Overview
EN ISO 15973:2000 (ISO 15973:2000) specifies requirements for closed end blind rivets with a break pull mandrel and protruding head (designation AIA/St). The standard covers rivets with an aluminium-alloy body (AlA) and a steel mandrel (St), with nominal diameters from 3.2 mm to 6.4 mm. It defines dimensional limits, mechanical properties, material/finish guidance, workmanship criteria, acceptance testing and designation format.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and materials
- Rivet body: aluminium alloy (AlA).
- Mandrel: steel (St).
- Surface finish: natural with storage protection.
- Dimensions and grip ranges
- Nominal diameters: 3.2, 4.0, 4.8, 6.4 mm.
- Detailed dimensional limits and recommended grip ranges are provided (see standard figures/tables).
- Clearance hole diameters (for component holes)
- Specified minima/maxima:
- 3.2 mm rivet → 3.3–3.4 mm hole
- 4.0 mm rivet → 4.1–4.2 mm hole
- 4.8 mm rivet → 4.9–5.0 mm hole
- 6.4 mm rivet → 6.5–6.6 mm hole
- Note: nonconformance may reduce shear/tensile performance or cause assembly issues.
- Mechanical properties (tested per ISO 14589)
- Minimum shear load (N): 3.2→1100, 4.0→1600, 4.8→2200, 6.4→3600.
- Minimum tensile load (N): 3.2→1450, 4.0→2200, 4.8→3100, 6.4→4900.
- Maximum mandrel break load (N): 3.2→3500, 4.0→5000, 4.8→7000, 6.4→10 230.
- Workmanship
- Rivets must be free from burrs and harmful defects, have well-formed heads/shanks, and show no cracking at 5× magnification after setting.
- Acceptance and designation
- Acceptance inspection per ISO 3269 unless otherwise agreed.
- Example designation: Blind rivet ISO 15973 - 4 × 12.5 - AIA/St
Applications and users
- Typical users:
- Fastener manufacturers, product engineers, procurement specialists, quality inspectors, OEMs.
- Common applications:
- Blind fastening in sheet metal assemblies where access is only available from one side - e.g., automotive, rail, appliances, electrical enclosures, lightweight structures.
- Practical benefits:
- Specification ensures predictable mechanical performance (shear/tensile), correct hole sizing, reliable assembly and consistent quality for blind rivet applications.
Related standards
- ISO 14588 - Blind rivets: terminology and definitions
- ISO 14589 - Blind rivets: mechanical testing
- ISO 3269 - Fasteners: acceptance inspection
Keywords: EN ISO 15973, ISO 15973:2000, closed end blind rivets, break pull mandrel, protruding head, AlA/St, rivet dimensions, clearance hole, mechanical properties, blind rivet standard.