Finally popped my first rivet.

[Bobbo]

I have popped a rivet holding the inside skin to the frame. What size rivet does that take?

[rmkrum]

1/8 inch shank at least 3/8 long all aluminum including the mandrel (the nail like thingie that you pop it with). Can be found at big box home improvement stores. Check mandrel with a magnet. Rust stains from the part that breaks off are a mess on the interior.

[Bobbo]

Thanks. It's off to the store I go. My aluminum 1/8" pop rivets are only 1/4" long.

[pmclemore]

Careful with the last pull of the rivet gun. The gun tends to jump sideways when the rivet pops so you must keep a firm grip lest you scratch the aluminum.

Pat

[rmkrum]

A couple layers of wide blue painters tape around the area of the rivet hole helps protect the interior aluminum.

[Bobbo]

Planning to repair it tomorrow. Went to two big box hardware stores today, but the only way they had those pop rivets was in a multi pack. I went to a local mom and pop hardware store near me, and they had exactly what I needed. They are 1/8" diameter with a 1/2" grip. Will do on the painter's tape.

[Bobbo]

Popped the new rivet in today. (I know, I know, very punny.) Took 3 pulls of the rivet gun handle because the rivet head was so long.

I thought I was going to have to drill out the shank of the old rivet because it was still stuck in the frame. However, when I put the 1/8" drill bit against it, it just (here it is again) popped right out of the hole.

[rmkrum]

Sounds like a popping good time...