A rivet is a disposable fastener designed to fasten 2 or more parts. To install this fastener, a riveter is used. How to remove a rivet will have to be based on the availability of available tools, because there is no universal tool. In addition, the selection of metal construction materials is carried out in accordance with the technical characteristics.
Aluminum, copper, and steel vary in hardness; they are susceptible to diffusion, oxidation rates, and other physical and chemical processes to varying degrees. The only method that can be called almost universal is drilling. This process can be carried out in 3 ways, which in most cases depends on how close the fastening metal is to the elements being fastened.
How to remove a blind rivet
The pop rivet is somewhat easier to remove. When dismantling it, it is necessary to remove the ring formed during fastening. If possible, when compressing the material of the structure, insert a metal saw blade, the fastening can be cut off, and the pin can be removed by pulling it out by the rod. If sawing or cutting is not possible, there is always a chance to remove the fastening using the first method - drilling.
The hidden fastening can only be removed by drilling, and the exhaust heads can be knocked off with a hammer if the strength of the material they fasten is greater than that of the fastening itself. Provided that using this method of dismantling, there is no confidence in 100% safety for own hands and the appearance of the material, it is better to refuse it.
Quite often, home craftsmen fasten various metal connections together; this is where hand riveters become very relevant, because it is with their help that the connection is made quickly, firmly, and without much physical effort.
Introduction
It should be noted that this mechanism is very easy to use, and the regular model is inexpensive. It can be used to fasten any type of metal, and the principle of operation remains the same.
Of course, you can make a rivet with a hammer, but with a large amount of work it will require much more time and effort. Manual riveters make the work process faster, and the effort required for all operations is minimal.
Today there are Various types manual riveters, each works according to its own principle, has its own pros and cons. Which type of riveter is better is determined by each master himself, but several points must be taken into account, which we will consider below.
general description
Modern riveters appeared relatively recently; before that they were bulky and inconvenient for home use. But Full time job engineers working on this problem has yielded results: manual riveters have become compact, and most importantly, they reliably connect parts with each other with minimal physical effort. The device itself has become quite simple and easy to use.
It provides access to both sides for a more reliable connection. In this case, no outside help is required. The main thing you need when working with manual riveters is pre-drilled holes for rivets in the parts to be joined.
Almost anyone can cope with such work. At the same time, the price for manual riveters is low.
Types of hand tools
Today there are two types of manual riveters: pull-out and threaded, the difference in price is not big.
To answer the questions: how to choose a manual, pull-out or threaded riveter, which tool is better, you need to understand their operating principles.
When using a blind rivet gun to fasten a rivet, a certain traction force is created.
IN metal blanks, which will subsequently be connected to each other, you need to drill a hole whose diameter is equal to the diameter of the rivet. After this, fix the rivet on the device, insert it into the hole and squeeze the tool handle.
During operation of the blind riveter, the rivet is expanded by a special ball, which, when the handle is pressed, enters the tube.
Thus, outer side The rivet is flattened, which allows you to firmly fix the parts being connected to each other.
A threaded riveter is also suitable for home work. manual type. Its operating principle is almost the same as that of the previous mechanism. The only difference is that in a threaded riveter the ball is retracted due to the fact that the cut thread rotates.
This type of connection is more optimal for thin-walled parts, where it is quite difficult to cut threads, but this type of connection is needed.
When a threaded manual riveter is used, it is possible to screw a screw or bolt into the rivet.
In most cases for home use They buy manual riveters; they are still more functional and versatile, and at the same time they cost a little less than threaded tools.
Different types of drive
The most common are manual riveters, but devices with various drives are also found. They are pneumatic, pneumohydraulic, and mechanical. Of course, each type has its own price. It also depends on the manufacturer - for more famous brands, accordingly, the price will be higher.
Pneumatic and pneumohydraulic tools are mainly used in production, since their design is more complex. At home, it is better to use manual riveters. When purchased with them, they come with removable heads, which allows you to use rivets of different diameters. Also, a head of the required size, as well as rivets for a manual riveter, can be purchased in a store without any problems.
