Fun with Rivets

[Lwanmtr]

I need to cut out and rerivet the bracket for the engine compartment handle, but I'm most illiterate about rivet tools and wondered if there was a recommendation on a decent, low cost tool?

Also whats the easiest way to remove the old ones? Tried pushing them out from the top, thinking they'd give, but nope... The heads are underneath so I'd have to remove the wheel to get to them with any kind of tool, it seems.

Thanks

[Bitsyncmaster]

Your drill out rivets, pop type and solid rivets. You usually have the option of steel or aluminum pop type rivets. Most any pop rivet tool works as good as the other.

[Lwanmtr]

Dunno what the difference is between solid and pop rivets is. I assume aluminum is better? Did I mention I never used a rivet? lol

[DMC-81]

Hi Rob,

I think with this, Google is your friend. Here is a basic video on removing and installing a pop rivet. I use a slightly smaller drill bit than the size of the rivet if I'm not sure of the exact size. Take your time and don't drill too far.

http://youtu.be/g7o0IxhfwyI

I used all aluminum pop rivets (both the rivet bodyand the mandrel) when I had to replace them, due to corrosion resistance. When selecting new ones, you will need to get the right diameter and length (grip).

Cheers,

[Lwanmtr]

Thanks.

nother dumb question...how do you know what the right length is? hehe

[DMC5180]

Measure the total thickness of the materials you are riveting. That will give you the GRIP depth. Pop rivets are sized by diameter and GRIP range. If you have a Total material thickness of 3/16" then you want a pop rivet with a min/max grip range of 1/8"-1/4".


Dennis

[Lwanmtr]

Ok, Thanks. Sorta makes sense..hehe. Whats the average you've used to rivet things into the fiberglass shell?

[Bitsyncmaster]

Dunno what the difference is between solid and pop rivets is. I assume aluminum is better? Did I mention I never used a rivet? lol

Solid rivets are not used in many automotive applications. Aircraft use them. You use a backing plate and usually a shaped air hammer tool to install them.

[David T]

If you go to Home Depot or Lowes they will help you with selecting the correct pop rivets and an inexpensive tool. They will show you how to install and remove pop rivets.

[Lwanmtr]

Thanks. I'll be going to look for one after I finish the current project of putting the sound deadener in. I know I'll prolly need a rivet tool and probably a rivnut tool in the future as well..hehe.