I just did my first rivet

[DaJe]

I figured since I'm going to eventually do some riveting for my own project, I might as well try it out and get the hang of it.



I took a computer case I had laying around, and pried out a rivet with an awl. This is what the original rivets in the case look like.

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/PICT7520.JPG


I've got a can full of rivets

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/PICT7522.JPG


And a handheld rivet gun

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/PICT7523.JPG http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/PICT7524.JPG


My first rivet! It came out quite nicely.

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/PICT7512.JPG


And then I felt like doing another

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/PICT7519.JPG



You wouldn't even be able to tell that was a new rivet there if it wasn't shaped just a little bit different. They're both in there nice and tight.

[Slug Toy]

not that hard is it? just wait until you're trying to rivet four pieces together at once though. you need to be a contortionist to hold everything in the right place sometimes.

ive got a BIG hand riveter. i think it accepts up to 1cm diameter rivets. you either have to stand on it or put a long pipe on the handle to get the leverage you need. its a monster.

[xmastree]

One thing to watch out for is this:
Whilst the rivet is still 'unpopped' the tool is securely located on the rivet. once it pops, it's loose.
If you are applying any lateral force when holding it, it will go off in that direction once it snaps the pin.
If you're working on a painted surface, be careful not to scratch it.

[nil8]

I've also found that occasionally with that type of rivet tool that it won't always pop the rivet on the first squeeze. If it doesn't, you have to choke up on the rivet again or you end up with a nub at the end of your rivet.

I'm glad you're digging it.

[DaJe]

The only riveting I'd probably be doing, would be on bare metal. This riveter can take bigger rivets too.


Such as these ones

http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/mod/PICT7530.JPG


As for being a contortionist, I can put my feet behind my head, and can bend my arms in a few ways too.



I've also found that occasionally with that type of rivet tool that it won't always pop the rivet on the first squeeze. If it doesn't, you have to choke up on the rivet again or you end up with a nub at the end of your rivet.

I'm glad you're digging it.

With this one, it easily pops the rivet on one squeeze, without a lot of effort. And then it takes one more harder squeeze after that to cut the pin.

[luciusad2004]

Is this something that is difficult or is it something a complete beginner could easily get the hang of? It seems like this would open up a lot of opportunities (for instance my gf's emachines case that has the right side panel riveted on so that i cant get behind the motherboard tray :mad:) Also how much did that tool cost you?

-Lucius

[DaJe]

It's a simple concept. Just drill a hole where you want the rivet to be, put it in, pop it, and cut it. And I didn't buy this, a family member gave it to me to use.

[luciusad2004]

Ok thanks. That sounds simple enough. Ill just google for a price, i should have done that instead of bothering people with it anyway.

Thank you! : )

[nil8]

The price is around 15 bucks.

[DaJe]

The price is around 15 bucks.

$10.99

http://www.amazon.com/Do-Best-Heavy-Duty-Rivet-Gun/dp/B000CER1VU/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/104-2894070-6479944?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1174292336&sr=8-2

[luciusad2004]

I saw that last night. Thanks for looking though, i appreciate it :) +rep for both of you. When i get some spare money i might look in to purchasing one.