What type of fastener is commonly used in sheet metal applications?

Blind rivets are commonly used in sheet metal applications due to their design, which allows them to be installed in areas where only one side of the workpiece is accessible. They consist of a mandrel and a tubular body; as the mandrel is pulled, it deforms the body of the rivet, creating a secure and permanent fastening that tightly joins the sheets of metal together. This is particularly advantageous in assembly processes where access to both sides of the material is limited, such as in automotive and aerospace industries.

In contrast, hex bolts typically require access to both sides for nut and bolt installation, wood screws are designed for use with wood and do not perform well with metal, and eye bolts are primarily used to create a temporary or permanent attachment point for lifting or securing loads, rather than for fastening sheets of metal together. Thus, blind rivets stand out as the ideal choice for these specific applications.