Use standard blind rivets for securing metal pieces that aren’t going to carry lots of weight. To determine the maximum weight your rivets can hold, look at the back of the package for their shear strength. Never use standard rivets for situations that require a water-proof seal. If you’re working with important structural joints, don’t use blind rivets. Instead, use solid rivets with a pneumatic rivet gun.
Multi-grip rivet seals are weather and vibration-proof.
If you don’t need a water-tight seal, opt for standard rivets instead—they’re typically cheaper than sealed products.
Interlock rivets work great for closing big gaps and preventing sheet movement.
If you’re unsure of the applicability of dome heads for your situation, take a look at their packaging to determine the shear strength (listed as weight in pounds) that they can support. Use dome heads when connecting material similar to carbon steel, when the rivet is close to the edge of the material you are fastening. These blind rivets are also called round heads.
Load-bearing area is the region that the load-bearing structure can reliably hold up.
If you’re fastening leather with a rivet, always use copper, aluminum, or brass. Steel rivets will rust due to leather’s tendency to retain moisture. Steel mandrels have a tendency to corrode, and can also create a reaction with surrounding materials. Avoid purchasing rivets that are made from steel mandrels paired with a stainless steel or aluminum body. [3] X Research source Purchase a variety pack for a wide selection of rivets of different sizes and materials.
Electric twist drills are considered fire hazards when used on or near an aircraft. If you’re installing rivets near an aircraft, use a pneumatic twist drill. [4] X Research source Take a look at the following chart for rivet sizes and their corresponding drill numbers and drill sizes: http://navyaviation. tpub. com/14018/css/Drilling-Rivet-Holes-548. htm.
Each rivet is made of 2 preassembled parts: the body (tubular in shape) and the setting mandrel (the long side pulled out of the body).
To remove the attachments, use the wrench to turn them counterclockwise. After removing an attachment from the gun’s handle, gently screw it into the nozzle by turning it clockwise with your hand. Use the small wrench to tighten it by continuing to turn it counterclockwise.
Keep steady and apply consistent pressure before squeezing the trigger.
If you make a mistake, remove the rivet using an electric drill or with a rivet removal tool. Discard the pin (the longer side of the rivet) after your gun pops and the rivet has secured both materials.
Never use an electric twist drill if you’re working on or near an aircraft—they are considered to be a fire hazard. Use pneumatic twist drills instead. The following chart lists rivet sizes and the applicable drill numbers and drill sizes: http://navyaviation. tpub. com/14018/css/Drilling-Rivet-Holes-548. htm.
Solid rivets cannot be used if 1 side of the structure is inaccessible.
Medium-sized rivets will be labeled as such. Slow-hitting guns typically have a repetition rate of around 2,500-blows-per-minute (bpm) and strike heavier blows.
Fast-hitting guns strike lighter blows at around 2,500 to 5,000 bpm. [11] X Research source
Use a one-shot gun to hammer aluminum alloy rivets, which are brittle and crack easier when driven with other rivet guns.
A 3⁄32 inch (0. 24 cm) rivet requires 25 PSI, 1⁄8 inch (0. 32 cm) rivets require 40 PSI, and 5⁄32 inch (0. 40 cm) rivets require 60 PSI.
A spring on the end of the gun holds your rivet sets in place, allowing you to swap set sizes as needed.
The tip of the cup set is the polished area that attaches to the shaft inserted into the gun.
Bucking bars are made of a few pounds of steel and possess a polished face. They come in many shapes and sizes to accommodate a variety of areas. Purchase a bucking bar from an online supplier or head to the closest industrial tool and supply company.
The amount of time you need to hold the trigger depends on the power of your gun and its air pressure. You can remove the rivet using an electric drill or rivet removal tool if you make a mistake.
