drilling out rivets

[dhe9]

have a rivet head broken off. my question is should i use a 5/32 drill bit and how deep should i drill? the rivet is on the outside.

i have ordered olympic rivets and vulkem sealent and am just waiting on your knowledge.

david
socal

[TomW]

Wait until you get your new rivets, then measure the outside diameter of the new rivet's shank to determine the bit size. Drill just until the bit makes it way through the old rivet's remains (quarter-inch or so).

Got a rivet shaver to finish the head?

Tom
p.s. 32 years -

[dhe9]

don't have the shaver yet but as i only have the one rivet missing i will use the demmrel tool that home depot sells.

how does one measure the diameter of the shank? is the shank the part that goes into the rivet gun or the part that goes into the trailer?

32
30 active & 2 reserve. retired 6 years and 30 pounds ago.

[TomW]

Originally Posted by dhe9

how does one measure the diameter of the shank? is the shank the part that goes into the rivet gun or the part that goes into the trailer?

The part that goes into your Airstream

Tom

[Johndigbydog]

Anyone out there used the rivet shaver that Vintage Trailer Supply sells for $199? How many rivets can it shave before it becomes dull? Thanks

[CanoeStream]

Gotta say this is one place where Inland Andy has a good no-brainer. Go to http://www.inlandrv.com/parts/ and scroll down to the part number below.

79015 view part Drill Bit Kit 3 - #30, 2 - #21, 1 - #11 (stubby) per kit $7.95

The 3 smallest are for 1/8" pop-rivets -- multiple uses on interior and exterior. The 2 mid-size drills are for 5/32" and Olympics. The good thing about this set is they are short twist drills -- if the rivet pushes in suddenly (as will happen!) you can't poke through to the opposite skin!

I've found it difficult to stay on top of a round rivet to start drilling it out unless I dimple the top with a Dremel first. And with a Dremel I can use fine grinding stones and rubber polishing wheels to smooth the rivet -- saves the shaver cost, though a critic could look closely and probably tell the difference. My polishers are pretty standard dental lab stock.

[Johndigbydog]

Has ANYONE used the rivet shaver that Vintage Trailer Supply sells for $199

(ONE MORE POST ON THIS QUESTION) HOPEFULLY AN APPROPRIATE ANSWER.......... John

[Tinsel Loaf]

YES, from Vintage Trailer Supply . It has not worn out yet. Let the tool do the work. Don't force it and it will last a long long while.

[uwe]

Originally Posted by Johndigbydog

Has ANYONE used the rivet shaver that Vintage Trailer Supply sells for $199

(ONE MORE POST ON THIS QUESTION) HOPEFULLY AN APPROPRIATE ANSWER.......... John

Me, too. What Tinsel said, plus the fact that the tool is of excellent quality, and does a very fine job of trimming the rivet to look just like a bucked rivet.

[Johndigbydog]

Thanks for the replies, Now I can feel confident ordering one for $199. John