Connecting parts with a tool
As mentioned above, the most popular in everyday life is a manual type riveter. Part of this device includes sleeve and rod. Now let’s figure out how a manual pull-type riveter works.
First, the sleeve is inserted into a pre-prepared hole, after which we take a rivet gun, which draws the rod into itself. All that remains is to press the handle of the tool and the sleeve will flatten, forming a strong and reliable fastener. All this will take very little time and effort.
This device has its advantages. Firstly, you can work with it even when only one side of the workpiece is free. Also, a manual riveter can be used even while suspended, without using other additional elements.
Of course, you should not forget about the quality of the rivet itself; the reliability of the fastening also depends on this.
Manual riveter: how to use
Using hand tools is easy and does not require any special skills. A properly purchased mechanism will do this job efficiently and quickly. The price when buying a tool should not play a big role, the main thing is to choose a good quality model. This will allow you not to worry about the tightness of the connection and the failure of the tool.
You just need to drill the holes correctly so that the diameter exactly matches the diameter of the rivet itself. We have already described the work of the riveter in detail above. After work, all that remains is to process the reverse flattened side of the rivet, that is, remove the resulting excess with pliers.
Manual riveter: reviews
The Stanley MR99 riveter earned very good reviews from the craftsmen. The pins do not get stuck, they fly out without outside help. Of course, not the cheapest, but it is important that it works well.
The NOVUS J 60 riveter has also been in demand on the market for a long time, this is confirmed by numerous customer reviews. Works well, no problems. But it is suitable for one-time work, since large volumes get your hands tired. Its swivel head is very popular; it makes the tool even more convenient.
The Topex riveter has proven itself very well among consumers. It is inexpensive and suitable for one-time jobs. It is very convenient that the spout can be moved 90 degrees. This makes it possible to rivet in the most inconvenient places.
Also positive reviews buyers received a GESIPA NTS riveter, the price is not cheap, but the German quality does not let us down.
How does a riveter work?
A construction worker or a person involved in the loading and unloading of large metal structures and materials, knows the answer to this.
And for all other people interested in the mechanism of operation of this tool, the explanation is given below.
A riveter is a mechanical tool that allows you to quickly and accurately fasten together sheets whose thickness is three millimeters.
With the same ease, it connects the profile and the corner to each other.
In order to carry out the riveting process, it is necessary to first do preparatory work.
Namely: drill a hole at the intended connection location.
In this case, both ends of this workpiece must protrude from the planes or parts being fastened. When the handle is pressed repeatedly, this part gradually flattens.
When its upper part is flattened as much as possible, the fastening on one side will already hold firmly, resting on the “thick” part.
After the riveting process is completed, the lower “tail” of the rivet part is bitten off with a special tool. You must always take into account the thickness of the parts being fastened. They need to choose the appropriate fastening size. For example, for metal sheets with thickness:
- Up to half a millimeter must be riveted with rivets with a size of 2.4 mm.
- Nine and a half centimeters – 3.2 mm.
- Twelve and a half millimeters - from 4 mm to 4.8 mm.
In this case, the hole for each different rivet must be drilled one millimeter larger than the diameter of the rivet. Accordingly, for a part with a width of 2.4 mm, a hole will be made two and a half millimeters thick, 3.2 mm - 3.3 mm, for 4 mm - 4.1 mm, for 4.8 mm - 4.9 mm .
The strength of a rivet of any size is determined not by its size, but by the quality of the metal, and the power of the resistance provided by the structural elements that were made with the help of rivets. If such pressure is high, the metal rivet gradually softens or deforms.
The operation of the tool is based on the flattening effect due to targeted pressure on a certain part of the piece (workpiece).
Rivets and working with them
An explanation of how a manual riveter works cannot be complete without considering the types of riveting tools (consumables - rivets).
There are two fundamental types of these parts: monolithic, that is, solid, and tubular.
The latter are usually called pistons.
All-metal rivets are more like just a piece of thick wire and are used only for manual view rivets.
