Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need to remove a rivet but don’t have the right tools or knowledge? Rivets are often used in various construction and repair projects, but removing them can be a tricky task, especially if you don’t know the proper technique. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of how to get rivets out safely and efficiently, using common household tools and techniques.
Before you begin, it’s essential to gather the necessary tools for the job. You will need a drill, a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the rivet, a punch or nail, a hammer, and safety glasses. Once you have all the necessary tools, you can start the process of removing the rivet. First, put on your safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris. Then, use the drill to create a hole in the center of the rivet head. Be careful not to drill too deep, as you don’t want to damage the material behind the rivet.
Different Types of Rivets
Rivets are permanent mechanical fasteners that securely join two or more pieces of material together. They come in various types, each designed for specific applications and materials. Understanding the different types of rivets is crucial for selecting the right one for your project.
Blind Rivets
Blind rivets are used when access to only one side of the material is available. They have a hollow body and a mandrel that is inserted through the material and forms a head on the opposite side. Blind rivets are ideal for applications where the other side is inaccessible, such as sheet metal, plastics, and composite materials.
Types of Blind Rivets:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Solid | Most common type, with a solid mandrel |
| Peel | Has a pre-cut section that allows the mandrel to snap off |
| Bulbed | Features a bulbous expansion that provides a larger bearing surface |
| Trifold | Expands into three segments, creating a very strong joint |
| Structural | Designed for high-load applications and has a larger mandrel diameter |
Solid Rivets
Solid rivets are the most basic type of rivet. They consist of a solid cylindrical shank with a head formed on one end. Solid rivets are inserted through holes in both pieces of material and then hammered or pressed to form a secure joint. They are suitable for applications where high strength and resistance to vibration are required.
Pop Rivets
Pop rivets, also known as self-piercing rivets, have a hollow body and a pointed mandrel. They are installed using a special tool that pulls the mandrel, causing the rivet to expand and form a mushroom-like head. Pop rivets are versatile and can be used with a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and fabrics.
Identifying the Rivet
The first step in removing a rivet is to identify it correctly. There are three main types of rivets: solid, blind, and tubular.
Solid Rivets
Solid rivets have a solid cylindrical shank with a head on one end. They are typically used in applications where strength and durability are required. Solid rivets are the most difficult type of rivet to remove.
Blind Rivets
Blind rivets have a hollow shank with a mandrel inside. The mandrel is pulled through the rivet, causing the shank to expand and form a head on the opposite side. Blind rivets are easy to install and can be used in applications where access to the back of the material is limited.
Tubular Rivets
Tubular rivets have a hollow cylindrical shank with a flange on one end. The flange is peened over the material to secure the rivet. Tubular rivets are easy to install and can be used in applications where strength and durability are not critical.
| Type of Rivet | Description | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Solid | Solid cylindrical shank with a head on one end | Applications where strength and durability are required |
| Blind | Hollow shank with a mandrel inside | Applications where access to the back of the material is limited |
| Tubular | Hollow cylindrical shank with a flange on one end | Applications where strength and durability are not critical |
Removing Rivets with Hand Tools
If you don’t have access to power tools, you can still remove rivets manually using hand tools. This method is more time-consuming and requires more effort, but it can be done with the right tools.
Steps
-
Identify the Rivet Type
Determine the type of rivet you need to remove, such as a blind rivet or a solid rivet. This will help you choose the appropriate tools.
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Gather Your Tools
You will need a drill, a rivet gun, and the appropriate drill bits and rivet heads. The size of the drill bit and rivet head will vary depending on the size of the rivet.
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Drill Out the Rivet Head
Use the drill to drill out the head of the rivet. Be careful not to drill too deep, as this could damage the material the rivet is attached to.
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Punch Out the Rivet
Once the head of the rivet is drilled out, you can use a rivet gun to punch out the rest of the rivet. Place the appropriate size rivet head into the rivet gun and squeeze the trigger. The rivet should then pop out.
Tips for Punching Out Rivets
- Use a sharp rivet gun. A dull rivet gun will make it harder to punch out the rivet.
- Make sure the rivet head is the right size for the rivet. If the rivet head is too small, it will not engage with the rivet. If the rivet head is too large, it will not fit into the rivet gun.
- Place the rivet gun perpendicular to the rivet. This will help ensure that the rivet is punched out cleanly.
- Squeeze the rivet gun trigger slowly and evenly. This will help prevent the rivet from bending or breaking.
How To Get Rivets Out
Rivets are a type of permanent fastener that is used to join two pieces of material together. They are typically made of metal and have a head on one end and a shank on the other. The shank is inserted into a hole in the materials being joined, and then the head is flattened to create a secure connection.
While rivets are generally considered to be permanent, it is possible to remove them if necessary. There are a few different methods that can be used to remove rivets, depending on the type of rivet and the materials being joined.
One common method for removing rivets is to use a drill. A drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the rivet shank is used to drill out the head of the rivet. Once the head is removed, the shank can be pushed out of the hole using a punch.
Another method for removing rivets is to use a rivet gun. A rivet gun is a tool that is designed to install and remove rivets. To remove a rivet with a rivet gun, the rivet gun is placed over the head of the rivet and the trigger is pulled. The rivet gun will then pull the rivet shank out of the hole.
If you are unsure about how to remove a rivet, it is best to consult with a professional. A professional will be able to safely and effectively remove the rivet without damaging the materials being joined.
