Re-attaching a riveted toolbox handle

[WilliamT081423]

I posted a thread here not too long ago about re-painting my late brother's Craftsman 65336 toolbox. To make cleaning, sanding, and painting the lid easier, I drilled out the rivets holding the toolbox's handle on.

Now, it's time to put the handle back on, and I'm not sure which rivets to use. I've used pop rivets for different projects in the past and have a rivet gun, so that would just be a matter of finding the correct size rivet for the job. But I'm concerned about how durable a rivet like that is, especially since I actually want to put the toolbox to use. I realize they come in steel and aluminum, so it seems like steel would be the best choice there, and my rivet gun is supposed to be able to handle them.

From what I've read, the original rivets would have been tubular rivets. I don't know much about that other than it appears they require a special tool which may or may not work well on a toolbox lid.

Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

Thank you,
-William

 

[nadogail]

Pop Rivets are a quick and easy solution. They are not to be trusted to slow down a thief with a cordless drill.

 

[WilliamT081423]

Pop Rivets are a quick and easy solution. They are not to be trusted to slow down a thief with a cordless drill.

Less worried about theft and more concerned about the rivets being able to hold up while I'm carrying the box. Can the take the weight of a laden tool box?

 

[Leviton]

This guy does a great job explaining how to rivet parts to a toolbox:

How to Restore and Rivet Tool Box Latches

 

[Oregon Dave]

I posted a thread here not too long ago about re-painting my late brother's Craftsman 65336 toolbox. To make cleaning, sanding, and painting the lid easier, I drilled out the rivets holding the toolbox's handle on.

Now, it's time to put the handle back on, and I'm not sure which rivets to use. I've used pop rivets for different projects in the past and have a rivet gun, so that would just be a matter of finding the correct size rivet for the job. But I'm concerned about how durable a rivet like that is, especially since I actually want to put the toolbox to use. I realize they come in steel and aluminum, so it seems like steel would be the best choice there, and my rivet gun is supposed to be able to handle them.

From what I've read, the original rivets would have been tubular rivets. I don't know much about that other than it appears they require a special tool which may or may not work well on a toolbox lid.

Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

Thank you,
-William

There are stainless/Chrome plated domed-head machine screws available; after bolting in on, would recommend some sort of 'safety load check' as WilliamT081423 alluded to above.

 

[The Cobbler]

Steel pop rivets will do just fine . I would probably use pop rivet backing washers on them as well .

 

[bonneyman]

I use pop rivets on the name badge, stainless steel socket head cap screws for the handle and latches. No problems, and I cram 'em full!

 

[no704]

*** bolts are what you seek.

 

[HomeDIYer040114]

Nice job on restoring that Craftsman box!

If you plan on actually using the toolbox and carrying some weight, steel pop rivets are definitely the way to go here. Aluminum might shear or loosen up over time with constant lifting. Tubular rivets look more factory-correct, but setting them properly inside a lid without the right peening tool is a huge hassle.

Just make sure to drop a small steel backup washer on the backside inside the lid before you pull the rivet. That'll keep it from pulling through or distorting the sheet metal. Good luck with the finish!