January 24, 2018
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Different types of faults can happen in the rivet joint. Most of them can derive from using the incorrect size of rivet or as a consequence of the wrong hole preparation. Click here to learn more about how the select the correct rivet size. Here are the most common faults:
When you identify one of the faults described above, for most of the situations it is possible to remove the rivet concerned without any costly results. The common procedure to remove the rivet is:
Drilling to remove a solid rivet must be done from the head side. Select a drill one size smaller than the rivet. Punch a small mark in the center of the head. Be sure that the drill is firmly in line with the rivet. Start drilling at low speed by gently pressing the trigger. This makes it much easier to control the drill and the risk of slipping is minimized.
Drill all the way through the head into the shank so a minimum of material is left between the shaft and the head.
Use a pin punch that fits into the hole and snap it off from the shank. A small chisel can also be used but great care must be taken to not damage the skin.
To remove the rivet use a pin punch with a light hammer and knock a few times. Collect the rivet in some kind of cup. If you follow carefully this procedure, the hole should not be damaged, and a new rivet can be used in the hole.