Much later than the beginning of the use of the described one, the now more commonly used pistons appeared - the second type (inside there is soft metal that is quite easily flattened when pressed).
Most importantly, these parts are divided into two more subtypes: nut and pull-out. The latter contain two parts: a tube and an interior, the so-called poisson or rod.
On top of such a simple design there is an enlarged part - a cap, which prevents the rivet from prematurely protruding or breaking. Poisson is introduced with reverse side, that is, from the opposite side - where the cap is located.
It turns out that rivets are inserted on both sides, subsequently flattened.
How does a riveter for threaded rivets work?
The principle is the same, but the peculiarity of the rivet material is that, after being screwed (hammered) into the structure, it is bitten off with a special construction tool.
And besides, you can choose any length this way.
If it comes to large volumes of rivets, you need to take the so-called professional mechanism, which allows you to make large quantity rivets with less effort.
A slightly more complex mechanism (besides the manual one) is called a pneumatic riveter. His work is carried out by compressed air.
Pneumatic devices require the use of a compressor. There are professional mechanisms that contain a hydraulic press in their design.
This type of riveter is called pneumohydraulic. As can be seen from the definition, it works thanks to two types of mechanisms that drive the main working element.
To select a tool for making a clear rivet joint between metal parts, including sheet metal and profiles, you need to take into account the thickness of the material being fastened.
More details about the pneumohydraulic riveter are presented in the video:
Noticed a mistake? Select it and click Ctrl+Enter to let us know.
A manual riveter is a tool designed for fastening sheet materials. Most often, sheets of metal up to 3 mm thick are fastened with rivets, but you can attach a sheet of metal to a profile or corner. We have a pull-out riveter, the principle of its operation is slightly different than riveting with conventional rivets and a hammer. In this article we will look at the main types of hand tools for riveting, how to select rivets and how to use this device.
How to work with a blind riveter
First of all, you need to drill a hole through both sheets to be fastened, right through. The diameter of the hole should be the same as the diameter of the rivets. Then we “charge” the rivet and insert it through both sheets and begin to squeeze the handle (more than one squeeze will be needed). The rivet begins to flatten when the ball is completely retracted into the rivet - the tail of the rivet is bitten off. As a result, we have 2 sheets of metal riveted on both sides. In the photo below you can see the instructions in pictures.
Video - how to rivet correctly
My partner and I made a video for you on how to use a riveter. I hope it will help you understand how and what to do.
What types of riveters are there:
Regular inexpensive model
Take, for example, the most cheap option from Stayer - the very first photo. Its cost is 300 rubles. It supports all rivet diameters (2.4 mm, 3.2, 4 and 4.8 mm), so you can select the most suitable rivet diameter for the materials being fastened.
For example, thin rivets with a diameter of 2.4 mm are intended for fastening sheet material total thickness up to 5 mm. Of course, there is also such a parameter for blind rivets as length. The longer the rivet, the thicker the material that can be fastened.
I bring to your attention a table of the relationship between the size of the rivets and the thickness of the material.
Riveters with a rotating “head”
It differs from the usual one in that the “head” of the riveter can be rotated 360 degrees. This is very helpful when working in hard to reach places, where ordinary people cannot get to. True, it costs more, about 350 rubles. We are also considering the Steyer model.
Reinforced models (two-handed)
For people who work as riveters all the time, they produce power versions.
They differ from ordinary ones in that they squeeze it with both hands, which saves significant effort. Imagine that you need to rivet 500 rivets. It will be difficult to complete such a volume of work with a regular riveter, but with a reinforced one you can rivet everything much faster and without strain. What the reinforced one looks like is in the photo below.
Professional models with extended service life
In addition to household models for home work, there are also professional ones on sale. They differ from household ones in better quality and longer service life. For example, a model from Kraftool. A regular, non-rotating model, but costs significantly more. In the photo below, the Kraftul riveter - price 400 rubles.
All riveters come with 4 replaceable fittings for different diameters rivets They are changed using a special key, which is also included in the kit.
