Rivet Shaver

[crazeevw]

Ok,

So I'm out working on Airstream over the weekend, see that my center beltline black plastic is taking a beating in the Florida sun. So, I decide to pull it off, and count how many Olypic Rivets I'll need in order to remove beltline. Close to 200 rivets! Of course, at dining windows, I've got rivets about every 2 inches. Someone must've been practicing at Jackson Center that day.

Anyhow, here's my question. Has anyone purchased a rivet shaver? Found this one on eBay, but since I have NO idea what to buy, or what to look for, can anyone tell me if this is sufficient?


Avro Raptor Avro XT250RS Rivet Shaver 20 000 RPM | eBay

Or should I go for the gold and drop $ on this one?

Rivet Shaver | eBay


Would I be wasting my money on either?

While I'm at it, anyone know what size Olympic Rivet I need?

http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/..._p/vts-179.htm

Thanks for any help or information anyone can provide.

Derek

[arktos55343]

You don't necessarily need to buy a special rivet shaver 'gun'. You can find a rivet shaver that attaches to your drill/driver at VTS...and other places. But it is pricey...for sure.

[crazeevw]

arktoss55343, I've got several rivets to shave on roof now, been trying my hand with Dremel and failing miserably. Figure before I have to go back and replace those rivets, I'd better pop for something better, especially if I'm going to have to shave almost 200 to eliminate the center beltline....

Derek

[Melody Ranch]

Well, I did over 300 rivets today. It was with the VTS purchased shaver.

[arktos55343]

The Dremel is hard to control...tho I've used it in a pinch. As MR suggests, the VTS shaver works pretty well.

[aquinob]

The issue with rivet shavers other than the one sold by VTS is the cutter bit itself. It is a concave profile that follows the head of the rivet. The only place I have seen the replacement cutter bit is VTS and they want about 145 bucks for just the bit. Most aircraft rivet shavers are flat cut bits designed to produce a flush cut rivet head. A while back I picked up a Dotco brand pneumatic shaver for about 75 bucks thinking I could find a suitable bit. Being the cheapskate I am, I never sprung for the special but but ended up with a straight bit that I paid around 6 bucks for. I used it to replace the water inlet on my 74 Overlander and was satisfied with the results. Here are some pics to show what I'm talking about:

[crazeevw]

aquinob,

Thanks so much for the reply. I appreciate everyone's reply, I was trying to stay away from a $225 purchase from VTS. I can afford the less than $100 for rivet shaver, can't quite justify over $200 though.

Thanks again, Derek

[Frank's Trailer Works]

Do yourself a huge favor and buy the shaver. Use it then sell it to someone else here. You could pass it on for 70% of your original purchase. Unfortunately, you will use it and not want to get rid of it once you have it.

[Roadrunner]

I'm in the market for a rivet shaver as well. Just curious, how often does the bit need changed? Does it hold an edge or wear quickly? Thanks!

Bob
Indiana, PA

TAC PA-5
WBCCI 4871

[nm1oqrz]

The blades on my rivet shaver are carbide. I bought mine used from a dealer who was closing up shop about 25 years ago. I use it connected to an electric drill. I have used it on over a 1000 rivits as I had to remove all the rivits on the drivers side of my Excella after a dealler replaced both upper and lower panels on the damaged side but I had many water leaks after to contend with. Bought the olympic rivits from Bialer Rivit Co some where in TX and over time replaced all the dealer installed rivits, then I had no more leaks. The shaver is still as good as new but wouldn't part with it.
Happy camping nm1oqrz

[streamquest]

Derek,

You'll never regret investing in a quality tool. Buy the real thing, and use it once. A big smile will appear on your face, you'll be glad you bought it, you'll find a bunch of other things to do with it, and you'll never want to part with it. The end result is even more impressive when you put a little polish on those rivet heads.


Charly

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Roadrunner

I'm in the market for a rivet shaver as well. Just curious, how often does the bit need changed? Does it hold an edge or wear quickly? Thanks!

Bob
Indiana, PA

TAC PA-5
WBCCI 4871

After using our shavers for 25 years, they still shave the Olympic rivet heads as good today as they did 25 years ago.

Cheap tools don't last long, but are good enough for small jobs.

More expensive tools, do their job, over a long long time.

Like they say, you get what you pay for.

Andy

[PeterH-350LE]

here is an oldie:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f381...lation-23.html

[crazeevw]

Ok, what started out as a cheapie 'throw-away' rivet shaver on eBay, by the time bidding had ended, along with shipping, the cheapie was now over $70. Decided that I'll just save my pennies, and go ahead and make the plunge and head over to Vintage Trailer Supply and buy a proper rivet shaver. Don't look for completed shaved rivets for a while though.....lol

Thanks for the advice, Derek

[arktos55343]

Don't panic. Once you get the VTS shaver, you will wonder why you weren't shaving years ago. Easy-schmeasy. Just remember to hold the shaver head steady with one hand while triggering the driver with the other. You'll be a pro in no time.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[lonewolf1977]

For anyone reading this thread within the state of NC, you can rent this rivet shaver from Out of Doors Mart for about $40. You will have to put down a hefty deposit, but you'll get it back.

[featherbedder]

I was lucky when my friend former AS tech decided he did not use any more he sold it to me with over 100 rivets for $75.00 but I told him any time he needed it he could use it. Shaved rivets hard to tell from buck rivets