ISO 15981:2002 PDF

Overview - ISO 15981:2002 (open end blind rivets)

ISO 15981:2002 specifies dimensional and mechanical characteristics and application data for open end blind rivets with break pull mandrel and protruding head (AIA/AIA). It covers rivets with an aluminium alloy body and aluminium alloy mandrel, with nominal diameters from 2.4 mm to 6.4 mm. The standard defines sizes, hole diameters, strength limits, test requirements and designation rules for these aluminium blind rivets.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and materials
  • Applies to open end blind rivets, break pull mandrel, protruding (domed) head.
  • Body and mandrel: aluminium alloy (AlA/AIA); exact alloy left to the manufacturer.
  • Surface finish: raw (unfinished).
• Dimensions
  • Nominal diameters: 2.4, 3.2, 4.0, 4.8, 6.4 mm.
  • Head diameter and height design formulas (Annex A): head diameter ≈ 2.1 × d, head height max ≈ 0.415 × d (rounded rules apply).
  • Hole (clearance) diameters specified per nominal rivet size (e.g., for d = 4.0 mm, h1 = 4.1–4.2 mm).
• Mechanical characteristics
  • Minimum shear and tensile loads and maximum mandrel break loads are listed by size (e.g., for d = 4.0 mm: shear ≥ 850 N, tensile ≥ 1 020 N, mandrel break max 2 700 N).
  • Head retention: minimum head-retention forces are specified (e.g., for d = 4.0 mm → 20 N).
  • Mandrel pull-out resistance before installation: must exceed 10 N.
• Quality and testing
  • Acceptance testing per ISO 3269 and mechanical tests per ISO 14589.
  • Rivets must be free from harmful burrs, cracks (no cracks at ×5 magnification after installation), and correctly formed.
• Designation
  • Example format: Rivet aveugle ISO 15981 - 4 ×××× 12 - AIA/AIA

Applications and practical use

• Typical uses: lightweight structural fastening in transportation, electronics, appliances, sheet metal assemblies and other applications where blind-side access is required.
• Benefits: reliable aluminium-to-aluminium fastening, predictable shear/tensile performance, and standardized hole/length guidance to ensure consistent installation.
• Practical notes:
  • Designers should use the specified hole clearances and recommended grip ranges to achieve rated loads.
  • Manufacturers and suppliers use ISO 15981 to specify product families and verify mechanical performance.
  • Quality inspectors reference the acceptance criteria and test methods to confirm conformity.

Who uses ISO 15981

• Fastener manufacturers and tooling suppliers
• Mechanical and product design engineers
• Procurement specialists specifying blind rivets
• Quality assurance and testing laboratories
• OEMs in automotive, aerospace, electronics and general manufacturing

Related standards

• ISO 3269 - Fastener acceptance inspection
• ISO 14588 - Blind rivet terminology and dimensions symbols
• ISO 14589 - Blind rivet mechanical testing

Keywords: ISO 15981, open end blind rivets, aluminium rivets, break pull mandrel, protruding head, blind rivet specifications, dimensional characteristics, mechanical properties.