How to Rivet Aluminum

Rivets are the best way to attach pieces of metal together.

A rivet is a permanent metal fastener that is used to connect two pieces of metal together. It can also be employed when attaching pieces of solid materials like leather. It is the ideal way of connecting pieces of material together that may undergo a lot of stresses and strains as it is a very strong attachment. The best way to attach sheets of aluminum to each other is by using pop rivets.

Things You'll Need

• Hand clamps
• Drill
• 1/8-inch drill bit
• Rivets
• Rivet gun

Instructions

1. Position the two pieces of aluminum and secure them using hand clamps so the metal will not move so. This ensures the rivets will not be placed in the wrong areas.

2. Drill holes through the two pieces using a 1/8-inch drill bit. These should be placed every 6 to 12 inches.

3. Place a rivet in the hole so the shaft goes through the other side. Verify the rivet is the correct length for the size of metal being riveted.

4. Put the rivet gun over the stem of the rivet and pull the handle until a pop is heard. The handle may require some pumping until the rivet is properly attached.

5. Repeat until there are rivets in all of the holes.