Reliable blind rivets

[JaySMech]

Hi all,
I have a design that requires the use of blind rivets as I cannot access one end of the joint. I am designing for shear and tension loads of under 100N however the rivets need to hold up for 20 years and not loosen with vibrations.
I have no experience with rivets but I am assuming I should go for a rivet which maintains its mandrel by positive re-enforcement. I also would like something relatively cheap. So far I have researched the Cherry N rivet. I was recommended the Cherry Max line but that seems to be too expensive. Any knowledge or tips would be appreciated.

 

[Bobber1]

You can have cheap and a short life. Or you can have expensive and a long life. But you can't have both.

I don't mean to be cynical but 20 years is a long time if you have a vibratory load. At the very least, use a lot of rivets to keep their individual loadings very low, where vibrations would have less effect. I agree with your choosing a rivet that retains its mandrel.

Bob G.

 

[JaySMech]

Thank you Bob,
The load is not exactly vibratory. Its a 6KG structure that will be outdoors so the vibrations will be due to wind loading.
I share your opinion on expensive rivets having longer life. However most "expensive rivets" are designed for extremely high loading (1000s of newtons). I was hoping that there would be reliable rivets that are designed for a lesser loading which are not as expensive. I was looking at the Cherry N rivets, which are relatively inexpensive and retain the mandrel. However I do not know about their longevity or reliability.
Jay

 

[Tmoose]

I think generically a successful design could use the "cheapest" of rivets. I'd seriously consider effects of thermal expansion cycles and corrosion protection.

I think poor manufacturing practices and especially sloppy rivet installation could easily ruin a perfectly adequate design.
You probably already found this -

http://www.boltcouncil.org/files/2ndEditionGuide.pdf

In the past some folks have said things like " Avex blind rivets are the only reasonably priced "good" blind rivet readily available ."