How to Use a Hand-Held Riveter
Hand-held riveters are used to install pop rivets as a simple means of securing thin pieces of metal or plastic together. The rivet gun is typically designed with interchangeable tips to fit a variety of pop-rivet sizes. Pop rivets feature a long shank, with a head at one end similar to a finishing nail. The rivet itself is a short, aluminum tube with a flange on end. When installed, the flange fits against one side of the metal or plastic and the aluminum tube of the rivet is expanded against the other side of the material. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Determine the size of the pop rivet to be used to secure two pieces of metal or plastic together. Choose the rivet size based on material thickness as well as personal preference.
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Clamp the metal or plastic pieces together using a "C" or spring-type clamp. Determine the location for a hole to be drilled. Drill through the material with a metal or general-purpose bit.
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Hold the hand riveter so the rivet tip is accessible. Open the handles of the riveter and insert the long shank of the pop rivet into the tip. Turn the riveter so the tip is pointing down and observe if the pop rivet is held in place. Choose a different tip if the rivet is loose and falls free.
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Insert short aluminum tube of the pop rivet into the holes drilled in the metal or plastic. Push the pop rivet down until the wide flange of the rivet rests against the metal or plastic.
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Squeeze the handles of the hand riveter together to begin pulling the head of the shank against the aluminum rivet tube. Open the grips and squeeze again.
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Continue squeezing the handles together until the aluminum tube of the rivet is expanded to the point where the shank head passes through. The metal or plastic will be secured by the rivet at this point.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear safety glasses to protect eyes from any flying metal.
References
Resources
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