How to install solid rivets?

5th March 2020

	How to install solid rivets?


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			There are a number of ways to install solid rivets, incluidng using an air hydraulic riveter or an electric riveter. This step-by-step guide will show how to use rivet snaps to install rivets.

			To install solid rivets you will need the following tools; a drill press, drill bit, two drilling machine work grips, a vice, two rivet snaps and a ball-pein hammer.

			A rivet snap is a tool that is used to form the head on the tail (initially the non-headed end) of a rivet. At one end of the snap there is a hole and an internal dome (concave) shape, while at the the other end is a flat surface for striking with the hammer.

			The hole accommodates the tail of the rivet while the materials to be joined are tapped together. This helps ensure a tight joint. The dome is used to shape the head that is formed on the tail of the rivet to secure it in place.

			Step 1 – Marking material Using either a centre punch or marker pen, measure out and mark where you want to drill your holes for your rivets to fit.

			Step 2 – Clamping material Line up the pieces of material that you are going to join. Place and clamp the material on to the platform of the drill press so they are ready to be drilled. For support, place a scrap piece of wood underneath the material to prevent possible break-out as the drill bit emerges on the bottom side of the lower workpiece.

			Step 3 – Drilling material Place the drill bit at the centre of a marked point. Drill slowly through the material until the drill pierces each piece of material. Repeat for each hole, then remove the material from the jaws of the vice.

			Step 4 – Clamping rivet snap Place the shaft of the first rivet snap into the jaws of the vice. Tighten the vice, leaving the end of the rivet snap protruding from the top of the vice jaws.

			Step 5 – Placing rivet Place the head of the rivet inside the dome hole of the rivet snap so the pin is facing upwards.

			Step 6 – Inserting rivet Holding the two pieces of material together, place the corresponding holes onto the pin of the rivet.

			Step 7 – Using rivet snap You can used the second rivet snap to ensure the two pieces of material are forced as close together as possible before fixing the rivet. Place the second snap on the tail of the rivet so that the pin slots into the rivet snap’s hole. Then, using a ball-pein hammer, tap the end of the rivet snap, forcing the two pieces close together.

			Step 8 – Expanding rivet pin Remove the second rivet snap and, using the flat end of the ball-pein hammer, strike the pin (tail) end of the rivet. Tapping this end of the rivet several times will cause the pin to deform and expand, starting to create a second head.

			Step 9 – Forming rivet head Reverse the hammer and used the ball end to tap the expanded pin. Tap the pin so it forms a domed head. This process should not be rushed and will take time.

			Step 10 – Shaping rivet head Pick up your second rivet snap again and place it with its dome shape on the expanded end of the rivet. Tap the rivet snap several times to shape the head of the rivet, giving it a professional finish. Once the head is shaped, the material is fixed together. Repeat the process for each pair of holes.