Rivets are usually sold in small packages of 50 pieces. Rivets vary in diameter and length; the thicker and longer the rivet, the more expensive the packaging. For example:
- 3.2*6 mm - price 26 rubles
- 4*12 - cost 35 rubles
- 4.8*16 - 50 rubles
When purchasing consumables, do not forget that rivets are needed for the rivet maker, pull rivets. Otherwise, stores also sell regular ones that are riveted with a hammer.
Riveting parts is a very popular method used today in construction, production and everyday life. To install such fasteners in metal elements applies. This is a simple tool, the working head of which has a holder into which it is inserted fastener. A hole is drilled in the workpieces where the rivet is placed, and when the tool lever is pressed, it is flattened, securing it in the material. Everything is very simple! Someone will say why use this method if there are others for connecting metal elements, for example, welding or fastening with self-tapping screws. But they are not applicable in all cases. Here are some examples.
- Need to connect metal parts and at the same time exclude changes in their structure.
- Do not heat metal or surfaces located next to the elements being connected.
- It is necessary to connect the parts from different materials, for which welding is not applicable.
- It is necessary to fasten hard-to-reach structural elements, and the impact of the tool is possible only from one side.
- There is a possibility of a fatigue crack appearing from part to part when they are connected.
Then they use a riveter, which helps solve all these problems. What else is good about this tool? Let's figure it out.
Advantages of joining parts with rivets
This type of fastener has been used since time immemorial; for example, it can be found in military armor. By the way, during construction Eiffel Tower and the cruiser Aurora, rivets were also used, only much larger in size compared to fasteners in armor. Now such elements are used in construction, for example, when installing fences, installing frames of ventilated facades, attaching steel sheets to a profile; in production when connecting metal parts of units, machines, boiler equipment; in everyday life when carrying out repair work. Not surprising, because the riveter has so many advantages!
The tool is easy to work with
Installing rivets is a fairly simple method of joining parts compared to, for example, welding and is much safer. You just need to select a rivet of a suitable diameter and install it in the drilled hole. To get the hang of it, you only need to install a few elements!
The result is a reliable and aesthetic fastening
For example, you need to connect metal and wooden blanks. The riveter will cope with this task, and the connection will be very reliable. A rivet installed in a drilled hole firmly fixes the parts, does not deform them and does not allow fatigue cracks to propagate. The fastener rod is bitten off, and a neat cap remains on the front side of the part, which looks very aesthetically pleasing and does not spoil appearance products.
Minimum costs for tools and fasteners
The cost of a riveter is much lower than, for example, a welding machine. An amateur model can be purchased for up to 1000 rubles, a professional one will cost more, but will help achieve more high performance works Concerning Supplies, the price of rivets is low. For example, a package of 50 pieces costs about 40 rubles . For comparison, when installing a frame for a ventilated facade per 1 sq. m there are about 20 rivets - you will spend less than 20 rubles on this. And if you take a package of 1000 pieces, the fasteners will cost even less. In construction and production conditions, where large quantities of rivets have to be used, this option will be very profitable.
As you can see, rivet joints are the optimal method when you need to connect metal elements, spending a minimum of money and effort. If you decide that your work requires a riveter, do not rush to buy the first model that you like. There are several types of tools: some are used in private construction, others are designed for intensive loads in production. Let's talk about each in more detail.
Types of riveters
The division of a tool occurs not only according to the “household/professional” principle, but primarily according to how it is designed. There are two main parameters by which classification is carried out.
By food type
- Manual- the simplest devices that are affordable, moreover, they can be used in any conditions: when high humidity and dustiness, at heights, when there is no power supply, etc. Two-handed riveters have two handles, which are compressed with both hands to transfer force to the working head - this is necessary for deforming the rivet. This tool is designed on the lever principle, so work productivity directly depends on the effort exerted by the user. For a comfortable grip, there are rubber pads on the handles, as well as indentations for the fingers. The most versatile tools are those with a rotating head: they are suitable for working in hard-to-reach places. Models rocker type They have one handle and a scissor mechanism through which force is transmitted to the working head - to do this you need to press hard on the handle. This design is very convenient if you need to install a lot of fasteners. Most often, manual riveters are used in private construction, as well as by installation teams and in small workshops, where the process of installing rivets is auxiliary.
