Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
CSA O153-13 (2017): Comprehensive Technical Guide to Pop Rivets and Riveted Assemblies
Understanding the Requirements for Blind Rivets and Their Installation in Industrial Applications
Scope and Application
CSA O153-13 (2017), titled Pop Rivets and Riveted Assemblies, is the Canadian standard that defines the requirements for blind rivets (commonly known as pop rivets) and their use in riveted assemblies. This standard applies to break‑mandrel blind rivets made from aluminum, steel, stainless steel, copper, and other materials as specified. It covers rivets with dome head, countersunk head, and large flange head styles, intended for general engineering and construction applications.
The standard addresses both open‑end and closed‑end types, including structural, multi‑grip, and sealed rivets. It provides a classification system based on material, head style, and grip range. CSA O153-13 is widely referenced by manufacturers, installers, and inspection bodies to ensure consistent quality and performance of pop rivets across industries such as automotive, aerospace, HVAC, metal building, and general fabrication.
Technical Requirements
Materials and Finishes
CSA O153-13 specifies material compositions for each rivet type. Common materials include:
- Aluminum alloys (e.g., 5056, 5154, 1100) for general‑purpose rivets
- Carbon steel for high‑strength applications
- Stainless steel (AISI 304, 316) for corrosion‑resistant assemblies
- Copper and brass for electrical conductivity or aesthetic requirements
The standard also covers finishes such as zinc plating, cadmium plating, anodizing, and painting to enhance corrosion resistance. Mandrels must be made from steel or other materials that ensure proper break characteristics without damaging the rivet body.
Dimensional Tolerances
Rivets must meet strict dimensional tolerances for head diameter, head height, body diameter, hole size, and grip range. The standard provides tables for each head style and size. Below is a representative excerpt for dome head rivets:
| Rivet Diameter (nom.) | Head Diameter | Head Height | Grip Range | Mandrel Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 | 6.0–6.5 | 1.2–1.5 | 0.5–3.0 | 1.8–2.0 |
| 4.0 | 7.5–8.0 | 1.5–1.8 | 0.5–4.0 | 2.2–2.5 |
| 4.8 | 9.0–9.5 | 1.8–2.2 | 1.0–6.0 | 2.8–3.0 |
| 6.4 | 12.0–12.5 | 2.5–3.0 | 1.5–8.0 | 3.6–4.0 |
Mechanical Properties
CSA O153-13 sets minimum shear and tensile strength requirements for each rivet type and material. Testing must be performed on representative samples using calibrated equipment. The standard defines both ultimate strength and mandrel retention force. Typical values for a 4.8 mm diameter steel rivet include:
- Shear strength: 4.5 kN (minimum)
- Tensile strength: 3.0 kN (minimum)
- Mandrel break load: 1.5 kN – 2.3 kN
Mandrels must break cleanly within the rivet body without causing cracks or deformation. The standard also requires that the mandrel be retained after breakage (captive mandrel design) to prevent loose parts.
Tip: Always select a rivet with a grip range that is slightly larger than the total thickness of the materials being joined. Using a rivet with insufficient grip will cause poor setting and reduced strength.
Implementation Highlights
Installation Practices
Proper installation is critical to achieving the performance specified in CSA O153-13. Key factors include:
- Hole preparation: Holes must be drilled or punched to the recommended diameter (typically 0.1–0.2 mm larger than the rivet body). Burrs and debris must be removed.
- Tool setting: Pneumatic, hydraulic, or manual rivet setting tools must be capable of pulling the mandrel to the required tension without exceeding the break load.
- Grip consistency: The rivet must be inserted squarely into the hole before setting. Angled insertion can lead to off‑centre mandrel breakage and reduced strength.
- Inspection: After setting, the rivet head should be fully formed, the mandrel broken flush or slightly below the head, and no visible cracks or gaps in the assembly.
Warning: Do not reuse blind rivets. Once the mandrel has been pulled and broken, the rivet cannot be re‑set. Attempting to re‑use a pop rivet compromises structural integrity.
