CR3212-4-03 – Textron OEM CherryMAX® Blind Structural 1/8 Diameter .126-.187 Grip Rivet
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
Overview
The CherryMAX® CR3212-4-03 is a genuine, high-strength, "bulbed," locking spindle blind rivet, representing the industry standard for aerospace structural assembly and repair where a flush finish is required. Specified for use by Textron Aviation, this rivet is engineered to be installed "blind"—from only one side of the structure—while providing shear and tensile strength comparable to solid rivets. It features the patented CherryMAX® locking spindle mechanism, which ensures the stem is mechanically locked into the rivet sleeve, creating a strong, vibration-proof joint. This CR3212 series rivet features a 100° countersunk head and a nominal diameter shank for standard hole applications.
Key Features
100° Flush Head: Designed with a 100-degree flush head that fits into a standard countersunk hole. This creates a smooth, aerodynamically clean surface, essential for minimizing drag on aircraft skins, panels, and fairings.
Mechanically Locked Spindle: Features the proprietary "Safe-Lock" locking collar. This collar mechanically locks the stem into the rivet sleeve during installation, preventing stem loss from vibration and creating a solid, hole-filling joint with exceptional structural integrity.
"Bulbed" Blind-Side Footprint: Engineered to form a large, bulbed footprint on the blind side of the structure. This wide bearing area effectively distributes clamp-up force, making it ideal for thin sheet metal applications and preventing damage to composite materials.
Multi-Component Alloy Construction: Comprised of a specific combination of high-strength alloys for optimal performance:
Sleeve: 5056 Aluminum Alloy
Stem: High-Strength Alloy Steel
Nominal Diameter Shank: This rivet is designed with a nominal diameter shank for use in standard, new-production tolerance holes.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: CR3212-4-03
Component Type: Bulbed, Locking Spindle, Nominal Diameter, 100° Flush Head Blind Rivet
Head Style: 100° Flush (Countersunk)
Nominal Diameter (-4): 1/8 inch (0.125 inches)
Shank Diameter: 0.126 - 0.129 inches
Grip Range (-03): 0.126 - 0.187 inches
Materials: 5056 Aluminum Sleeve / Alloy Steel Stem
NAS Standard: Conforms to NAS1399C
Installation Tool Requirement: Pneumatic or manual CherryMAX pulling head (e.g., H753A-456) and hydro-shift riveter (e.g., G747, G704B).
Aircraft Compatibility
The CherryMAX® CR3212-4-03 is a universal structural fastener used extensively in the manufacturing and repair of all types of modern aircraft, including the full range from Textron Aviation (Cessna, Beechcraft).
Common Applications:
Skin & Panel Installation: Attaching fuselage, wing, and empennage skins where a smooth aerodynamic surface is required.
Structural Assembly: Joining ribs, stringers, and other internal structural components where access to the backside is limited.
High-Vibration Structures: The locked stem ensures the rivet maintains its structural integrity and will not fail due to vibration, making it suitable for use on firewalls, engine nacelles, and areas subject to high vibration.
Applications
This rivet is the specified solution for creating strong, permanent joints where a flush finish is essential:
Aerodynamic Surfaces: Its primary use is on external aircraft surfaces to minimize parasitic drag.
Blind Structural Repairs: Allows for certified structural repairs to be made to areas like box beams or control surfaces where bucking a solid rivet is impossible.
Thin Sheet Fastening: The large bulbed tail provides the necessary bearing support to achieve high clamp-up force in thin materials without damage.
Why Choose CR3212-4-03?
For structural applications requiring a flush finish, the CherryMAX® CR3212-4-03 offers unparalleled reliability and strength. Its mechanically locked stem provides a visually inspectable, vibration-proof joint that is a certified replacement for solid rivets in many applications. Unlike simpler "pop" rivets, the CherryMAX® is a true structural fastener, designed and tested to withstand flight loads safely. For any airworthy repair or assembly on an aerodynamic surface, the CR3212 is a globally trusted and certified solution.
Order Your CR3212-4-03 CherryMAX® Rivets Now
Execute your structural repairs with the certified, high-strength fasteners that define the aerospace industry. Visit Airparts.aero to order your CherryMAX® CR3212-4-03 blind rivets today.
The installation of a CherryMAX® CR3212-4-03 rivet is a precisely engineered process. A specialized pulling head grips the rivet's serrated stem. As the tool is actuated, it pulls the stem, causing the rivet sleeve to form a large, uniform bulb on the blind side of the material. This action draws the material sheets together, providing a high clamp-up force. As pulling continues, a locking collar on the stem is driven into a recess in the rivet head, mechanically locking the stem into the sleeve. This creates a solid, hole-filling assembly. Finally, the stem fractures at its designed break notch, ensuring a flush finish with the rivet head. The visible locking collar provides a key post-installation inspectability feature, confirming a successful and secure installation.
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. A clean, correctly-angled countersunk hole is required for proper installation.