- Rechargeable- externally they look like a pistol and have a built-in battery that generates energy for the impact required when installing rivets. Therefore, the user makes less effort when working compared to a conventional riveter - you only need to press a button. Even during prolonged work, the load on your hands is not felt. Depending on the battery capacity, its charge is enough to install from several hundred to several thousand fasteners. Like all hand tools, such models are used in facilities where there is no power supply, but, like any cordless tool, it is not designed to work in conditions of high humidity and dust. This is an excellent option for use in a workshop or for installation work.
- - the most productive type of device, since the energy for installing the rivet comes from a source of compressed air - a compressor. But the design of such a tool is also more complex: in addition to the gun itself with a trigger and a working head, it contains a cylinder for compressed air and a pusher. To operate, the tool must be connected to the compressor via a hose. It is important to remember that pneumatic riveters must match the operating parameters of the compressed air source. Operating pressure and the air flow of the tool must not exceed the corresponding compressor parameters. As a rule, such models are used in the manufacturing sector, when, during product assembly, the installation of rivets is the main work process and occurs almost continuously. In this case, a manual model will not be suitable due to low productivity, and a battery model will not be suitable due to limited battery charge.
By type of fastener used
- For blind rivets- the most common type of instrument. A pulling force is exerted on the fastener when the tool handles are pulled together or the trigger is pulled. As a result, a riveted head is formed at the base of the element, holding it in the workpiece. The remaining rod from the rivet is discarded.
- For threaded rivets- models that are used primarily in industry. Installation of the fastener occurs by flattening it in the prepared hole, while the fastener is screwed onto the holder. The rivet itself is hollow inside and has an internal thread - thus, the hole in the metal is strengthened due to it, and it is the basis for screwing in bolts and screws.
Choose based on your own goals suitable tool. For example, if you are planning to build a fence at your dacha, you will attach the corrugated sheet to the pipes. Take a manual blind rivet gun that has two handles. If you are looking for a tool for daily work, for example, when making ventilated facades, choose either a manual rocker-type model or a battery-powered one - it all depends on the operating conditions and the amount of work. To equip a production department or workshop, the right decision would be to purchase a pneumatic riveter, with which labor productivity will be much higher.
Pay attention to what determines the functionality of the tool and productivity. Knowing the main characteristics will help you make a successful purchase - you will select the model that best suits your needs and the specifics of the work.
Important selection options
The main characteristic is the thickness of the workpieces being fastened. Decide which metal sheets or profile you will connect - their total thickness should not exceed the permissible value of the riveter. For example, for the model it is 8.5 mm. The next parameter is the size of the rivets used. For example, the tool has 4 interchangeable attachments for working with fasteners measuring 2.4 - 4.8 mm, and 5 attachments for fasteners measuring 3.2 - 6.4 mm. These models are suitable for a wide range of jobs. If you are planning on doing one specific job that requires a specific size of fastener, you don't need as much functional model. Don't forget about the tool kit. Many manufacturers include not only replacement attachments, but also maintenance keys. The pneumatic riveter has replaceable jaws and a container for used materials, which ensures safe work - the rods fly off into the container and not towards the operator. The model comes with a case and a set of rivets to get started.
Don't have a riveter in your arsenal yet? Then it's time to buy it! Once you try it out, you will see that it is very easy to make reliable riveted connections. You can choose suitable model on our website and immediately purchase the fasteners necessary for the job. Place your order now - you will receive the product as soon as possible with delivery or you can pick it up at the nearest pickup point.
This very specific tool has a number of other names - “river gun”, “rivet gun”. Manual riveters are purchased mainly for household needs, since they are simpler and cheaper copies compared to their “brothers”. However, their range is quite impressive, and the cost of individual products differs significantly - from one and a half hundred rubles to 2 - 3 thousand. Which riveter is better to buy?
