What is the purpose of a blind rivet?

A blind rivet is specifically designed to be installed in situations where the back side of the material being fastened is not accessible—often where a bucking bar cannot be used. A blind rivet can be inserted from one side of the assembly, and as it is drawn tight, it creates a permanent connection without needing access to the back side of the structure. This capability is essential in many aerospace applications, where access to both sides of a joint may be limited or impractical.

In the context of structural assembly, blind rivets play a critical role in ensuring that components are securely fastened together while allowing for the integrity of the assembly to remain intact, particularly in areas where maintenance access is restricted. Other types of rivets or fastening methods would not provide the necessary ease of installation without dual access, making blind rivets invaluable in such scenarios.