Rivet removal tips

[smokindave]

I am changing out the bulkhead on my M series and looking for tips on drilling or grinding out the old rivets.

Is there a special tool for this?
It sure is a pain when you are drilling them and they start spinning.
Any advice will be appreciated...

 

[tudizzle]

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/rivetremoval.php

 

[jaysonfreerider]

use a sharp chissel and a hammer

 

[NapaMatt]

Hmm..

A Brand New Drill Bit!! helps..

All it all.. Drilling OLD Rivets out SUCKS!

Or you can grind down the Heads.. and Punch them out!

Or a Air Hammer .. with a Rivet Punch!

 

[Ryanlilly]

X2 on the chisel, its the fastest way. Just be careful and you can keep it clean. If your drilling make sure you get a good bit!

 

[trevor_zr600]

time consuming but i work at a yamaha shop in the prairies and have found with all the autopac claims easiest way is take the time with a small punch and punch out the centers on the rivet (part of the steel pin left inside the rivet head) and all you need to do is lightly touch it with a 3/16th drill bit and go over them all using a bigger punch and they come out super easy and clean with no damage to powdercoating or anodizing...

 

[SNAFU]

I just drilled out a bunch of stainless steel rivets. The key was to remove the center pin. I grabbed on to the head on the backside with a set of vice grips and used a pair of side cutters to pop them out. It was pretty quick to drill them out after that. I used a new cobalt drill bit and dipped it in a bit of oil. Drill slow. A couple of them spun, but most did not. If they spin, then just grab on to the backside with a set of vice grips.

 

[gunnerthesnowman]

time consuming but i work at a yamaha shop in the prairies and have found with all the autopac claims easiest way is take the time with a small punch and punch out the centers on the rivet (part of the steel pin left inside the rivet head) and all you need to do is lightly touch it with a 3/16th drill bit and go over them all using a bigger punch and they come out super easy and clean with no damage to powdercoating or anodizing...

-X2

 

[jgd]

Do you have hands on experience with this? Thanks

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/rivetremoval.php

 

[smokindave]

I am using a chisel and it is now a very easy fast job.
Thanks

 

[Jonce]

Do you have hands on experience with this? Thanks

I have this tool in my garage. It works great when the rivet head spins with the drill bit. Generally, if you have a sharp drill bit, that will do the trick from the get-go. However, if your projects are like mine, you always need a backup plan.

There are some good tips on this thread that I haven't used yet.

 

[LRD]

I have an XP and they have some real nasty solid self piercing rivets. The
technique I used was bit different. I grind the heads down until they are completely gone. Then if I'm lucky I can get them out by repeatedly rapping them with a spring loaded center punch, about 5 or 6 times usually does it.
It seems to work better than whacking them with a regular punch and a hammer. Managed to get the tunnel heat exchanger out recently in about an hour.

Good Luck

 

[skibreeze]

Another way to prevent some heads from turning is to use a new bit and don't put a ton of pressure on it, let the bit cut slowly. If they start spinning, I'll grind the head off unless the rivet is attatching plastic.

 

[StenneS]

Lots of good luck with a new drill bit. I do this on the sled and at work on some heavy duty rivets.

 

[Destroyer]

I second the chisel vote. I always try and drill first, Then hit em with a chisel.

 

[Himark]

Sharp chisel and a air hammer...they are popping off like a 16 year olds zits hitting the mirror!

 

[stem]

I've just changed the frame between the gas tank and engine on my 07D7RMK and found good use in the wise grips(where I could get to the rivets) On the ones that started to spin I used my battery powered Dremel with a cut disc on it, worked like a charm

 

[trikerider]

If they start to spin just angle the drill a little, I hate it when all the little washer things get stacked on the drill bit, it's a PITA to get them off.