The main rule when choosing any “device” is what is it for? After all, it is clear that manual models are inferior to professional ones in both versatility and performance. In other words, you need to clearly define the tasks that will have to be solved.
By the way, if you have to work frequently and use rivets of different sizes, then it is advisable to have at least 2 products in your house that are different in “parameters”. For example – one-handed model + two-handed. But if the business is on stream, it is better not to waste money on cheap products. In any case, the riveter completely pays for itself, just like...
What to focus on
Rivet material
If it is aluminum, then it is easy to work with, so it does not matter which “riveter” you choose. It is more difficult with steel, so the device should be selected more powerful.
Ease of use
Firstly, the instrument can be one- or two-handed. Naturally, the latter can create greater pressure, so it allows you to work with fasteners made of any material, different sizes. Although in some cases (for example, limited space) you can only use one-handed.
Secondly, the head design. If it is rotatable, then this creates additional convenience. Sometimes you have to rivet in difficult areas (in “inconvenient” places), and this feature of the tool is very helpful.
Thirdly, are there replacement attachments for fasteners? various sizes? There is no need to comment on this.
Adaptations
Some models have a special “container” where “waste” is dumped. For example, when you have to rivet a roof or build a fence from corrugated sheets, small pieces of metal scatter to the sides. If they find themselves in the grass (sand, on the ground) around the place of work, then problems cannot be avoided, especially with children - they like to run around barefoot in the summer.
Some “home craftsmen” prefer not to think twice about which tool to buy. If the amount of work is insignificant, buy a couple of cheap models at once. If one breaks, there is always a spare at hand. And 150-200 rubles is not that much money to go around and ask the price. Although this point of view does not suit everyone, it also has a right to exist.
There is another opinion. It’s better to buy a professional model for 700 rubles, and this will guarantee that it will last long enough. Moreover, perhaps the riveter will be needed more than once.
It is also necessary to take into account such a factor as the owner’s accuracy. We do not claim to be the author of the thought, but, nevertheless, let’s say that anything can be broken, no matter how much “it” costs. Therefore, you should not trust too much people’s reviews about a particular model, especially strangers.
Considering the above, one should not be surprised at the opinion of professionals that choosing a manual “riveter” is akin to a lottery - you cannot guess whether you will be lucky or not.
Many have seen this device in stores selling tools, but not everyone knows how to use it. Those who have never held a blind riveter in their hands simply will not be able to appreciate the convenience and versatility of its use.
Rivet connections have been and remain universal and in an inexpensive way splicing of various parts. In shipbuilding and aircraft construction, this is generally the only way to attach the skin to the frame.
A classic riveting looks like this:
This is exactly how they riveted the hull of the Titanic and the handle to your frying pan.
IMPORTANT! The rivet connection is non-separable. To separate the parts it is necessary mechanically break (drill, cut) the rivet.
Modern technologies We also touched on this ancient method. In everyday life, few people use a hammer and a crimping attachment. There are semi-automatic tools that allow you to rivet parts to each other almost with one hand. True, the rivets look a little different.
How does a manual riveter work?
To understand the process, you need to see the rivet in action. The diagram shows its main elements:
The rivet sleeve is placed in the prepared hole. The tool is put on the core and rests against the shoulder of the rivet. The fixed rod is pulled out of the sleeve, riveting its upper part.
When riveting is completed and the head of the core is firmly seated in the riveted sleeve, the core comes off. The riveted materials are connected only by a sleeve.
IMPORTANT! The material describes a mechanical riveter. There are hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical accessories. However, they are not used in everyday life.
We will also consider the operating principle of the tool itself and its structure in the diagram.
