Rear Bed Wall Support Rivets

[perryg114]

I am trying to figure out what size rivets hold the bed rails to the wall in my rear bedroom 81 Excella II. They look like they are 1/4" diameter rivets and they have about a 1/2" diameter head on them. Any reason I can't use sheet metal screws to hold them on the wall?

Perry

[Pahaska]

No reason at all. I converted from crosswise queen bed to twins and my beds are supported by screws into the wall. You need to either predrill or use a driver to get the screws started. I use my battery drill. Trying to start screws by hand doesn't work well.

[perryg114]

Well I was thinking of using the existing rivet holes.

Perry

[Pahaska]

Originally Posted by perryg114

Well I was thinking of using the existing rivet holes.
Perry

No reason why not, as long as you use big enough screws so that the threads have a good bite.

[perryg114]

I am worried they might not be as strong are rivets.

Perry

[Pahaska]

Originally Posted by perryg114

I am worried they might not be as strong are rivets.

Perry

A steel screw is stronger than an aluminum rivet. The load is mostly in shear where steel screws are especially strong.

[perryg114]

I am worried about them pulling out of the aluminum not the screw failing in shear. I will try it and see what happens.

Perry