Problems Removing Rivets

[skyaki]

If I ever see another pop-rivet it will be a liftetime too soon!!!
Blasted things - seldom drill out right!!!

[stevebaz]

Use a larger drill bit and drill just enough to separate the rivet head from the body. Then go inside with a pair of pliers and grab the rivet body, twist and pull the rivet out.

[Randy Bishop]

Originally Posted by skyaki

If I ever see another pop-rivet it will be a liftetime too soon!!!
Blasted things - seldom drill out right!!!

I know your pain... Some will just spin and spin, you may need someone on the inside to hold them will you drill them out.. That's what worked for me.....

[Johnny M]

I also use the smallest drill bit that will remove the head of the rivet then I used the same size punch and a light hammer to tap them out, works like a charm and doesn't risk damage to either side with pliers.

[skyaki]

This is true but sometimes the little pin thing in the centre does not break off properly making it almost impossible to drill with any hope of a good result!

[Jim Bennett]

Time to look into buying an Escape, eh?

[Johnny M]

Originally Posted by skyaki

This is true but sometimes the little pin thing in the centre does not break off properly making it almost impossible to drill with any hope of a good result!

if this happens take a file and make a flat spot, then use a center punch to make a dimple then it should be easier to drill, most rivets on fiberglass trailers are aluminum and is soft and usually easy to drill. Yours could be another metal but I would be surprised.

[Mike Magee]

Yep, that was one of the shortest rants I've ever read.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Time to look into buying an Escape, eh?

Or an Ollie!

Conversation often heard at Escape or Oliver rallies:

Q: "Rivet.....what's that?"
A: "Awww, that's just the sound frogs make."

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Pete

Or an Ollie!

Conversation often heard at Escape or Oliver rallies:

Q: "Rivet.....what's that?"
A: "Awww, that's just the sound frogs make."

Groan! Lol

[k corbin]

When you come across one of those refuses to cooperate rivets get out the Dremel motor and a grinding stone or a burr and take the head off that way. Or use the side edge of the fiber cut-off wheel as a grinding wheel but you have to be pretty adept with a Dremel doing it that way.

If you are working alone and want to hold onto the rivet from the backside to keep it from spinning then clamp a vise grip pliers tightly onto the rivet. If need be wedge a piece of wood between the side of the pliers and a nearby surface so the pliers can't spin around.

There is always more than one way to get a job done. But it does help to have been a person who over the years has had to solve many kinds of such issues. Knowledge builds on knowledge so over the years it will get easier to figure out new tricks.

[Gerry]

drill bit must be sharp, drill bit should be made to drill metal, not wood, with low angle on cutting edge, drill bit should be same size as rivet, and if 1 out of 10 give you trouble...that's good.

[vintageracer]

As stated in another rant thread a torch and good insurance are always an easy solution to this problem.

[kevin57]

Real tool uses:
ELECTRIC HAND DRILL: Normally used for spinning pop rivets in their holes until you die of old age.

[Wayne Collins]

Originally Posted by skyaki

If I ever see another pop-rivet it will be a liftetime too soon!!!
Blasted things - seldom drill out right!!!

Agreed, but with patience and a good pair if pliers to grip the flange you can do it.

[John in Michigan]

This is challenging: replacing the side marker lights, already drilled of the rivet head, the rivet is obliterated down to the exterior fiberglass surface. Problem is when the rivet was installed it didn't protrude into the interior. A sharp drill bit will probably slip off the rivet and put a hole in the wrong location. How do I extract the remains so I can put the new side marker light screw through the hole? Dremel with grinder bit?

Help! Any ideas to get this job done??

PS: I tried punching the remains out of the hole, but the punch bounces off (and slight crunching sound of get coat).

[Gerry]

I have done this and it worked for me.
Use a considerably smaller drill bit just the size of the pin in the center, maybe as small as 1/32. You'll have to have a sharp bit and go on high speed with little pressure so you wont break the bit. Then when this is all the way through, next go to the proper size bit for the new rivets you plan to use.

[John in Michigan]

Gerry, I'll try that. The outside of the rivet is mangled, so I'll drill out from the inside. Thanks.

[Jim Bennett]

With aluminum rivets I use a drill bit the same size as the rivet. This takes the head off of the rivet and the rest of it pops out the other side.

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

With aluminum rivets I use a drill bit the same size as the rivet. This takes the head off of the rivet and the rest of it pops out the other side.

If you are replying to this post...

Originally Posted by John in Michigan

...Problem is when the rivet was installed it didn't protrude into the interiorr.....

There IS no other side.. thats his problem.

But if you have to cause some damage to the glass in the process, hopefully it is under the light fixture so you can do a water tight glass repair that does not have to look good (or even have gel-coat) because it is hidden by the light fixture. Patch the fiberglass and drill a new hole.