How Bulb-Tites Work
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June 06 11:57:14, 2025
What is a Bulb-Tite® Rivet?
Bulb-Tite rivets are a high-performance fastener that stands out from other structural rivet types thanks to their load-spreading tri-star anchor and EPDM washer. These features provide a weather and vibration-resistant seal while offering a large blind-side bearing area.
These specialized structural rivets distribute the clamping force through their anchor blades, providing excellent pull-through resistance. This makes them an ideal choice for safety anchor points and in the fabrication of pantech and refrigerated truck bodies. Known for their extended material grip range, Bulb-Tites allow a single rivet to cover a broader range of material gauges, including curved or uneven surfaces.
For a deeper understanding of structural rivets, check out our rivet blog.
How to Install Bulb-Tite® Rivets
Installing Bulb-Tite rivets is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Here’s how:
1. Pre-drill the correct diameter hole.
2. Use the appropriate nose tip and jaws for a professional finish.
3. Insert the rivet body into the pre-drilled hole.
4. Pull the pin and head into the rivet body using the rivet tool.
5. Form the blind-side tri-star anchor.
6. Once the breaking force is reached, the pin will break at the notch.
7. The blind rivet is now set and clamps the parts together.
How Do Bulb-Tite® Rivets Work?
Unlike standard rivets, Bulb-Tite structural rivets feature an internal mechanism that locks part of the pin (mandrel) inside the rivet's body. This adds an extra layer of material that strengthens the rivet while interlocking with the material to create inner strength. When installing a Bulb-Tite, the slotted body folds and splits into propeller-shaped anchor blades on the blind side. The diagram below provides a four-step overview of the process.
[Insert images showing the installation steps]
Proper Placement for Bulb-Tite® Rivets
It’s crucial to ensure there’s enough blind-side space for the slotted body rivet to fold and bend into propeller-shaped anchor blades. Incorrect placement can lead to weak joints and potential leaks.
Recommended Rivet Guns
For optimal results, we recommend using high-quality rivet guns such as the Gesipa PowerBird Pro Gold or the FAR RT-33 Long Lever Tool.
Correct Bulb-Tite® Rivet Installation
A properly installed Bulb-Tite rivet should show the stem just above or just below the surface (no more than 5mm below). The rivet should have “bulbed out†correctly, sealing off the joint. If the rivet is 3mm or more below the surface, it’s advisable to apply silicone for added protection. To verify correctness, inspect the seal under the rivet. If it’s squashed and feels tight, it has bulbed out correctly.
Incorrect Bulb-Tite® Rivet Installation
An improperly installed rivet might have the stem too far below the surface. The rivet may not have “bulbed out†correctly, lacking strength, and the seal might not be adequate, posing potential leak risks. Often, this happens because the “bulb†cannot expand fully due to clashing with the side of the roof sheet. To prevent this, ensure the rivet goes into the center.
In conclusion, proper installation techniques and tools are essential for achieving strong, reliable joints with Bulb-Tite rivets. Always follow the guidelines to ensure your projects are safe and durable.