Solid rivet questions

[pityocamptes]

I have a question on solid rivets. New to riveting. Anyways, my material is 3/16" thick and the hole diameter is 1/4". So based on what I have read here I should go 1.5 X the diameter and add this to the material thickness, correct? Which would mean my rivet should be 9/16" long. Also I am using flat head style rivets, aluminum. How soft is the aluminum alloy 1100F? Also, I noticed when ordering my rivets online that due to the diameter size I am limited to a flat rivet with a length of 1/2" or 5/8" long, not 9/16" - will that pose a problem? Finally, I would like to use this tool for my rivet hammer:

Tools :: Solid/ Semi-tubular Rivet Tools and Rivet Set :: Solid Rivet 4X, 7X, 9X Rivet Gun Head Sets - Buy Rivets, Rivet tools & Other Fasteners from RivetsOnline

Do I order the 1/4" flat head set? What exactly is the 1/4" spec? The rivet I am using is 1/4" in diameter - will this flat head set work with that? If not, could you advise what I should use? Thanks!!

[Aerowood]

As I have shot a rivet or two, could you let me know where exactly you are installing a 1/4 diameter rivet as I can give you advice once that is known

[pityocamptes]

Originally Posted by Aerowood

As I have shot a rivet or two, could you let me know where exactly you are installing a 1/4 diameter rivet as I can give you advice once that is known

Thanks. Well I don't own an AS, however I am doing some work on an older IHC Scout and over on the Scout forum they suggested checking on an AS forum as you guys still use the art of riveting.

Hope that helps. Thanks again.

[Steve Bryant]

pityocamptes,
So what are you trying to rivet together on your Scout. Is it something that was previously riveted together before? Can you post a picture of the task at hand?

Aerowood is the man when it comes to knowledge about sheet metal and riveting!

[pityocamptes]

Thanks. Its actually something I am putting together inside (using chrome plated diamond plating over a box) - basically adding a tool box in place of the rear seat. So, its not going to be structural strength, thus my question on how soft the aluminum rivets are - don't want to beat on this thing all day... thanks again.

[Aerowood]

The rivet you refer to is as soft as aluminum gets and really has very little strength. 1100 aluminum is called an "A" rivet and yes you will need the proper rivet set to shoot it, otherwise you will distort the manufactured head into something that that does not resemble a rivet any more and will not have a consistent looking appearance. A "B" rivet might be a better choice depending on availability. When you get in to that 1/4 inch range the available rivets tend to be in the higher shear strengths. You might want to check out some of the Aircraft hardware suppliers as they have more available. If possible I would go with the universal head (470) as this is the most commonly used. The P/N for a 1/4 dia "A" rivet with the universal head would be MS20470A8-9. You could most likely get away with a -8 length which is 1/2" long. Hopes this helps


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