Drilling out pop rivits

CalKid · Post by **CalKid** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 12:30 pm

Not happy with several pop rivits on rolled leading edge of rudder. What's best technique for drilling them out? Also, I can't fit my pop rivit squeezer on the last rivit/hole because of interference with the counter balance wt. rib. How do you deal with that?

Thanks

Post by **Spike** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 5:30 pm

Hmm, not happy does not equal a good reason to drill a pop rivet out (IMHO) if it is structurally sound. Setting those rivets on the leading edges of control services doesn't always leave pretty rivets. If it just cosmetic, I would say leave them in.

As for how, well, don't rush it. You will need a bit somewhat larger than the mandrel.

The 'how do you get on this pop rivet question' is answered best by indicating that many of us actually have two rivet pullers.These would include a nice swivel head one, and an 'el cheapo one that we have 'modified' by grinding away the head as necessary for getting on hard to pull rivets. You will especially need this for the tanks.

weezbad · Post by **weezbad** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 7:23 pm

they make a special tool for it but you can drill them out with high speed-low pressure. the trick is low pressure. to much pressure and the rivet will spin creating a difficult removal.
http://www.averytools.com/pc-495-21-bli ... -tool.aspx

good luck.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 8:05 am

Willie,

How ya doin?

You plane looks great! I heard through the grapevine that the engine has run.

John Will make it nice. John has talked about coming down to see you with it when it's done. I would like to join him if I can.

CJ

Post by **bullojm1** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 11:51 am

CalKid wrote:Not happy with several pop rivits on rolled leading edge of rudder. What's best technique for drilling them out? Also, I can't fit my pop rivit squeezer on the last rivit/hole because of interference with the counter balance wt. rib. How do you deal with that?

Thanks

I drilled out a ton of the pop rivets on the leading edges of my control surfaces for the same reason. My technique is to drill at a very fast RPM with very little pressure. Worked great for me.

weezbad · Post by **weezbad** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 5:30 pm

captain_john wrote:Willie,

How ya doin?

You plane looks great! I heard through the grapevine that the engine has run.

John Will make it nice. John has talked about coming down to see you with it when it's done. I would like to join him if I can.

CJ

CJ,
im doing pretty good all things considered.

Ive been reduced to a mere r/c pilot

but im having a great time with my family. Been flyin r/c heli's and let me tell ya, id rather build another rv than these microscopic toys. Man the parts are tiny.

It would be great to meet you in person. i am looking forward to seeing John in the rv at least maybe then i can tell people i flew my plane

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 6:04 pm

I am looking forward to meeting you too!

Lemme see what I can do about working my way down there one way or another!

Best,

CJ

RivetBangers.com

Drilling out pop rivits

Drilling out pop rivits

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