drill size for Olympic rivets

[walter1]

What is proper drill size for installing Olympic rivets (Inland RV part #28100)?

I tried to search, I know we’ve been here before, can’t find it, can’t remember for sure.
Andy, Michelle and others know this one.

Is this correct:
Drill out old rivets with #30 bit. Then open hole with #21 and install new rivet?

For brand new rivet installation what size pilot hole should be drilled before #21?

Thanks

[markdoane]

I like to use 1/8", or use the #30.

I feel that if you use a 5/32" for the pilot, then you are just pushing the edges of the hole out when you use the #21, and not doing any cutting. In that case you should use a .1590" reamer, not a drill bit.

If you do use a 5/32" for a pilot, make sure the #21 is very sharp. You are only removing .0014".

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by walter1

What is proper drill size for installing Olympic rivets (Inland RV part #28100)?

I tried to search, I know we’ve been here before, can’t find it, can’t remember for sure.
Andy, Michelle and others know this one.

Is this correct:
Drill out old rivets with #30 bit. Then open hole with #21 and install new rivet?

For brand new rivet installation what size pilot hole should be drilled before #21?

Thanks

There 3 sizes of drill bits that are used for Airstream construction and repair.

For buck tivets which are 1/8 inch, use a #30.

For olympic rivets which are 5/32 inch, use a #21.

For the underbelly rivets which are 3/16 inch, use a #11.

Our web site has those three sizes in a kit.

Andy