Will this part help remove exterior rivets?

[bennyg]

I made this piece to aid with drilling out rivets around windows, I couldnt remember rivet size so this is why there are 3 sizes. Now that I know which one to use, the part will only have one hole and will be thicker so one could grab onto part while drilling. I have never drilled out an exterior rivet before but I have read that others use a center punch. I was hoping this piece would eliminate the need for center punch. Please give some opinions before I build new part. The concave side is meant to stay firmly around rivet head, while the other side is a 1/8 hole for drill bit to stay straight and hit center of rivet head. Thanks

[truckasaurus]

If you wanted to drill out a small number of rivets and it's made of a nice hard steel and you made it round, maybe, otherwise I'd skip it. The drill bit could catch in it and spin it which could hurt your fingers or the bit may wear the 1/8" hole leaving your hole off centre. If you can use a #30 bit rather than a 1/8" you'll find life easier, especially when it comes to riveting; a 1/8" rivet requires a #30 drilled hole. A drill stop is also a nice add-on, normally less than a $ but you could just wrap tape if it works for you. Nice idea though. :-)

[HiHoAgRV]

It's worth a try...but wear some good gloves...the odds are pretty good that the shavings are gonna gum real fast and grab the jig...

I have one of the commercial rivet drillers with lots of relief and a retracting head...it only takes one good soft rivet to jam it up.

[Belegedhel]

I too have had a time with drilling out rivets. Even using a center punch lined up the best I can, when I am done with drilling the rivet out, half the time, I end up enlarging the original hole, making me wonder how much trouble I am creating. Can you report on the effectiveness of your jig?

[Ganglin]

Some have reported using this tool with good results:

Rivet Removal Tool

[perryg114]

Maybe you should consider mounting a handle on it so you can keep it from spinning. You probably only need it for the first few seconds till you get a pocket made then you can freehand it. Then you are essentially center punching it with the drill. You could also use it with a spring loaded center punch to make sure you get the center of the head of the rivet.

Perry

[marzboy]

Originally Posted by Ganglin

Some have reported using this tool with good results:

Rivet Removal Tool

This is the one I would reccomend for solid rivets (on the outside) I used it, couldnt have done without it. The one you made although clever may not stop the bit from "walking" all over. Also I wouldnt want my finger to be near it if the bit catches the side. Get the rivet removal tool you will love it!