help with rivets
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,800
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From: Southern Colorado
Some rivets won't give up after you grind off the heads -you have to drill or torch out the center section of the rivet, once the head is gone. Hot rivets (ones installed hot) swell as they cool and create a phenominally strong grip in the frame.
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New User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5
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From: Rosamond, ca
I have tried to grind off the heads and drill out the center. They still dont want to come out. I guess I will keep at it or try to get ahold of a tourch. I just thought maybe there was a easier way. Thanks for the imput.
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Joined: Aug 2005
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From: MA
Originally Posted by BareBones
There's no other way!
I just burn off the head of the rivet with the torch by holding the torch right up agains the bracket. This takes less no time at all. Then using an air punch they usually pop right out. Some need a bit more persueading..
One thing to watch out for is digging to deep with the torch..
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New User
Joined: Mar 2006
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I agree. But after you grind the head off use a GOOD punch and not that little Ball Pein hammer. Get a good three pounder or so; hold that punch with a leather glove, gird your loins (little bible lingo there) and WHAM it.
Goodluck, Jeff
Goodluck, Jeff
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Burnsville, MN
Sorry, I can't agree with the torch. He's not talking about a piece of junk here, but a brank new '06! Every so often electrical wires or even brake lines, etc., in proximity to the torch could be adversely affected by the heat. Then there's the matter that it would be overhead work to boot. Not a good idea in my book.....
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Burnsville, MN
I guess I should clarify that its an acetylene torch that's the bad idea IMO. A much lower temperature propane torch is less likely to hurt anything and might even prove helpful in "growing" the hole by heat expansion so that the rivet punches out a little easier.