Overview
ISO 16585:2002 defines dimensional and mechanical characteristics and application data for closed end blind rivets with a break pull mandrel and a protruding head. The standard covers rivets with an austenitic stainless-steel body (A2) and a stainless-steel mandrel (SSt) in nominal diameters from 3.2 mm up to and including 6.4 mm. It specifies tolerances, clearance hole sizes, grip ranges and minimum mechanical performance when tested according to ISO procedures.
Key features include:
- Closed end blind rivet design with pull mandrel and protruding head
- Material combination: A2 rivet body and SSt mandrel
- Nominal diameters: 3.2 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.8 mm and 6.4 mm
- Plain (natural) surface finish
Key Topics
Dimensions and tolerances
The standard references ISO 14588 for symbols and defines rivet body and mandrel dimensions (see Figure 1 and Table 1 in the document). Clearance hole diameters (h1) are specified to avoid assembly difficulties and to maintain shear and tensile performance.
Mechanical properties
Minimum shear and tensile loads and maximum mandrel break loads are specified in Table 3 and derived by testing in accordance with ISO 14589. Representative values listed in the standard include (nominal diameter → shear min / tensile min / mandrel break max):
- 3.2 mm → 2 000 N / 2 200 N / 4 500 N
- 4.0 mm → 3 000 N / 3 500 N / 6 500 N
- 4.8 mm → 4 000 N / 4 400 N / 8 500 N
- 6.4 mm → 6 000 N / 8 000 N / 16 000 N
Workmanship and acceptance
The rivets shall be free from burrs and harmful defects, have well-formed heads and shanks, and show no cracking at 5× magnification after setting. Acceptance inspection follows ISO 3269 unless otherwise agreed.
Applications
ISO 16585 rivets are specified where corrosion-resistant blind fastening is required and access is limited to one side of the joint. Typical uses include:
- Stainless steel assemblies where a closed end prevents fluid ingress
- Equipment and enclosures requiring corrosion resistance
- Situations demanding predictable shear and tensile performance for nominal diameters 3.2–6.4 mm
Designers and procurement specialists can use the standard to select the correct rivet diameter, grip range and clearance hole to meet mechanical requirements and application constraints.
Related Standards
- ISO 14588 - Blind rivets: terminology and definitions
- ISO 14589 - Blind rivets: mechanical testing
- ISO 3506-1 - Mechanical properties of corrosion-resistant stainless-steel fasteners (A2 material reference)
- ISO 3269 - Fasteners: acceptance inspection
Designation example: Blind rivet ISO 16585 - 4×××× 12 - A2/SSt
This content highlights practical selection criteria and the tested mechanical performance defined in ISO 16585:2002 for closed end blind rivets (A2/SSt).
