Rivets!?

[craftsmanman]

Hi there, just wondering how to make moving rivets, Like if i wanted to rivet two pieces of metal together but still allow them to move freely without coming apart would i just tighten the gun down to the desired tension and then cut off the remainder? or does it have to snap off to lock it in place? Thanks in advance!

 

[Alchymist]

Once you get the "bubble" started in the rivet, it's there to stay. By pulling the rivet up to the desired tension it won't come apart. Only problem will be breaking off the stem. You can cut it off with side cutters and file flat. Sometimes you can tap the stem back through the rivet. Don't plan on a lot of movement, the rivet will wear quite fast.

 

[kwb]

Parts you see that do what you are describing are made with a rivet that looks like a squished shoulder bolt (less the thread and drive features). There is a name for them but it is escaping me at the moment.

 

[Thruxton]

If you want the two work pieces to move truly freely, like a hinge, you need to incorporate a bushing into your design. The dimensions of the bushing determine the freedom of movement, the rivet just holds it all together.

 

[JimVonBaden]

If you want the two work pieces to move truly freely, like a hinge, you need to incorporate a bushing into your design. The dimensions of the bushing determine the freedom of movement, the rivet just holds it all together.

Exactly. That and the standard pop rivet is not designed for constant movement. The head will wear and pop off pretty easily. The proper length of bolt with a lock nut would work if you didn't have the standard non-pop rivets.

Jim