Pop Rivet Instructions
Joining two pieces of thin metal or plastic can be problematic. Some types of adhesive will work with plastic. Epoxy will work in some applications on metal as well as plastic. Nuts and bolts can be used to join these materials after drilling but can and often do work loose. In cases where you want a permanent joint, pop rivets can be the best option. They are cheap, easy to install and will take a large amount of stress before failing.
Instructions
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1
Line up the material along the joining seam. Allow an appropriate overlap for the type of material you are using. Use an overlap of at least 1/2-inch for sheet metal and at least 3/4-inch for plastic.
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2
Drill your first hole through both pieces of material. Use a bit slightly larger than your rivet. The rivet should slide into the hole easily without excessive play around the edges.
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3
Insert the head of the rivet into the hole.
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4
Insert the mandrel, the long thin portion of the rivet that resembles a nail, into the hole in the end of the rivet gun.
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5
Slide the end of the rivet gun down the shaft of the mandrel until it is flush with the flared end of the rivet.
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6
Squeeze the handles of the rivet gun together until the mandrel snaps off. This may take two or more squeezes, depending on the thickness of your material and the construction of your rivet.
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7
Continue drilling evenly spaced holes and riveting until you have joined the seam.
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Tips & Warnings
Use clamps when working on large projects. Proper alignment of rivet holes is critical for a smooth seam.
Insert the rivet through both pieces of material before using the gun. Once you begin to squeeze the handles, the head of the rivet will enlarge and deform slightly making it difficult or impossible to push it through the pilot hole on the bottom layer of material.
Wear appropriate eye and hearing protection when using power tools.
References
- Photo Credit riveter and rivets image by Christopher Dodge from Fotolia.com
