Pop Rivets

[Roy Moses]

I’m looking for tips, advice, instructions, etc. for installing pop rivets in alumnium tubing; the instructions that came with my pop rivet gun are sketchy to say the least.

 

Roy Moses

Kerrville, TX

[John Schaben]

Hi Roy - just what don't you understand about POP rivets? Fairly straightforward; drill a hole, put a rivet in long enugh to go through both pieces and crimp with the tool.

[Roy Moses]

I guess it’s the crimping. On the trial runs I have made they haven’t snugged up good and tight — so I figure that’s my problem. So, I guess it’s time to try again; I moved not too long ago and really haven’t gotten the shop set up and haven’t been able to spend a whole lot of time there — thanks both to the move and some recent health setbacks.

 

Thanks for the note John. I’ll try to let you know when I conquer this beast —what a friend used to call the innate contrariness of inanimate objects.

 

Roy

John Schaben said:

Hi Roy - just what don't you understand about POP rivets? Fairly straightforward; drill a hole, put a rivet in long enugh to go through both pieces and crimp with the tool.

[John Schaben]

Hi Roy - Generally if it doesn't crimp down tight it's almost always to long of a rivet. Also, if the material is a bit thin, I like to use backing plates. Helps give a tighter crimp plus will increase the stress area around the material reducing chances of pull out. Hopes this helps.

[Keith Griffin]

Hi Roy:

When you put the rivet gun on, ensure that you keep it snug against the aluminum. If you let it ride up the rivet you'll get a loose joint. Keep it snug and it will draw the pieces together.

[Thomas Tashjian]

Hi Roy make sure the hole is proper sized the rivet is proper length for thickness of material they make a backing washer if material is to soft they also make a water proof rivet when you look at the end .it is solid you don't see the nail head . to fasten sqeeze till you fell strong resistance reset and sqeeze sharply

[Al Barale]

The hole should be about the same size of the rivet you are using for example Use a 1/8" drill bit for a 1/8" pop rivet, make sure that you also use the proper mandrel in the pop rivet gun to suit the pop rivet that you are using, spread the handles of the pop rivet gun fully apart and insert shank of the pop rivet through the mandrel until the head of the pop rivet is against the mandrel, then push the head of the pop rivet through the hole that you have drilled keeping the two pieces of metal together and the head of the pop rivet hard against metal, the pop rivet should stick out the other side of the hole enough to allow it to expand. Squeeze the handles together which will pull the shank of through the head of the pop rivet until it breaks you may have to spread the handles apart again if you haven't broken the shank on the first squeeze. Hope this helps Roy.

[Ken Darga]

Check this out.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4868649_use-pop-rivet-fastener.html

[Jens Jensen]

When you crimped the rivet  are you getting it to snap off or are you breaking it off by twisting? It has to snap off the stud thats when it is at its tightest

[Frank Gardecki]

Its very easy  you drill a hole so the pop rivet fits snug , but not loose. then you put the head on the gun so the wire part fits in that hole . I will admit I am not good at giving instructions one of my bad points . But I got a better idea go to You Tube  type i how to use a pop rivet tool  and there you go video with easy instructions ,let me know  how it works for you.

[Ray Romero]

Hi Roy,

 

Not to disagree with the general consensus of blind (pop) rivets and their application. It is a bit more precise than drill a hole about the same size and install. I worked the aviation industry for almost 45 years and used many many rivets. I realize that home diy'ers and aircraft work is not the same thing but the mechanics are all the same. You can down load a phamplet that gives you all the information on preparing the metal for assembly and doing it properly. The best is found at this website. It is in PDF form so you can save it to your computer or print it for future reference. www.cherryaerospace.com It deals with cherry max rivets but it has much valuable information  on rivet work and selection of friction lock (pop) rivets. Hope this sheds some light on your question

[Jens Jensen]

Ray good point but why did roof blow off SW Airlines Boeing Made

[Ray Romero]

Jens,

 

I have not  read any of the follow up on the SouthWest jet. I did observe, in the news media,  the jagged manner in which the skin came off. In my estimation, and mine only, I would tend to suspect intergranular corrosion. This is a condition that is set up at the manufacturing phase of the aluminum, either a pocket of impurities within the metal or in the heat treatment of the aluminum it self. Another point is that fuselage consstruction is done with solid rivets, although if authorized, repairs may be performed with friction lock rivets or special bolts ie: jobotls or similar specialty fastners. So I would, and here again only my opinion, tend to rule out any rivet work as the primary cause fo this structural failure. For any more in-depth opinions please feel free to contact me personally. [e-mail]