CR3242-5-7 – CherryMAX® Flush Head 100 Degree Blind Rivet
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
Overview
The CherryMAX® CR3242-5-7 is a genuine, high-strength, "bulbed," oversized structural blind rivet, a premier fastening solution for aerospace structural repair. This rivet is specifically designed for use in load-bearing applications where the original hole has been drilled out to the first oversize diameter. Its key feature is a locked spindle design, where the stem is mechanically locked into the sleeve, creating a strong, vibration-resistant joint. This rivet features a 100° countersunk head, allowing it to sit perfectly flush with the surrounding skin, which is essential for maintaining aerodynamic smoothness on high-performance aircraft.
Key Features
- Oversized Shank: The "-5" designation indicates a nominal 5/32" rivet, but this CR3242 series part features a 1st oversize shank diameter. This is specifically intended for certified repairs where a damaged standard-size rivet has been removed and the hole has been enlarged to the next standard dimension.
- 100° Flush Head: Designed with a 100-degree flush head that fits into a standard countersunk hole. This creates a smooth, aerodynamically clean surface, reducing drag on aircraft skins, panels, and fairings.
- Locked Spindle Mechanism: Features the proprietary CherryMAX® "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 surface 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
Technical Specifications
- Part Number: CR3242-5-7
- Component Type: Bulbed, Locking Spindle, Oversized, 100° Flush Head Blind Rivet
- Head Style: 100° Flush (Countersunk)
- Nominal Diameter (-5): 5/32 inch (0.156 inches)
- Shank Diameter (Oversized): 0.170 - 0.173 inches
- Grip Range (-07): 0.376 - 0.437 inches (This is the total material thickness the rivet can fasten)
- Materials: 5056 Aluminum Sleeve / Alloy Steel Stem
- NAS Standard: Conforms to NAS9305B
- Installation Tool Requirement: Pneumatic or manual CherryMAX pulling head (e.g., H701B-456 with the correct nose piece) and hydro-shift riveter (e.g., G747, G704B).
Aircraft Compatibility
The CherryMAX® CR3242-5-7 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 Skin Repair: The primary application is for repairing cracks, replacing corroded sections, and patching holes in aluminum skins and structures where a flush finish is required and the original hole has been reamed to the first oversize.
- "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 bulbed 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 approved method for installing a 5/32" nominal rivet in a hole that has been drilled to the first oversize standard for a flush-fit application.
- 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 on firewalls, engine nacelles, and areas subject to high vibration.
Why Choose CR3242-5-7?
When performing a structural repair on an aircraft, especially on an aerodynamic surface, the integrity of the fasteners is paramount. CherryMAX® rivets are the industry standard for high-strength blind fastening. The CR3242-5-7 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 and aerodynamic profile to the structure. For certified structural repairs, there is no substitute for a proven, high-quality blind fastener like the CherryMAX®.
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- Meta Title: CR3242-5-7 CherryMAX® Oversized Blind Rivet | 5/32" Flush Head | Airparts.aero
- Meta Description: Purchase genuine CherryMAX® CR3242-5-7 oversized structural blind rivets. This 5/32" nominal rivet with a 100° flush head is designed for high-strength repairs in enlarged holes. Grip range .376-.437".
- SEO and Plain Text Keywords: CR3242-5-7, CherryMAX rivet, blind rivet, structural rivet, oversized rivet, countersunk rivet, flush head rivet, aircraft rivet, aerospace fastener, locking rivet, bulbed rivet, structural repair, Airparts.aero.
Order Your CR3242-5-7 CherryMAX® Rivets Now
Perform your structural repairs with the certified, high-strength fasteners the industry trusts. Visit Airparts.aero to order your CherryMAX® CR3242-5-7 blind rivets today.
SEO-Enhanced Addendum
The installation of a CherryMAX® CR3242-5-7 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.
