How do I get this label off?

[bungy42]

I've recently acquired an old Baldor bench grinder that's in dire need of new paint. I want to get the label off of it before I paint, but I can't figure out how to do it. I've heard that some people slot the rivets with a dremel and then back them out with a screwdriver, but I usually like to have a backup plan just in case. I can't get at the back side of the rivets to push them out, either. If the screwdriver thing doesn't work, I'm pretty much stuck drilling new holes, which I'd like to avoid. Anybody got any brilliant ideas?

 

[ejkuhl]

mask it off and paint around it

 

[NHBandit]

Alot of those type rivets have a spiral to them where the go into the metal. I have had good luck removing them when restoring old Triumph motorcycles by grabbing them with needle nose vise grips or cutting pliers and twisting counter clockwise. They are used to hold the patent plates to the side covers on vintage motorcycles. You might have to grind a couple of flats on the sides to grab with a Dremel tool. If you're careful you can even use them over again. If you ****** them up replacements can be had from British motorcycle parts suppliers.

 

[dieselgarage]

Most of the time those are blind holes. We just drill them out they are super soft.. We are always changing name plates on motors on pumps. The manufacture sends a new plate and drive rivets. Any motor repair shop should be able to give you new ones.

 

[Davefr]

Are you going to replace or restore the label?

If the answer is no, then I'd carefully mask the label with blue tape and cut the edge with an xacto knife. That label isn't exactly in pristine condition.

If you really want to remove it then use some sharp dikes and try and get a bite right under the rivet heads and pry them up. If you can't get enough bite then carefully grind them off, remove the nameplate and then pry them off with the dikes.

 

[bungy42]

Normally I would mask it off and paint around it, but this label doens't sit flat against the motor body. So it needs to be removed so I can bend it back to shape. I tried to grab the rivets with a pair of dikes, but I can't get them to bite. The rivets seem to be hardened. Would McMaster be a good source for replacements?

 

[Tribalvision]

I usually use a dremel and grind the top flat and just drill them out.

 

[Davefr]

Normally I would mask it off and paint around it, but this label doens't sit flat against the motor body.

If your goal is to flatten those gaps then I'd simply drool a little super glue or epoxy between the label's edge and the motor housing and then hold/clamp it tight.

It won't take much strength since that plate is soft aluminum.

 

[Jure]

Most of the time those are blind holes. We just drill them out they are super soft.. We are always changing name plates on motors on pumps. The manufacture sends a new plate and drive rivets. Any motor repair shop should be able to give you new ones.

well said.

 

[mtnkrake]

When i did mine I was able to use snap ring spreader pliers to push them out.

 

[rsanter]

I use 2 old wood chisels, one on each side to work under the head and work them upward.
Then grab them and twist them out with needle nose

Bob

 

[dadsEH]

dremel and drill press....new rivets when painted.
And a coat of clear polyurethane over the label will bring it back.

 

[Outlawmws]

Normally I would mask it off and paint around it, but this label doens't sit flat against the motor body. So it needs to be removed so I can bend it back to shape. I tried to grab the rivets with a pair of dikes, but I can't get them to bite. The rivets seem to be hardened. Would McMaster be a good source for replacements?

You need flush cutting dykes or nippers to catch under the edge of them but I've also got under them with a knife blade or wood chisel and got them started. Once started they are easy to get out.

 

[bungy42]

Well, I managed to get them out by cutting a slot in the top with a Dremel and then used a screwdriver to back them out. Now I just need to find replacements. McMaster has them for only $3, but do I really need a box of 100?

 

[rsanter]

A lot of people just replace the rivets with small screws

Bob