivet?
Countersunk head blind rivets is a good choice if your application scenario meets several requirements.
- Hidden connections are required
- Unilateral operation is limited
- Higher aesthetic requirements for product appearance
Countersunk head blind rivets keep a flat surface on the joint. However, it should be noted that the material to be joined needs to be pre-matched with a chamfered hole (e.g. 100° or 120°) to ensure that the head of the rivet is flush with the material.
Countersunk Blind Rivets Angle
The angles of countersunk head blind rivets are categorized as follows:
- 100° countersunk head angle
- 120° countersunk head angle
- 90° countersunk head angle
- 130° countersunk head angle
The prevailing countersink angles are 100° and 120°.
The 100° countersunk head angle has a larger head taper and a shallower embedment depth. It is more suitable for use in areas where surface smoothness is critical. Countersunk rivets are also a good choice if your project is on thin or medium-thick materials.
The 120° countersunk head angle has a more gentle head taper and deeper embedment depth. It is primarily used in automotive, construction, and thicker panels. 120° countersunk rivets provide a better seal.
The 90° and 130° countersunk corners are non-standard designs, often used for special industry requirements.
- 90°: for thin plates or special constructions (rare).
- 130°: partially sealed rivets (waterproof applications).
Tips of Choose Countersunk Head Blind Rivets Angle
Industry standards:
- Aerospace mostly uses 100° (e.g., American Standard NASM/MS or BACR specifications).
- Automotive and general manufacturing use 120° (ISO 1651).
Material Adaptation:
- The greater the angle (e.g. 120°), the greater the riveting force support for thicker materials.
- The smaller the angle (e.g. 100°), the better the surface flatness.
Performance Impact:
- Installation Difficulty: 100° requires higher precision chamfering, otherwise it is easy to bulge; 120° better tolerance.
- Strength and sealing: 120° is more stable in vibration environments and is suitable for scenarios that require sealant filling.
What is the Difference Between Dome and Countersunk Rivets?
| Feature | Dome Head Blind Rivets | Countersunk Head Blind Rivets |
| Head Shape | Domed shape, slightly raised above the surface (cannot be fully recessed) | Tapered head, fully recessed into the material for a flush finish |
| Installation Prep | No countersinking required; only standard drilling | Requires countersinking (angle must match the rivet head, e.g., 100° or 120°) |
| Typical Applications | – General industrial use (steel structures, pipelines) . – Non-concealed connections | – Hidden joints (aircraft fuselage skins, automotive interiors) . – High aesthetic & surface-flatness requirements (furniture, electronics) |
| Mechanical Performance | – Higher tensile strength (dome head provides reinforcement) . – Better vibration resistance | – Lower shear resistance (requires sealant for reinforcement) . – Flush finish sacrifices some load capacity |
| Cost & Complexity | – Simple installation, lower cost – No special tools | – Requires countersinking tools and precision . – Higher overall cost |
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Wholesale Countersunk Blind Rivets from Rivmate
The Countersunk head is one of the three basic head types of blind rivets. It provides a concealed connection and ensures that the surface of the material to be joined is flat. Therefore, the countersunk head blind rivets are a good choice for products that require a high level of appearance.
Rivmate is leading rivet manfuacturer in china. If you are looking for a reliable countersunk head blind rivet manfuacturer for your project! You can contact us!
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