Rivet Type Selector: Blind vs Solid vs Tubular
Which rivet type fits your job? Answer four quick questions about access, load, materials and tooling, and get a recommendation — with a side-by-side comparison of blind (pop), solid and tubular rivets.
Blind vs Solid vs Tubular at a glance
| Blind (pop) | Solid | Tubular | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access needed | One side only | Both sides | Both sides |
| How it sets | Mandrel pulled, head forms blind | Shank upset / bucked | End rolled over |
| Strength | Moderate | Highest | Low to moderate |
| Tail allowance | By grip range | About 1.5d | About 0.7–1.0d |
| Best for | Sheet metal, hard-to-reach | Structural, high load | Soft, thin or brittle, light load |
Blind, Solid or Tubular?
The three everyday rivet families solve different problems. Blind (pop) rivets set from one side with a pull tool, so they win wherever you cannot reach the back. Solid rivets are upset by hammering or bucking and are the strongest, which is why aircraft and structural work rely on them. Tubular and semi-tubular rivets have a hollow end that rolls over with little force, ideal for soft, thin or brittle parts and light-duty assembly. Picking the right family first makes every later sizing decision easier.
When to Use Each
Reach for a blind rivet when access is one-sided or you only have a hand tool — sheet-metal panels, ducting, trim. Choose a solid rivet when the joint is loaded hard and you can buck or press it. Use a tubular rivet for leather, fabric, plastic, electronics and other delicate or thin materials where a heavy upset would crack or crush the part. Many jobs have an obvious answer; the borderline ones come down to load and tooling.
From Type to Size
Once the family is settled, the numbers follow. Solid and tubular rivets are cut to a length of grip plus a tail allowance — about 1.5d for solid, 0.7 to 1.0d for tubular. Blind rivets skip cut length entirely and are chosen by grip range. Whatever the type, confirm the diameter and count carry the load in shear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a blind and a solid rivet?
A blind rivet sets from one side using a mandrel pulled by a tool; a solid rivet is upset from both sides by hammering or bucking and is stronger.
Are pop rivets as strong as solid rivets?
No. Blind (pop) rivets are convenient and moderate in strength, but solid rivets carry more load, which is why structural and aircraft joints use them.
When should I use a tubular rivet?
For soft, thin or brittle materials and light-duty joints – leather, fabric, plastic, electronics – where the low setting force avoids cracking the part.
Can rivets be loaded in tension?
They prefer shear. Tension, especially on blind rivets, is less predictable and usually kept low or designed around.
Related calculators
- Rivet Size Calculator — pick the diameter once you have the type.
- Rivet Length Calculator — length for solid and tubular rivets.
- Rivet Grip Range Calculator — grip range for blind rivets.
- Rivet Shear Strength Calculator — confirm the joint carries the load.