What component of a blind rivet is utilized to pull the rivet body during installation?

The correct choice, the mandrel, is a crucial component of a blind rivet that plays an essential role during the installation process. When a blind rivet is installed, the mandrel is pulled through the body of the rivet, which causes the body to expand and securely fasten the materials together. This mechanism allows for a strong connection even in instances where the installation area is not accessible from the back side of the material.

In blind rivets, the design relies on the mandrel to create the necessary deformations in the rivet body. As the mandrel is pulled, it causes the tail of the rivet body to flare out, effectively creating a "clamping" effect that secures the rivet in place. This feature is particularly advantageous in aerospace applications where reliability and strength are paramount. The ability to install these rivets without needing access to both sides of the material is also a decisive factor in choosing blind rivets for various assembly tasks.

Other components, such as the body, clamp, and surface, do not perform the same critical function of pulling and expanding the rivet during installation, thus highlighting the mandrel's vital role in ensuring that the rivet performs effectively.