CR3243-4-02 – CherryMax Oversized Universal Head Blind Rivet 1/8
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
Overview
The CherryMax CR3243-4-02 is a high-strength, "bulbed," oversized structural blind rivet, a premier fastening solution for aerospace assembly and repair. This rivet is specifically designed for use in structural applications where the original hole has been drilled out to the first oversize diameter (0.140" for a nominal 1/8" rivet). Its key feature is a locked spindle design, where the stem is mechanically locked into the sleeve, creating a strong, vibration-resistant joint that is comparable in strength to a solid rivet. The universal head provides a compromise between the height of a protruding head and the flush finish of a countersunk head, making it highly versatile.
Key Features
- Oversized Shank: The "-4" designation indicates a nominal 1/8" rivet, but this CR3243 series part features a 1st oversize shank diameter of 0.140 inches. This is specifically intended for repairs where a damaged standard-size rivet has been removed and the hole has been enlarged.
- Locked Spindle Mechanism: Features a mechanically locking collar that secures the stem within the rivet sleeve during installation. This prevents the loss of the stem due to vibration (a common failure mode in older blind rivet designs) and creates a joint with high shear and tensile strength.
- "Bulbed" Blind-Side Footprint: Engineered to form a large, bulbed footprint on the blind side of the structure. This large bearing area provides excellent load distribution, making it ideal for use in thin sheet metal and composite materials without causing damage.
- Multi-Component Alloy Construction: Comprised of several high-strength alloys:
- Sleeve: 5056 Aluminum Alloy
- Stem: 8740 Alloy Steel
- Locking Collar: Monel
- Color-Coded Stem: The stem is color-coded to indicate the material combination and grip range, ensuring positive visual identification of the correct fastener before installation.
Technical Specifications
- Part Number: CR3243-4-02
- Component Type: Bulbed, Locking Spindle, Oversized, Universal Head Blind Rivet
- Head Style: Universal Head
- Nominal Diameter: 1/8 inch (#4)
- Shank Diameter (Oversized): 0.139 - 0.142 inches
- Grip Range (-02): 0.063 - 0.125 inches (This is the total material thickness the rivet can fasten)
- Materials: Aluminum Sleeve / Alloy Steel Stem
- Installation Tool Requirement: Pneumatic or manual CherryMax pulling head (e.g., H701B-456) and hydro-shift riveter (e.g., G747, G704B).
Aircraft Compatibility
The CherryMax CR3243-4-02 is a universal structural repair fastener used across all categories of aircraft in accordance with the manufacturer's Structural Repair Manual (SRM). It is not specific to one model but is a standard component for performing airworthy repairs.
- Common Applications:
- Structural Repair: The primary application is for repairing cracks, replacing corroded sections, and patching holes in aluminum skins and structures.
- "Blind" Assemblies: Used to install structural components where there is no physical access to the backside to install a traditional solid rivet or a nut and bolt.
- Composite Assembly: The large blind-side footprint is ideal for fastening composite materials without delaminating or crushing the structure.
Applications
This rivet is the engineered solution for creating high-strength, permanent joints in challenging situations:
- Oversize Hole Repairs: The only approved method for installing a 1/8" nominal rivet in a hole that has been drilled to the first oversize standard.
- High-Vibration Structures: The mechanically locked stem ensures the rivet maintains its structural integrity and will not fail due to vibration, making it suitable for use in engine cowlings, firewalls, and areas near high-power machinery.
- Thin Sheet Metal Fastening: Provides a reliable and strong joint in thin aluminum skins where the bearing surface is critical.
Why Choose CR3243-4-02?
When performing a structural repair on an aircraft, the integrity of the fasteners is paramount. CherryMax rivets are the industry standard for high-strength blind fastening. The CR3243-4-02 provides a solution that is equivalent in strength to a solid rivet but can be installed from one side by a single operator. Its locked stem and large blind-side footprint create a safe, durable, and airworthy repair that restores the original strength to the structure. For certified structural repairs, there is no substitute for a proven, high-quality blind fastener like the CherryMax.
Order Your CR3243-4-02 CherryMax Rivets Now
Perform your structural repairs with the certified, high-strength fasteners the industry trusts. Visit Airparts.aero to order your CherryMax CR3243-4-02 blind rivets today.
The installation of a CherryMax CR3243-4-02 rivet is a process of controlled tensile fracture. A specialized pulling head is placed over the rivet's stem. When the tool is actuated, it pulls the stem through the rivet sleeve. The head of the stem forces the end of the sleeve to expand and form a large, bulbed "foot" on the blind side, clamping the material sheets together. As the pulling force continues to increase, it overcomes the tensile strength of the stem at a pre-engineered break notch. Simultaneously, the pulling head drives a Monel locking collar into the rivet sleeve, expanding it to securely lock the remaining portion of the stem in place. The stem then fractures flush with the rivet head, creating a solid, locked, and inspectable joint.
Note: This is a flight-critical structural component. It must only be installed where specified by an approved structural repair manual or other engineering disposition. Installation requires specialized CherryMax tooling. The selection of the correct grip length is critical for proper formation of the blind head and the strength of the final joint.
