12 Jan
2007
12 Jan
'07
6:18 p.m.
On 12 Jan 2007 at 10:52, Jay West wrote:
I've seen riviters working on F18's at Boeing,
and it sure appears to be a
higher art form. Not sure it's something I could do, but thought I'd ask
here. I've seen all kinds of rivits - different sizes - on an H960 I believe
there are a couple? Anyways, what tools are required, where can one get
rivits, what different types are there, and is it something a neophyte like
me who has never done a rivit before can do? I'm looking for the basic intro
to replacing a rivit for someone who has never done it.
Makes me wonder if the original purpose of a ball-pein (or "peen")
hammer has been forgotten. One can often snug a rivet up by backing
it with something firm, such as an anvil or bench vise and striking
the mushroom end with the "peen" end of a ball-peen hammer. That
leaves things looking more-or-less original.
One can also purchase rivets (e.g. solid, split, hollow) of various
types and form the end. McMaster-Carr will likely carry those.
Yes, there are "pop" rivets, but if strength is an issue, do not use
the aluminum variety. They will loosen up in a trice. Find some
steel pop rivets. If the blank rivet does not fit in the hole very
snugly, you may have to use a small washer over the end to provide a
surface for the rivet "bulge" to bear against.
Cheers,
Chuck