Best way to remove Olympic rivets?

[Unka Jack]

Just wondering what the best methods for removing Olympic rivet are? I have access to both side of the rivets.
Thanks

[Slats]

I got Vintage Trailer Supply's handy-dandy rivet removal tool:

Rivet Removal Tool

It works great, but be sure to wear gloves while using it, otherwise you risk taking a chunk out of the web between your thumb and index finger.

[Slats]

.....or you can buy the same thing from an aircraft supply company for only $20 more:

rivet removal tool from Aircraft Tool Supply

[Unka Jack]

So your saying to just drill them out like other rivets?

[nrgtrakr]

Yep ... no special tool needed - only a drill and same size drill bit.

[Unka Jack]

And here I thought there might be a better way to remove them from the back without having to drill through the old mandrel.

[arktos55343]

It can be difficult to get a drill started on an Olympic....can be helpful to use a punch and tap the mandrel in a bit. Will give you a better start with drill and avoid slipping and wounding the aluminum shell. Same goes with a bucked rivet...the punch will give your drill a better start.

[nrgtrakr]

I like this video from thesignlady ...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lYmQsn6DlE4