Quality Assurance
Manufacturers seeking CSA compliance must implement a quality program that includes:
- Incoming material inspection with mill certificates
- Batch sampling for dimensional checks (Table 1)
- Proof testing of rivets for shear, tensile, and mandrel break load
- Documentation of test results and traceability
Third‑party certification is available through accredited bodies. Licensed products may bear the CSA marking, indicating conformity with O153-13.
Compliance and Certification Notes
CSA O153-13 is a mandatory standard for certain applications in Canada, particularly where building codes reference CSA O153 for fasteners in structural connections. The standard is recognized by the Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) and is often invoked in provincial regulations for cold‑formed steel framing, metal cladding, and ductwork.
Compliance check: When purchasing pop rivets, verify that the packaging or product marking includes the standard number (CSA O153-13) and the manufacturer’s identification. This ensures the product has been tested and meets the mechanical and dimensional requirements.
Non‑compliance risks include joint failure, fatigue cracking, and mandrel ejection, which can lead to safety hazards. For critical applications, such as pressure vessels or structural supports, design engineers should specify rivets conforming to CSA O153-13 and require certificates of compliance from suppliers.
Caution: Rivets installed in environments subject to high temperatures (above 150°C) or aggressive chemicals may require special materials (e.g., stainless steel) and should be evaluated per the standard’s supplementary requirements. Always consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for extreme conditions.
The 2017 reaffirmation of the 2013 edition did not introduce technical changes but confirmed the standard’s continued relevance. Users should always refer to the latest edition or any amendments issued by CSA Group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between open‑end and closed‑end pop rivets under CSA O153-13?
A: Open‑end rivets have a hollow body that is closed by the mandrel during setting; they are suitable for non‑sealed applications. Closed‑end rivets have a fully closed body that provides a water‑tight seal. The standard specifies separate requirements for each type, particularly for mandrel retention and sealing ability.
A: Open‑end rivets have a hollow body that is closed by the mandrel during setting; they are suitable for non‑sealed applications. Closed‑end rivets have a fully closed body that provides a water‑tight seal. The standard specifies separate requirements for each type, particularly for mandrel retention and sealing ability.
Q: Does CSA O153-13 cover structural rivets?
A: Yes. The standard includes a classification for structural rivets, which have higher minimum shear and tensile strengths (typically 10–30% above standard rivets) and tighter control on mandrel break characteristics and grip range tolerance.
A: Yes. The standard includes a classification for structural rivets, which have higher minimum shear and tensile strengths (typically 10–30% above standard rivets) and tighter control on mandrel break characteristics and grip range tolerance.
Q: Are there any recommended test methods for verifying compliance?
A: CSA O153-13 references test methods such as CSA B44 (for tensile testing) and ASTM E8/E8M for material properties. Manufacturers typically use a universal testing machine to perform shear (single lap joint) and tensile (cross‑head pull) tests at a rate of 5 mm/min. Mandrel break load is measured by pulling the mandrel until failure while recording the peak load.
A: CSA O153-13 references test methods such as CSA B44 (for tensile testing) and ASTM E8/E8M for material properties. Manufacturers typically use a universal testing machine to perform shear (single lap joint) and tensile (cross‑head pull) tests at a rate of 5 mm/min. Mandrel break load is measured by pulling the mandrel until failure while recording the peak load.
Q: Can I use pop rivets without CSA marking if imported?
A: Imported rivets may be accepted if the importer provides evidence of compliance with CSA O153-13, typically through a test report from an accredited laboratory. However, for regulated applications, only products bearing the CSA mark or equivalent certification (e.g., UL, ETL) are usually accepted by local authorities.
A: Imported rivets may be accepted if the importer provides evidence of compliance with CSA O153-13, typically through a test report from an accredited laboratory. However, for regulated applications, only products bearing the CSA mark or equivalent certification (e.g., UL, ETL) are usually accepted by local authorities.
This article is based on CSA O153-13 (R2017) and provides general guidance. For complete details, refer to the official standard published by CSA Group. © 2026