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Countersunk head rivets are one of the three types of rivets. So do you know countersunk head rivets uses?With this ultimate guide, you will learn the definition of countersunk head rivets, conditions of applicability, applications, and tips for use.
Table of Contents
Countersunk Head Rivets - Basic Concept
Countersunk head rivets are a type of fastener for concealed, single-sided installation. Once installed, countersunk head rivets are fully embedded in the material surface, creating a flat joint surface.
Most blind rivets can be made into countersunk head rivets, so countersunk head rivets can be used in a wide variety of applications. Common countersunk head rivets are available in 100° and 120° head angles.

Conditions Suitable for the Countersunk Head Rivets Uses
High concealment requirements
- Scenario: need to have a flat surface and no bumps. For example, automotive interior panels, aircraft skins, high-end furniture or consumer electronics housings.
- Advantages: Countersunk design avoids cosmetic disturbances and improves aesthetics or aerodynamics (e.g. drag reduction).
Installation environments where only one side can be operated
- Scenarios: Enclosed structures (e.g., inside walls of pipes, inside electronic equipment) or spaces that are inaccessible from the back side (e.g., aeroplane wing gussets).
- Advantage: Blind riveting feature enables one-sided installation, eliminating the need for back support.
Medium to thin material thickness

- Suitable materials: aluminium alloy, stainless steel and other lightweight or thin plates (recommended thickness <8mm).
- Note: Deep chamfers are required for thicker materials, which may weaken the strength or make installation difficult.
Sealing Requirements
- Scenario: Connections that need to be waterproof and gas permeable (e.g., outdoor signage, LED light boxes).
- Scenario: Choose closed countersunk head blind rivets (closed-end) with sealing pressures up to 70-100 psi.
The need for lightweight and precise design
- Fields: Aerospace, shipbuilding, need to comply with industry standards (e.g. BACR standards).
- Material combinations: aluminium/aluminium, aluminium/stainless steel combinations for lightweight and corrosion resistant requirements.
Feasibility of chamfering
- Prerequisites: Precise chamfering with matching rivet countersunk head angle (100° or 120°±2°).
- Tooling support: Chamfering drills or automated chamfering equipment are available.
Conditions of Non-applicability (need to be circumvented)
1. High vibration or long-term load environments
The countersunk head design has a lower load capacity for shear and fatigue strength than dome head blind rivets, and prolonged vibration may cause loosening. Bolts or high strength round head rivets can be used instead.
2. Extra-thick materials or oversized apertures
When the material is too thick (e.g. more than 15mm) or the hole diameter is too large, the countersink height is difficult to meet, which will easily lead to uneven surface.
3. Budget constraints or quick bulk installations
Chamfer prepping and precise installation can add cost and time. Round head rivets are available for general industrial scenarios.
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Countersunk Head Rivets Uses
From the above information we understand the use conditions of countersunk head rivets, next I will introduce the countersunk head rivets uses.
1. Automobiles and transport
Countersunk head rivets can provide the following three features to the car:
- Concealment and safety
- Aerodynamic optimisation
- Waterproof sealing

To enhance passenger safety and comfort, automakers use countersunk head rivets to hold interior components in place and prevent metal bumps from scratching passengers. The use of countersunk head blind rivets on lights, bumpers and bumpers will result in flat surfaces, less wind resistance and improved vehicle energy efficiency.
2. aerospace industry
Airplanes also use a lot of countersunk head rivets. For example, aircraft skins can use countersunk head rivets to reduce flight resistance while lowering the overall weight. This can improve fuel efficiency, which can reduce fuel costs by millions of dollars.
3. Electronic and electrical equipment
Electrical equipment uses a large number of countersunk head rivets for mounting in order to improve the utilization of space within the equipment and to extend the life of the electronic components. Countersunk head rivets can bring the following effects:
- Single side installation is suitable for narrow space.
- Countersunk head rivets do not protrude, avoiding physical interference with heat sinks, capacitors and other precision components.
- Can provide IP67 sealing to protect outdoor equipment.

4. Architecture and Furniture
Many architectural and furniture manufacturers, in order to provide the visual quality of building facades and furniture, use countersunk head rivets.
In high end furniture (e.g. cabinets, desks), there is a need to hide the joints and keep the surface of the furniture tidy. In curtain wall installations, countersunk head rivets are required to avoid protrusions that could scratch operators and to withstand loads at the same time.
5. Industrial equipment and new energy

With the development of new energy sources, the use of rivets is increasing. Solar panels and battery systems use a lot of rivets to improve reliability. And in these scenarios, the installation of rivets can effectively improve the installation efficiency, which can be increased by 30%.
Photovoltaic mounts are outdoors for a long time, and countersunk head rivets can reduce its stress concentration, more suitable for outdoor wind vibration environment.
Tips of Using Countersunk Head Rivets
In order to achieve the best possible connection with countersunk head rivets, special attention needs to be paid to the following key points when using countersunk head rivets.
- Material and design suitability: Countersunk head rivets are recommended for joining thin to medium-thick plates of 0.5-8mm.
- Installation process requirements: the hole angle must be consistent with the angle of the countersunk head rivets, the error control within ± 2 °. The hole diameter should be 0.1-0.3mm larger than the rivet diameter.
- Performance and load limitations: countersunk head rivets have a lower shear strength than round head rivets by about 15-20%, avoid high shear scenarios.
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Custom Countersunk Head Rivets Solutions for Your Business
Are you looking for reliable countersunk head rivets manfuacturer for your business?Countersunk head rivets can provide your products with a flat surface and higher important product value.
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