Flat Head Rivets on bannana wrap?

[Bryanhu]

How are the rivets removed? They have a flat head and I can't figure out how to do this. What are these rivets called?

Thanks for the help.

Bryan

Dallas, Texas

[Ken J]

You just drill them out with a 3/16 drill bit

[Bryanhu]

Thanks- I just want to be sure I am correct. The other style rivets are easy to drill out as the the design is already centered and easy to place the dril bit to get started.

These rivets are flat and rounded with no "center starting place" Do you just use a very new bit or try to nick the rivet head in the very center, so the drill starts center?

Thanks again!

Bryan

[thenewkid64]

Bryan,

What you are describing is either a buck rivet (factory) or an Olympic (repair) style. These require a 5/32 drill bit (I think) and usally are not on the bannana wrap. The bannana wrap is usally a standard pop rivet, the kind wheere you need no starting point. To start there I highly reccomend using a center punch with a small hammer to create the starting point. You do not want to wallow out the hole.

Please enlighten us as to the project you are undertaking or a picture. Unlsess you have the replacement rivets and a way to finish the rivets you may be creating a larger problem when you go to reassemble.

[Bryanhu]

Let me get a picture today and see if I can clear this up.
Thanks again
Bryan

[Inland RV Center, In]

Airstreams "buck" rivets are 1/8 inch in diameter.

It is wiser to drill them out with a #30 drill bit. The hole can then be redrilled with a #21 drill bit, for the Olympic rivets.

Double drilling insures a much neater and more accurate hole.

Andy

[ViewRVs]

Just try to find a #30 drill bit! My Lowe's and HD don't have them. I did see a #29. It looks like they come paired with a drill bit. Does the #'ed drill bit add threads to the hole?

I did buy two new good 1/8" drill bits.

[Bryanhu]

Fred thanks!

Yes, I "thought I had a good drill bit set until I went through two 1/8 bits in a matter of an hour!

Thanks you for getting back with me. Take care.

Bryan

[Inland RV Center, In]

Numbered drill bits are stocked by "industrial hardware" stores.

They basically cater to industry as opposed to retail trade.

Andy

[74Argosy24MH]

A #30 bit is .0035" bigger than a 1/8" bit. Use the 1/8", you will never know the difference. Andy gets too technical for a simple repair.

There are number and letter bits also. They are used mostly in industry when you are trying to make a hole a very specific size for a fastener, tap threads, etc.

John

[Inland RV Center, In]

When doing work for someone, and charging them as well, best you do the work correctly.

When you are doing it for yourself, second best is OK. That is until someone else owns the coach, and they find out that second best wasn't so good after all.

Drilling holes with the "correct" size drill bit, does not cost one penny more.

Drilling them incorrectly, is another matter.

Andy

[PeterH-350LE]

from where I am sitting, second best is usually what I get even when paying premium dollar. Second best when doing the work myself, is not a viable option.
I have met quiet few Airstream owners that feel just like I do.

[ViewRVs]

I'm still thinking about Peter's message...

We are talking about that mission critical piece of hardware called the Rub Rail.........If that fails, It's all over for me and the family. Judging by the fact that 3/4 of mine is missing, it must take a real beating!

Come to think of it, that bum Brett didn't use a #'ed bit when he fixed my door at Mystic Springs.....I'm kinda glad his MH broke down.......



(That's a joke gang!)

[74Argosy24MH]

When this first came up you said you can't make a perfectly round hole, but you also can't make a hole smaller than the drill bit. If you could take a magnetic drill and stick it to the side of your Airstream and drill dead on the center of the rivet you would have a tube of metal .00175" thick left assuming it squeezed equally into the diameter of the #30 hole. Reality is, having drilled out thousands of rivets, that as the bit goes through the head into the body the the head will seperate and run up on the bit, the bit will take a few more turns and the body will be gone. If I go by your prior post I am better off with the 1/8" bit instead of further enlarging the hole with the larger bit. That is second rate work.

John

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally posted by 1985air345
I'm still thinking about Peter's message...

You will get when you drill rivet hole #1472

[Inland RV Center, In]

A number 30 drill bit is .1285, or .0035 larger than the rivet shank, of .125.

Airstream uses a #30 drill bit, when they make the coach.

Andy

[lee]

Great disscussion fellows,

I am about to own a 04 airstream AS , Safari or international 22 ft., and am an incurable tinkerer. I will mount solar panels and you guys are giving me ideas how to attach the mounting bracket. It is nice to read a lively discussion full of expierence.

If any of you have attached brackets to your roof how did you do it.

Thanks


Lee