Blind Rivet Sizes | 3/16, 1/4, Metric Dimensions Chart
Choosing the right blind rivet size is critical for ensuring fastening strength and durability. Whether you’re working on industrial projects or DIY repairs, understanding blind rivet dimensions and measurements will help you avoid loose connections or material damage. This guide focuses on the most commonly used sizes, including the popular 3/16 blind rivet, and provides a clear reference for size selection(3/32”,1/8”,5/32”,3/16”,1/4”,).
1.What do Blind Rivet Size Numbers Mean?
The imperial system is widely used for blind rivets in North American and many industrial markets. The key sizes are determined by the diameter of the rivet body, with the following being the most frequently used:
Metric Blind Rivet Sizes
● 3/32blind rivet A mini size with a diameter of 3/32 inch (38 mm). It is perfect for thinner materials like computer case.
● 1/8 blind rivet: A smaller size for light-duty use, with a diameter of 1/8 inch (3.18 mm). It is perfect for thin materials like sheet metal, aluminum foil, and small plastic parts, where a compact fastener is needed.
● 5/32 blind rivet: A middle size between 1/8 and 3/16, with a diameter of 5/32 inch (3.97 mm), suitable for light to medium-duty fastening in tight spaces.
● 3/16 blind rivet: The most versatile size, suitable for medium-duty applications. It has a diameter of 3/16 inch (4.76 mm) and is ideal for fastening 16-20 gauge metal sheets, wood panels, and plastic components.
● 1/4 blind rivet: A larger size for heavy-duty applications, with a diameter of 1/4 inch (6.35 mm). It offers higher tensile strength and is used for thick metal sheets, structural components, and industrial equipment.
Metric Blind Rivet Sizes
For global projects, metric blind rivet sizes are commonly used, with diameters ranging from 2.4 to 6.4mm. The most popular metric sizes include:
4mm,3.2mm, 4 mm, 4.8mm,6.4mm (equivalent to 3/32, 1/8, 5/32, 3/16 ,1/4inch)
Metric blind rivets are marked by their diameter and grip length, making it easy to match with international material standards.
How to read pop-rivet part number codes
Many industrial engineers and buyers get confused by the short two -digit trade code such as4-4.4-6.6-6 printed on pop rivet.These simple codes quickly show you two critical dimensions without opening full datashhets:
First digit: Shank diameter in 1/32"
Second digit: Maximum grip range in 1/16 "
Example: 4‑4 pop rivet
First 4 → 4/32" = 1/8" (3.2 mm) body diameter
Second 4 → 4/16" = 1/4" (6.4 mm) maximum grip thickness
Example: 4‑6 pop rivet
First 4 → same 1/8" (3.2 mm) diameter
Second 6 → 6/16" = 3/8" (9.5 mm) maximum grip range
Note:
This two‑digit trade code system is widely used in North‑American market. Some manufacturers add prefix/suffix letters for material, head‑style or special features (example AA4‑4, SB4‑6). Always cross‑check with the official datasheet for exact min‑max grip range and material specification.
| Trade Code | Shank Diameter | Max Grip | Suggested Drill Hole |
| 3‑3 | 3/32" (2.4 mm) | 3/16" (4.8 mm) | #40 / 2.5 mm |
| 4-4 | 1/8" (3.2 mm) | 1/4" (6.4 mm) | #30 / 3.3 mm |
| 4‑6 | 1/8" (3.2 mm) | 3/8" (9.5 mm) | #30 / 3.3 mm |
| 6‑6 | 3/16" (4.8 mm) | 3/8" (9.5 mm) | #11 / 4.9 mm |
2.Blind Rivet Size Dimensions & Measurements
To select the correct size, you need to consider two key measurements:
1.Rivet Diameter:The width of the rivet body, which determines the hole size needed in the material. For example, a 3/16 blind rivet requires a 3/16 inch drill bit for the hole.
2.Grip Length: The maximum thickness of the material that the rivet can fasten. Choosing a grip length that matches the total thickness of your workpieces ensures a tight, secure connection. If the grip length is too short, the rivet won’t expand properly; iftoo long, it may not clamp tightly.
3.Grip Range:It is range of material thickness ,We need follow grip range to match rivet and workpieces thickness.
You can check our size as example.
|
Rivet Diameter(inch) |
Rivet Diameter(mm) |
Grip Range(mm) |
Hole Size (mm) |
|
3/32” |
2.4mm |
0.5-2mm |
2.5mm |
|
1/8” |
3.2mm |
0.5-3mm |
3.3mm |
|
5/32” |
4.0mm |
1-4.5mm |
4.1mm |
|
3/16” |
4.8mm |
1.5-6mm |
4.9mm |
|
1/4” |
6.4mm |
2.5-9mm |
6.5mm |
3.Step-by-Step:How to Pick Blind Rivet Size
● Measure the total thickness of the materials you’re fastening before choosing a blind rivet size.
● For 3/16 blind rivet applications, ensure the total material thickness is within the rivet’s grip range (typically5-6mm).
● For heavy loads or thick materials, opt for larger sizes like 1/4 inch or metric 6 mm+ rivets.
● For thin or delicate materials, use smaller sizes like 1/8 inch or 3 mm to avoid damaging the material.
With this size guide, you can easily select the right blind rivet for your project,Of course,You also find drilling guide for rivet hole size, whether you’re using 3/16 blind rivets for standard applications or metric sizes for global projects.
4.Most Common Blind Rivet Sizing Mistakes
● Grip range too short-rivet can not form proper buld;
● Oversized drill hole-rivet pulls-through the substrate;
● Ignore galvanic corrosion between dissmilar metals;
● Using small-diameter rivet for high-load structural joints;
5.Size Considerations by Head Types
6.Material Impacts on Size Selection
Different material such as aluminium ,steel ,304 stainless steel have same diameter but different strength ,Stainless steel will load more .You can see our Material
7.FAQ
1.What is grip range on a blind rivet?
Generally speaking ,Grip range refers to total material -thickness range of blind rivet ,It can fasten securely.
2.Can I use a bigger drill bit for pop rivets?
Avoid oversized drill bits,Otherwise rivets may pull through the base material.
3.What size blind rivet for 2mm sheet metal?
Generally choose grip range between 2mm blind rivet,choose proper diameter for your metal .
4.Does rivet material change required size?
Same-size rivets of different materials deliver different shear and tensile strength .
5.How do I read pop rivet part numbers like 4-4?
The first digit is diameter in 1/32";the second digit stands for max grip in 1/16".
If you need more details of blind rivet size chart ,Pls contact us