Definition
A patented brand of blind rivet used in aircraft structures, installed entirely from one side of the workpiece. A pull-stem mechanism draws a stem through the hollow rivet body, expanding the blind end to form a head on the far side, then breaks off flush, leaving a permanent self-locking fastener.
Plain English
A type of rivet you can install when you can only reach one side of the metal. You pull on a stem, the back end swells out to grip the structure, and the stem snaps off — leaving a strong, sealed fastener.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft sheet-metal repair, maintenance manuals, and parts lists when the back side of a joint cannot be reached for a standard solid rivet.
Derivation
Cherrylock is a registered trademark of the Cherry Aerospace company, which pioneered blind rivet designs for aircraft. The name has become common shorthand on shop floors for this style of locked-stem blind rivet.
Why Pilots Care
Creates dependable structural joints that maintain airframe strength and safety throughout the aircraft's service life.
Intuition Check
Do not read Cherrylock as a color or a general description. It is a specific trade-name rivet with a locking center stem, not just any blind rivet.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic used Cherrylock rivets to attach the new skin patch because the inside of the wing structure was sealed and could not be reached.
Example Sentence 2
During the annual inspection the mechanic checked each Cherrylock rivet for proper collar lock and flush seating.