Rivets

[dcollison]

I need to replace the orange running light on the front/driver’s side of our 17 foot trailer. Dustin at escape says they use 5x 5 ‘blind’ rivets. Does a anyone know were to get these (google search failed) and if i need a special rivet gun for blind rivets? Thanks!

[cpaharley2008]

Is this the lower one one the driver side? perhaps access to rear from the inside?

[tdf-texas]

Originally Posted by dcollison

I need to replace the orange running light on the front/driver’s side of our 17 foot trailer. Dustin at escape says they use 5x 5 ‘blind’ rivets. Does a anyone know were to get these (google search failed) and if i need a special rivet gun for blind rivets? Thanks!

Blind rivets are commonly referred to as POP Rivets. 5 x 5 refers to the size of the pop rivet - 5mm diameter x 5mm long. As 5mm pop rivets are not as common in the US as in Canada, a 3/16 pop rivet is close enough to the same size.

These should work.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Arrow-3-...16IP/100211151

And a medium duty pop rivet gun is fine.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-...R33C/203771504

I would put a little dab of Proflex in the hole where the rivet is being installed to prevent a leak later.

[BigSwede]

Blind rivet is apparently another name for a pop rivet. https://blog.baysupply.com/pop-rivet...0in%20place.re though.

[Eggscape]

A blind rivet can also be a pop rivet that is sealed after you install it and does not have the usual hole that a normal pop rivet leaves.

It works the same way but is designed differently.

I am not sure where you get them today but there are shops that are dedicated in selling all sorts of fasteners...but usually by the box.

My example here is over 20 years old which I keep a few for very special occasions.

Personally I would just use a normal pop rivet and fill the remaining center hole with a sealer of your choice or if you can get at the back...simply use a stainless steal screw and nut.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

A blind rivet can also be a pop rivet that is sealed after you install it and does not have the usual hole that a normal pop rivet leaves.

You beat me to it. I was going to say there's also a blind blind rivet. I've used them in applications such as constructing aluminum water tanks where you don't want a center hole in the rivet.

For non critical things an ordinary run of the mill pop rivet will do. Just make sure that if it's in a location that's visible or exposed to moisture that you get an aluminum rivet with an aluminum shank. If you have an aluminum rivet with a steel shank the small piece of shank in the center can rust which is unsightly.

Ron

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

A blind rivet can also be a pop rivet that is sealed after you install it and does not have the usual hole that a normal pop rivet leaves.

In rivets, "blind" means installed from one side... you can't see (or more importantly, reach) the other side.

What you are showing in the photo are two blind rivets; the one labelled "blind" is a closed-end rivet. Yes, closed-end rivets are preferred because they don't leak through a central hole.

[Centex]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

In rivets, "blind" means installed from one side... you can't see (or more importantly, reach) the other side.

What you are showing in the photo are two blind rivets; the one labelled "blind" is a closed-end rivet. Yes, closed-end rivets are preferred because they don't leak through a central hole.

^This^ . And here's an excellent source (at least in the US) for all types:

https://www.grainger.com/category/fa...veElement=true

Note that entering the term "blind rivet" in Grainger's search box yields listings of all types, with "Closed End Rivets" being an easily selected subset (left side menu):

https://www.grainger.com/category/fa...&filters=attrs

[gbaglo]

Apparently, they have competition.

[escape artist]

Hi: gbaglo... What a "Riveting" correction in terminology. If I can get in behind them I use S/S bolts and nuts. I might work slow but I'm not blind!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Centex]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Apparently, they have competition.

Certainly, I never implied that Grainger is an exclusive source for such, there are many and it's always wise to shop around

Understanding and using industry-standard terms can help in that effort.

For me with a Grainger storefront nearby their quick 'free shipping to store' is just a reliable convenience so I use 'em a lot for this sort of thing. I happen to like Grainger's policy that items ordered for store delivery are not billed online at time of order - you do not enter CC / payment info online, you pay by swiping your card at the store when you pickup the items . YMMV.