Need help removing rivets.

[Breadbug]

Hey there. I will try removing and replacing my wing window soon. I am worried about removing the rivets. Is there a tool that allows centered drilling? Just tap it with a awl? Best ideas? Before I go drilling rampant holes. Please?

[Sphere Guy]

Breadbug,

An awl or better yet a center punch or nail set or old nail will make a sufficient dimple in the rivet to allow the drill bit to track.

[InsideOut]

We used a spring loaded center punch - I found the "special-drill-out-your-rivet-tool" to be a waste of time & money. It rarely did what I thought it was supposed to do - drill a hole in the CENTER of the rivet...with a center punch, it was much easier to control.

We also were able to just hand twist the drill bit in the opposite direction a half turn or so to set it, then drill away without the need to center punch at all. A lot of our rivets had the original dimples still there so those were easy.

Shari

[ts8501]

I have had 100% success with this rivet removal tool here.

[BradS]

I have also used the tool Tim(ts8501) suggests. Like most tools it does a good

job if you let it. I dont think I would buy one for just a few rivets but it does

work good

[markdoane]

If you get a high quality split point drill bit it will help you a lot.

[dznf0g]

Use the tool above. It will ensure exact centering of the bit and that way you will not enlarge the hole in the AS so the new rivet will fit tightly.

[InsideOut]

That's the same tool I had...guess it must be operator error on my part, I found it to be very inaccurate.

Shari

[Breadbug]

Thanks everyone. I am gonna get
The tool. I'd rather try and fail than not try and fail. I wanna be as safe as can be with the exterior. I've got other panels to do on my other trailer too, sooooo.

Thanks all.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by InsideOut

That's the same tool I had...guess it must be operator error on my part, I found it to be very inaccurate.

Shari

What happened while you were using it? Slipping off center?

[tkasten]

I also used the "Rivet Removal Tool" from Aircraft supply and it worked like a dream. I played with punches with very mixed results. Got the tool and everything worked like a snap.

[ts8501]

Originally Posted by InsideOut

That's the same tool I had...guess it must be operator error on my part, I found it to be very inaccurate.

Shari

Shari:

The only rivets I had problem with the tool slipping off of was some early (soft) Olympics that I replaced. The original Airstream factory rivets were no issue at all. You have the center dimple on the rivet that helps, and then I also lean some of my weight into it.

-Tim

[BradS]

After a little practice , see photo, Im finding out that I like doing it free hand. Just a drill bit in the drill. Go slow and easy

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by BradS

After a little practice , see photo, Im finding out that I like doing it free hand. Just a drill bit in the drill. Go slow and easy

Me too...looks good!!! I loved the metal working part of our project...starting around post #200. We didn't have to (get to?) do the end caps, but between our two trailers and additional help on a friend's, we have replaced 3 streetside and 2 corner panels.

Shari

[SilverHoot]

Originally Posted by BradS

After a little practice , see photo, Im finding out that I like doing it free hand. Just a drill bit in the drill. Go slow and easy

Looks like two different size clecos? Sorry for the hijack..just curious.

[BradS]

Originally Posted by SilverHoot

Looks like two different size clecos? Sorry for the hijack..just curious.

Im using every cleco that I can get my hands on. Yes there are two sizes. All the rivets will be the same size in the end

[markdoane]

Brad, I can lend you a few dozen. I've got 1/8 and 5/32. Want me to drop them off?

Like you, I find freehand drilling works great, especially if you give the drill a little quarter turn twist to set the bit before you drill.