Rivet Grip Range Calculator
Which blind (pop) rivet grip range fits your material? Blind rivets are not cut to length — you pick one whose grip range brackets the total thickness you are joining. Enter your stack-up and rivet size to find the grip code and drill size.
Common blind rivet diameters: 3.2, 4.0, 4.8, 6.4 mm (1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 1/4 in). Band width defaults to 1/16 in (1.6 mm); set it to your manufacturer’s grip increment.
What Is a Rivet’s Grip Range?
Unlike a solid rivet that you cut to length, a blind (pop) rivet comes pre-made for a band of material thickness called its grip range. The rivet body has to be long enough for the mandrel to pull a proper blind head on the far side, but not so long that it folds over inside the joint. So instead of a single length you choose a rivet whose grip range brackets your total stack-up.
Reading a Blind Rivet Part Number
Most blind rivets carry two numbers, like 4-4 or AD64. The first is the diameter in 1/32 inch (4 = 1/8 in, 6 = 3/16 in); the second is the maximum grip in 1/16 inch (the “grip number”). A grip number of 4 means it grips up to 4/16 = 1/4 inch, with a minimum about one band below. Metric ranges work the same way but are quoted directly in millimetres.
Choosing the Right Grip
Aim to land in the middle of a grip range rather than at either edge. Sitting at the very top risks an unset rivet if the stack runs a touch thick; sitting at the bottom can leave the blind head loose. Remember to count every layer — sheets, gaskets, sealant and paint all add up — and drill the hole just large enough for an easy slip fit, typically the rivet diameter plus about 0.1 mm (0.004 in).
Frequently Asked Questions
What thickness goes into the grip?
The total of every layer the rivet clamps – all sheets plus any gasket, sealant or coating. That sum must fall inside the rivet’s grip range.
What if my thickness is between two grip sizes?
Pick the range that keeps you away from the edges. If you straddle a boundary, the larger grip number is usually safer because a partly-filled rivet still sets.
What hole size should I drill?
Just larger than the rivet for a slip fit – about the rivet diameter plus 0.1 mm (0.004 in). Too tight and it will not seat; too loose and the joint rattles.
Do all makers use the same ranges?
No. Grip bands, hole sizes and part-number codes vary between manufacturers. Use this as a guide and confirm against the supplier’s chart.
Related calculators
- Rivet Length Calculator — formed length for solid and tubular rivets.
- Bolt Load Calculator — capacity of a bolted joint alternative.
- Weld Size Calculator — sizing a welded joint instead.