Overview
EN ISO 15978:2002 specifies dimensional and mechanical characteristics and application data for open end blind rivets with break pull mandrel and countersunk head with an aluminium-alloy (AlA) body and a steel (St) mandrel. The standard covers nominal diameters from 2.4 mm up to and including 5 mm and defines material, workmanship and acceptance requirements to ensure consistent performance and interchangeability in sheet-fastening applications.
Key Topics
- Materials and finishes: rivet body made of aluminium alloy (AlA); mandrel made of steel (St). Rivet bodies are supplied in a plain (natural) finish; mandrel surface finish is at manufacturer’s discretion (oil, phosphate+oil or zinc coating).
- Dimensions and tolerances: nominal diameters d = 2.4, 3, 3.2, 4, 4.8 and 5 mm with associated head and shank dimensions. Clearance hole diameter dh1 is specified (dh1 min = dnom + 0.1 mm; dh1 max = dnom + 0.2 mm) to avoid assembly issues and preserve load performance.
- Mechanical properties: two strength grades for the rivet body (Class L and Class H) with minimum shear and tensile loads defined and maximum mandrel break loads specified; mechanical testing is carried out in accordance with ISO 14589.
- Mandrel behaviour: mandrel push-out resistance must exceed 10 N (ISO 14589). Mandrel head retention capability is verified by specified test loads so the mandrel portion remaining in the set rivet is retained.
- Workmanship and inspection: rivets shall be free from burrs and harmful defects; after setting there shall be no cracking visible at 5× magnification. Acceptance inspection follows ISO 3269 unless otherwise agreed.
- Designation example: Blind rivet ISO 15978 - 4×12 - AlA/St - L (4 mm diameter, 12 mm length, aluminium body/steel mandrel, class L).
Applications
EN ISO 15978 rivets are intended for blind fastening where access is available from one side only and a countersunk head is required for a flush finish. Typical advantages and applications include:
- Reliable sheet fastening in automotive, appliance and general metal fabrication where lightweight aluminium rivet bodies and strong steel mandrels are required.
- Interchangeability across suppliers due to standardized dimensions and grip ranges.
- Quality assurance through defined mechanical test methods and acceptance criteria (ISO 14589, ISO 3269).
Related Standards
- ISO 14588 - Blind rivets: terminology and definitions
- ISO 14589 - Blind rivets: mechanical testing (referenced for shear/tensile tests and mandrel tests)
- ISO 3269 - Fasteners: acceptance inspection
For engineers, purchasers and QA teams, EN ISO 15978:2002 provides the dimensional data, test methods and acceptance limits necessary to specify and validate open end blind rivets (AIA/St) for consistent, high-quality blind fastening solutions.