Here's why:
* Traditional rivets require access to both sides of the material. They are set by hammering a piece of metal (the rivet) through a hole, creating a permanent connection.
* Pop rivets use a specialized tool that sets the rivet from one side. The tool pushes a mandrel (a pin) through the rivet, expanding the rivet's body and creating a tight connection.
The term "blind" refers to the fact that you don't need to see the back side of the material to install them. This makes them ideal for applications where access to the other side is limited, such as:
* Sheet metal fabrication: Where you might be joining panels together inside a closed structure.
* Automotive repair: Where you might need to attach a panel to a car body without taking the whole thing apart.
* Furniture assembly: Where you might want to fasten pieces without showing the fasteners on the exterior.
So, the name "blind rivet" accurately describes the way they are installed and the situations where they are particularly useful.