Removing rivets

Problem: A riveted panel, ball joint assembly, gear motor, or similar item must be removed. Rivet removal is typically done by knocking the head off with a hammer and chisel, often resulting in damage to the surface or holes.

Solution: Center punch the top of the rivet head, and drill a hole slightly smaller than the diameter down through the rivet. Since the material remaining to be sheared is now much smaller, a light hit with the hammer and chisel snaps off the rivet head.

Contributor: Ronald R. Gould, VP/Engineering, Advance Lifts, Inc., St. Charles, IL

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