Tools for riveting

[fatrhino]

I've got a couple of projects that I will need to do some riveting on soon, and I would like to use semi-tubular rivets instead of pop rivets. Maybe some of you aircraft guys can help. I have never used these before, so I need to stock up on some tools. From what I have found, my options are:

1. Hand squeezer
2. Pneumatic squeezer
3. Rivet gun/bucking bars

Am i missing anything? Is it possible to use just a hammer and bucking bar or dolly for smaller rivets not near the edge of a panel? Any tips or recommended tools/supply houses?

 

[billymade]

http://www.rivetsinstock.com/?gclid=CP_-i-bN2aICFQZvbAodKjn8xQ

http://www.hansonrivet.com/

http://www.njrivet.com/

Most of the pro grade rivet companies will supply the tool for the specific rivet you are using; any supplier worth their salt, will sell you the tool to complete the job!

 

[A_Pmech]

Hi FatRhino,

The application will dictate the tools you can use to set the rivets. Can you tell us a little more about what you want to rivet?

You might also look into Cherry Max blind rivets. They're aircraft structural "pop" rivets that can be set with a standard hand operated pop rivet gun. Beware that they take A LOT more force to set than a hardware store pop rivet. Sizes below 1/8" can be set in small numbers with a standard hand-operated rivet puller, for larger quantities or sizes buy a hydraulic setter used. The only thing to keep in mind is bearing loads on the Cherry Max will pop the locking collar, as will prolonged exposure to heavy vibration.

 

[arkangel06]

The most versitile rivet gun you could buy is a 3x I prefer cp guns with an aftermarket regulator on the bottom.

For snaps and bucking bars shop here

http://www.yardstore.com/?gclid=CK-kzYDR2aICFQJL5wodNm7xxg

Also look into getting come clecos depending on what your doing.

For C squeezers only get the best

http://fly.hiwaay.net/~sbuc/journal/tatco.html


AP arnt cherry max rivets like 3$ a piece?

 

[foul_ball]

A P mech is right, your application and accessibility will determine the tools you will use to fasten everything. Can you go into more detail about what this project is? Also, could you give a reference to what you mean by "semi-tubular" rivets?

the rivets I work with are primarily solid aluminum- interior rivets get the business from a nicely seasoned IR AVC-12, 3/16" skin rivets get the AVC-13.
Bucking bars can be any shape you like and the machined alloy steel is better than cast, but a pneumatic squeezer is always preferred where possible because it produces more consistent results.
-but before driving any rivets, focus on drilling good, straight, perpendicular holes

 

[Indy_500]

Hi FatRhino,

The application will dictate the tools you can use to set the rivets. Can you tell us a little more about what you want to rivet?

You might also look into Cherry Max blind rivets. They're aircraft structural "pop" rivets that can be set with a standard hand operated pop rivet gun. Beware that they take A LOT more force to set than a hardware store pop rivet. Sizes below 1/8" can be set in small numbers with a standard hand-operated rivet puller, for larger quantities or sizes buy a hydraulic setter used. The only thing to keep in mind is bearing loads on the Cherry Max will pop the locking collar, as will prolonged exposure to heavy vibration.

I use those blind rivets in the tunnel on a snowmobile suspension, they're strong! I used an air hammer with a special attachment on it to install them though

 

[fatrhino]

Hi FatRhino,

The application will dictate the tools you can use to set the rivets. Can you tell us a little more about what you want to rivet?

Well for application, nothing substantial. My immediate need is for a toolbox restoration, I just need to re-attach the lid to the piano hinge. I know I could just use blind pop rivets, but I would prefer to use tubular or solid rivets for purely cosmetic reasons. After that my next project on the horizon is just some aluminum interior panels for a hot rod with sort of an aviation theme.

foul_ball, I suppose I mean just regular tubular rivets, I can't claim to be any expert

 

[A_Pmech]

Well for application, nothing substantial. My immediate need is for a toolbox restoration, I just need to re-attach the lid to the piano hinge. I know I could just use blind pop rivets, but I would prefer to use tubular or solid rivets for purely cosmetic reasons. After that my next project on the horizon is just some aluminum interior panels for a hot rod with sort of an aviation theme.

foul_ball, I suppose I mean just regular tubular rivets, I can't claim to be any expert

Ahh,

For the piano hinge rivets, I would use a rivet squeeze. Going the cheaper route, you can also clamp a bucking bar into a solid bench vise and go at it that way. I suggest practicing a little first.

In addition to the riveting equipment, you'll want a selection of Clecos to attach the hinge and align the holes during riveting.

I've never used a tubular rivet like you show in the photo. There may be special tooling required on the squeeze anvil to cause the tail to flare. Those are a commercial rivet, I've never seen them used in aviation.

For making large panels, you'll find a rivet gun and a set of bucking bars to be more versatile than a squeeze. Even a large, expensive handheld hydraulic squeeze has a throat limitation of about 12" or so. After that they start getting very heavy.

 

[crewchief888]

Well for application, nothing substantial. My immediate need is for a toolbox restoration, I just need to re-attach the lid to the piano hinge. I know I could just use blind pop rivets, but I would prefer to use tubular or solid rivets for purely cosmetic reasons. After that my next project on the horizon is just some aluminum interior panels for a hot rod with sort of an aviation theme.

foul_ball, I suppose I mean just regular tubular rivets, I can't claim to be any expert

those rivets look similar to what we used on brake pads on JD loaders. we had an arbor press set up to hold the backing plate and smash the rivet.
maybe a construction eq, farm eq dealer or oldtime machine shop may already have something set up.
just a thought

 

[Sloper0204]

for larger quantities or sizes buy a hydraulic setter used.

Suggestions on a good setter? Are they air driven hydraulic? I've seen the ones that harbor freight carries but would like one a bit more.... substantial...

 

[Lump]

I have a lot of rivets and rivet tools...most of them are hand "rivet sets", as we called them when I was a tinner. In spite of having pop rivets, spot welders, etc, available, some of our jobs called for hand-set rivets. Copper sheet metal panels were just about always hand-set solid copper rivets.

Let me know what you need. I literally have thousands of rivets, of many different kinds.

 

[Eric Commarato]

Masterfix makes an awesome hand riveter. All cast aluminum. Much better quality than an Arrow...

 

[bill wallace]

go to '' Brown aviation " web site & you will find all the various types of riviting equipment & prices. There is no mystery to working with rivets & you will also find info on the peocess in the many books sold for A&P certification from companys like "Aircraft Spruce".