- the head (1) is put on the core of the rivet installed in the hole;
- the body (2) performs the functions of the lower handle and thrust frame;
- the upper handle (3), resting on the frame with the help of an axis (9), is a power lever;
- when squeezing the handles, the working sleeve (4) compresses collet jaws(5), firmly fixing the rivet rod;
- continuing to move, the collet mechanism pulls the rod out of the rivet sleeve, forming a riveted ring;
- when opening the handles, the conical bushing (6) under the action of the spring (7) opens the cams, allowing the collet mechanism to take its original lower position;
- the cover (8) is a stop for the spring and is removed to service the collet mechanism;
- for the convenience of the operator, replaceable heads (10) are stored in the housing, for various diameters rivets
Many industrial products use rivets as a way to securely and quickly fasten an assembly that will not be disassembled in the future. Thin ones are often connected this way sheet metals. If you have a need to remove the rivet without damaging the surface of the product, then I would suggest three to everyone available methods to achieve the desired result.
Drilling out a rivet
The simplest and safe way, from the point of view of mechanical action, this is drilling with a drill.
Take a screwdriver or drill. Installing the drill required diameter. And we drill through the rivet.
We go right through.
This method will not damage the metals being joined if the drill is selected correctly. Although it is quite specific and will not suit you if your rivets have a semi-circular head.
Cutting with a grinder
This is the fastest and at the same time the most traumatic way to remove rivets. Therefore, if you are not confident in using a tool such as an angle grinder (grinder), I sincerely do not recommend using it.
We will need:
- Bulgarian.
- Screwdriver.
Using an angle grinder, we cut off the heads from all installed rivets.
And use a screwdriver to knock them out.
That's the whole trick.
This method simply damages the surface of the product and breaks the disk itself, since the cutting occurs at an angle. And one wrong move can ruin everything. Be sure to use protective equipment.
Cut off the rivet head with a chisel or screwdriver
Now the method is what is called classic. It is used by the majority of both professionals and beginners. It does not require special equipment, electricity, or training. The most affordable and at the same time the slowest way to cut rivets.
You will need:
- Hammer.
- Screwdriver or chisels. It all depends on the diameter of the rivet.
If the size is small, take a screwdriver, place it at an angle and cut off the cap with a hammer.
If the rivet is large, then it is better to use a chisel. We use it in the same way as a screwdriver.
We also knock it out with a screwdriver.
This method can be used when there are few rivets: one, two or three. Or when there is none of the above equipment in the first two methods.
If there are a lot of rivet connections, it is better, of course, to use more mechanized method removal.
Be careful when working with metals. Also share your suggestions in the comments, everyone will be interested.
By far the most reliable option fastening connections - one-piece, and, having special tools on hand, you don’t have to think about the question of how to rivet a rivet. Next we will tell you exactly how such fasteners are made.
1
What is this fastener? Initially, historically, it was a metal rod, less often a plate. Always with a locking head on one side (a cap that limits the movement of the element in the hole) and a locking head on the other end. It was first used for the manufacture of armor, such as plate and chain mail, as well as for connecting some elements of edged and early firearms. If the embedded head is present initially, then the closing head appears as a result of the process of upsetting (riveting) or with the help of a special tool due to deformation with a pulling rod. It is logical that the upset applies to cast or stamped all-metal elements, and deformation by a rod is possible only when using hollow (tubular) blind rivets. There are also explosive and cutting options.
Various types of rivets
So, we know that the fasteners we are considering are one-piece, which often ensures high reliability. But the strength of the connection depends primarily on the material, so we will first consider the types of rivets according to this characteristic. The most common are aluminum fasteners, in many production processes, and also in a number of crafts, copper and brass rods are used. All these materials do not have a high degree of reliability and are suitable only where there are no heavy loads, for fastening decorative parts. Among other things, there are steel rivets, including stainless steel, they provide a fairly strong connection and are even suitable for assembly load-bearing structures and mechanical engineering.
When installing metal parts, it is very important to use rivets made of the same material as the elements being connected.
2
Before using rivets, you need to know how to rivet certain parts correctly. There are many connection methods, but they are usually divided into 3 types. Durable fasteners are used exclusively where certain loads are present. Sealed, as the name implies, are needed to ensure tightness at the joints of sheets or any parts. And finally, tightly sealed ones perform both functions. It should be noted that for the second type, that is, for hermetic rivets, the embedded heads are made reinforced.
