Overview
ISO 15973:2000 specifies closed end blind rivets with a break-pull mandrel and a protruding (domed) head, designated AIA/St - that is, a body made of aluminium alloy (AlA) and a mandrel/rod made of steel (St). The standard covers nominal diameters from 3.2 mm to 6.4 mm and defines dimensional, mechanical and application data needed for design, procurement and inspection of these blind rivets.
Key topics and requirements
- Product scope: Closed end blind rivets, break pull mandrel, protruding (domed) head, Al-alloy body with steel mandrel; nominal d = 3.2, 4.0, 4.8 and 6.4 mm.
- Dimensions: Detailed dimensions for rivet body, head and recommended grip ranges are given (see Figure 1 / Table 1 in the standard).
- Hole diameters: Specified running hole diameters for proper fit (Table 2). Example minima/maxima:
- d = 3.2 mm → h1 min 3.3 mm, h1 max 3.4 mm
- d = 4.0 mm → h1 min 4.1 mm, h1 max 4.2 mm
- d = 4.8 mm → h1 min 4.9 mm, h1 max 5.0 mm
- d = 6.4 mm → h1 min 6.5 mm, h1 max 6.6 mm
- Mechanical properties: Minimum shear and tensile (and maximum mandrel break) loads specified per diameter if tested per ISO 14589 (Table 3). Example values:
- 3.2 mm: shear ≥ 1 100 N, tensile ≥ 1 450 N, mandrel break ≤ 3 500 N
- 6.4 mm: shear ≥ 3 600 N, tensile ≥ 4 900 N, mandrel break ≤ 10 230 N
- Material & finish: Body in aluminium alloy, mandrel in steel; surface natural with protective treatment for storage. Specific alloy selection is left to the manufacturer.
- Quality & inspection: Rivets must be free from harmful burrs/defects and not show cracks after installation (×5 magnification). Acceptance inspection recommended per ISO 3269; mechanical testing per ISO 14589. Terminology follows ISO 14588.
- Design guidance: Informative Annex A provides formulas for head and shank dimensions and hole tolerances.
Applications and users
ISO 15973 is intended for:
- Fastener manufacturers and suppliers specifying rivet geometry and performance (AIA/St blind rivets).
- Design and mechanical engineers selecting blind rivets for assemblies with access to one side only.
- Quality/inspection teams performing incoming inspection and mechanical testing.
- Industries using blind rivets: automotive, rail, aerospace subassemblies, building envelope systems, electronics enclosures, and general sheet-metal fabrication.
Practical uses include joining thin sheets and components where a closed-end rivet (sealing capability) and reliable pull-break mandrel performance are required.
Related standards
- ISO 14588 - Blind rivets: terminology and dimension symbols
- ISO 14589 - Blind rivets: mechanical tests
- ISO 3269 - Fasteners: acceptance inspection
Keywords: ISO 15973, closed end blind rivets, break pull mandrel, AIA/St, aluminium alloy body, steel mandrel, rivet dimensions, rivet shear tensile loads, rivet hole diameter, blind rivet standard.