Abstract: This invention relates to an improved blind fastener assembly and an improved joint assembly using the blind fastener assembly. The blind fastener assembly is adapted to be installed in a workpiece having a first and a second surface with an opening therebetween. The blind fastener is of the type having a core pin, expander means, expandable sleeve means, and resilient washer means, each having an initial diameter which permits it to pass through the opening in the workpiece. The improvement in the blind fastener assembly in accordance with this invention comprises the washer means having two portions including an inner portion and an integrally formed outer flange portion. The inner portion has a tapered nose section tapering outwardly away from the core pin shank portion to facilitate expansion of the sleeve means over the inner portion. The integrally formed outer flange portion is adapted to be unfolded by the sleeve means to form a bearing surface against the second surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A blind fastener assembly suitable for use in joint assemblies including advanced composite material workpieces. The blind fastener assembly includes a core pin having an enlarged head, an expander having a head and a tapered nose portion and being mounted to the core pin, and a frangible sleeve mounted to the core pin between the enlarged head and the expander. The blind fastener assembly is insertable through aligned holes in the workpieces so that the head of the expander abuts the accessible side of the workpiece. Relative longitudinal movement of the core pin and the expander nut causes the sleeve to expand over the tapered nose and to break into two pieces, one of the two pieces expanding over the other of the two pieces to provide a large bearing surface on the blind side of the workpieces.

Abstract: A backing fixture is arranged for use with a pull gun to crimp eyelet type inserts under extemporaneous field conditions. When the desired crimping force is less than the force output of the pull gun, the backing fixture is modified with a spring to limit the crimping force. By compressing the spring prior to crimping operations, its size is decreased and by incorporating means for varying the magnitude of pre-crimp spring compression, the crimping force is made adjustable.