Blind rivets
The most common connection method is overlapping, and it is applied not only to, but also to parts complex shape. This option is also called single-cut. Under the influence of multidirectional loads, for example, when stretching, such a seam can easily deform. A more durable joint is a butt joint, using one or two (on both sides of the seam) overlays, but this option, also called multi-cut, makes the structure heavier and leads to greater consumption of material. Installation of rivets during fastening can be chain or staggered; the second is more reliable, but very labor-intensive.
Mortgage heads come in the most different forms. The most commonly used ones are semicircular and hidden. The former completely cover the hole, like the head of a screw, and for the latter, the channel is flared so that the head, shaped like an inverted cut cone, fits completely into the hole. In the second case, the surface of the part remains smooth, since the riveting occurs flush, and the destruction of such rivets becomes difficult. There are also semi-flush form factors (with a small rounded convex), flat, flat-conical, conical and oval.
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The most commonly used today are pull-out riveting elements, which are especially convenient if you need to attach a part to a surface the opposite side of which is inaccessible. They are a tube with a flaring at one of the ends (analogous to a mounting head), in the channel of which there passes a rod with a cap at the flat end of the riveting. On the flared side, a large part of the rod is extended, with which the tool clamp engages, for subsequent pulling through the tube. Its straight end is crushed by the head of the rod and forms a closing head.
Rivets for metal
However, it should be taken into account that when two parts are connected, its channel also expands, so the edges of the holes must be strong and not subject to deformation. Therefore, for fastening plates from soft material, whether plastic or aluminum, steel inserts or washers should be used on both sides of the connecting parts. The same applies to connections that must be movable, hinged; they can also be used in combination with bushing washers, and their length must exceed the total thickness of the plates being fastened.
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Unlike pull-out elements, conventional cast or stamped riveting elements must be installed using a certain amount of force applied to the closing end. This can be pressing or targeted blows to flatten the end of the rod coming out of the hole. The second option is most reminiscent of forging, especially since it is performed cold or hot. If the thickness of the riveting does not exceed 1 centimeter, you can use a cold forging of the closing head. If the diameter is more than 10 millimeters, then the fastening element must be heated to facilitate flattening of its end.
Rivet tool
As a rule, before hot riveting a rivet, it is heated in a forge, after which it is installed in the hole and a flat closing cap is made with several strong blows. In this case, there should be an anvil with a hole for the mounting head located below. For the cold method, a special tool is used - a striker with a semicircular hole, with the help of which an even hemisphere is formed by deforming the end coming out of the hole within the recess. Forging with a regular hammer gives the same result if you hit it on the end, directing the blows slightly sideways, from the center to the edges, but such a head will be less accurate.
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As we have already said, the type of connection under consideration is one-piece, however, if you still need to disassemble the structure, the parts of which are riveted together, you can use several different methods. The most common one, which is usually applied to pull-out, explosive and split types of fasteners, as well as where countersunk heads are used, is drilling. To do this, a drill corresponding to the estimated or precisely known diameter of the hole is installed exactly in the center of the embedded or closing head, after which a hole is made to the required depth or a through channel. After this, with a few precise blows you can easily knock out the rivet.
Rivet Removal Tool
The second method is somewhat labor-intensive, however, it is quite effective for heads that are clearly visible above the surface, that is, for semicircular and conical ones. You will need a special chisel, shaped like a chisel, with which you need to cut off the cap, delivering sharp and strong blows to the back end of the handle. A sharpened chisel may also work, but this tool is recommended only for small-diameter rivets. Fasteners with a rod of about 1 centimeter or more are very difficult to cut in this way.
The easiest method for removing rivets with protruding heads is to use a corner grinding machine, colloquially referred to as a grinder. It is best to install a cutting disc on it for this purpose, and, moving it from the side to the head, carefully cut it off. If there is a possibility of damaging the surface of the part from which the connection is being removed, it is recommended to use a coarse grinding disc, with which the head is simply carefully ground down to the base. Next, by installing any sufficiently sharp tool, for example, a punch, you can easily knock the rivet rod out of the hole with a strong blow of a hammer.
