This test method is intended solely for the shear testing of rivets and cold-heading wire and rod, and is not generally recommended for the determination of the shear strength of other products. For rivets, this method is limited to rivets having a shank length equal to or greater than 2d.

Note 2-The results of shear tests of specimens machined from products other than wire, rod, and rivets may be greatly dependent upon the orientation of the specimen within the original test material, and the direction in which the force is applied relative to the grain flow in the specimen. It is recommended that shear strengths of other products be determined by Test Method B769 for products greater than 0.250 in. (6.4 mm) and Test Method B831 for products less than 0.250 in. (6.4 mm). Shear strengths developed by this test method have been shown to vary from those developed by other methods. If Test Method B565 is used for shear testing of other products, variables such as those described in Test Method B769 should be identified and controlled.

The results of shear tests are dependent upon the relative and absolute lengths of specimen which are sheared out, and those which are supported. The results of tests made in accordance with this method should not be directly compared with those determined in other types of tests in which the methods of loading and supporting the specimen are different.