Overview
ISO 15983:2002 defines requirements for open end blind rivets with break pull mandrel and protruding (domed) head - A2/A2. It specifies the dimensional and mechanical characteristics and application data for rivets with an austenitic stainless steel body (A2) and an austenitic stainless steel mandrel (A2), with nominal diameters from 3 mm to 5 mm. The standard covers geometry, material condition, mechanical performance and test/acceptance criteria for stainless steel blind rivets used where access is only available from one side.
Keywords: ISO 15983:2002, open end blind rivets, A2/A2, stainless steel blind rivets, rivet dimensions, mechanical properties.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and sizes: Nominal diameters d = 3; 3.2; 4; 4.8; 5 mm. Detailed head, shank and overall length dimensions and recommended grip (clamping) ranges are specified (see figures/tables in the standard).
- Material and surface: Body and mandrel must be A2 (austenitic) stainless steel per ISO 3506-1; surface condition is specified as raw.
- Mechanical properties (tested per ISO 14589):
- Minimum shear loads (N): 3 mm = 1 800 N, 3.2 mm = 1 900 N, 4 mm = 2 700 N, 4.8 mm = 4 000 N, 5 mm = 4 700 N.
- Minimum tensile loads (N): 3 mm = 2 200 N, 3.2 mm = 2 500 N, 4 mm = 3 500 N, 4.8 mm = 5 000 N, 5 mm = 5 800 N.
- Maximum mandrel break loads (N) given per diameter.
- Mandrel retention before installation: must exceed 10 N.
- Head-retention after installation: retention loads specified (e.g., 35 N for 3/3.2 mm, 40 N for 4 mm, 45 N for 4.8/5 mm).
- Hole diameters: Recommended hole (passage) diameters h1 (mm) - e.g., for nominal d = 3 → min 3.1 / max 3.2; for d = 5 → min 5.1 / max 5.2. Non-conforming hole sizes can reduce shear/tensile performance.
- Quality and testing: No harmful burrs or cracks (×5 magnification). Acceptance testing per ISO 3269.
Applications and users
- Typical users: fastener manufacturers, design/structural engineers, procurement/specification teams, quality inspectors, and OEMs in automotive, building façade, marine, and general industrial assembly where corrosion resistance and blind-side installation are required.
- Practical uses: specifying stainless steel blind rivets for joining thin-sheet assemblies, corrosion-prone environments, or where only one-sided access is available and predictable mechanical performance (shear/tensile) is required.
Related standards
- ISO 3506-1 - mechanical properties of stainless steel fasteners (A2)
- ISO 14588 - blind rivets terminology and definitions
- ISO 14589 - blind rivets mechanical tests
- ISO 3269 - fastener acceptance inspection
ISO 15983 is essential when you need standardized dimensions and verified mechanical performance for A2/A2 open end blind rivets in design specifications, procurement documents and quality control procedures.