Overview
ISO 15984:2002 specifies dimensional and mechanical requirements for open end blind rivets with break pull mandrel and countersunk head - A2/A2. It applies to 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 defines geometry, material state, performance tests and designation format to ensure interchangeability and reliable fastening performance.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Dimensions and tolerances: Detailed dimensions for body, head and stem are given (see Figure/Table in the standard). Design formulas and tolerances for head diameter, body diameter and head height are provided in informative Annex A.
- Nominal sizes covered: d = 3, 3.2, 4, 4.8 and 5 mm with corresponding dimensional limits.
- Mechanical characteristics: Minimum shear and tensile loads and maximum stem break loads are specified per nominal diameter (e.g., shear and tensile minimums increase with diameter - numeric values are given in the standard’s Table 3).
- Hole diameters and fit: Recommended hole (clearance) diameters for assembled components are specified; non‑conformant hole sizes may reduce shear/tensile capacity or complicate assembly.
- Material and surface: Both rivet body and mandrel must be austenitic stainless steel (A2) per ISO 3506‑1; surface finish of body and mandrel is specified as raw.
- Performance tests and acceptance: Mechanical tests (per ISO 14589) and acceptance inspection (per ISO 3269) are referenced. Requirements include stem retention before installation, head retention after installation and absence of cracking at ×5 magnification.
- Designation example: A standardized way to mark/identify rivets (e.g., “Rivet blind ISO 15984 - 4 ×××× 12 - A2/A2”).
Applications and practical value
- Ensures consistent performance for stainless steel countersunk blind rivets used where a flush head is required and access is available from only one side.
- Commonly applied in industries that require corrosion resistance and reliable blind fastening: building envelopes, enclosures, transportation, marine, electrical cabinets and general assembly work.
- Helps designers and procurement specify correct rivet size, hole clearance and grip range to meet load requirements and assembly reliability.
Who should use this standard
- Fastener manufacturers and quality control teams
- Mechanical engineers and design engineers specifying blind fastenings
- Purchasing/procurement professionals and suppliers
- Test laboratories verifying rivet performance to ISO requirements
Related standards
- ISO 3506‑1 (mechanical properties of corrosion‑resistant fasteners - A2)
- ISO 14588 (blind rivets - terminology)
- ISO 14589 (blind rivets - mechanical tests)
- ISO 3269 (fasteners - acceptance inspection)
Keywords: ISO 15984:2002, open end blind rivets, break pull mandrel, countersunk head, A2/A2, stainless steel rivets, rivet dimensions, shear and tensile loads.