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Foolish Rivet Question
James - 15/4/04 at 12:22 PM

I'm about to put a Screwfix order in- including the bodywork rivets.

Not having riveted (oh Sir) anything before I'm not sure of the best size to go for.
They are listed in Screwfix as 4.0mm x 10mm etc. (which is the size I was going to go for) but I'm not quite sure what the 4.0 represents.

If you look at the picture below:
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/photos.php?action=showphoto&photo=rivet.jpg

Is the 4.0mm figure the diameter of the 'head' of the rivet [A] (ie. the bit you see) or is it the diameter of the shaft [B]?

Also, if it's [B] should the drilled hole in the chassis be the same diameter?

Thanks- any info greatfully recieved.

James

Mk-Ninja - 15/4/04 at 12:27 PM

James

The 4mm is the diameter of rivet that goes into the hole. I drilled all mine 0.1-0.2mm biger than the rivet size. If you drill it size for size you have to hammer them in with a tube over the pin.

HTH Gordon

ned - 15/4/04 at 12:28 PM

Jim,

If you want to get enough bits for free delivery and haven't already I'll happily go in with you for some rivets for when i get that far!

Ned.

MikeR - 15/4/04 at 12:46 PM

are they hollow or solid shaft rivets?

(i think you want solid shaft)

James - 15/4/04 at 12:54 PM

quote:
Originally posted by ned
Jim,

If you want to get enough bits for free delivery and haven't already I'll happily go in with you for some rivets for when i get that far!

Ned.


Sounds good. I was gonna go with these- are they what we/you want? Code: 15725

I currently have £92 worth! Need another £8 to get £6 off if you see what I mean!

I may suddenly have to look into painting the garage floor or something!

James

James - 15/4/04 at 12:56 PM

quote:
Originally posted by MikeR
are they hollow or solid shaft rivets?

(i think you want solid shaft)


Mike,

I was going to go with these: http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/sea/searchresults.jsp;jsessionid=VWTQFK2QVRWMFCJO2C4CHPQ?_dyncharset=UTF-8&q=&n=15725&pn=1&pd=1&pi =1&cn=1&cd=1&x=15&y=10

Which I guess may not be solid but I thought they were what people had recommended. I'm probably wrong though!

James

Mix - 15/4/04 at 02:31 PM

James

The rivets you have indicated will be fine.
As for the size of drill to use, I would use the same size as the rivet, (4mm in this case), drilling oversized holes will make assembly easier but also allow the panels to 'fret'. Pop rivets do not expand into the holes as solid rivets do.

(Before I get shot down in flames, Yes I know it is possible to obtain structural 'break stem' rivets that will expand into the hole but as far as I'm aware Screwfix do not supply them)

Mick

James - 15/4/04 at 02:50 PM

Perhaps I should have said: I'm not planning to do the floor with these (which presumably needs most strength) as it's welded. It's just the side panels/rear that I'm doing.

Ned, you want in still? Anyone else who I'll see soon at Walton etc.?

Cheers,

James

Mix - 15/4/04 at 03:04 PM

Those rivets would provide more than enough stength for fitting a floor.
My comment about the size of holes is more valid in the case of side panels, The thickness of the material will probably be less and the rivets may well be visible.

Mick

britishtrident - 15/4/04 at 03:11 PM

Stainless steel rivets are a good idea for the floor you can get them here http://www.rivetwise.co.uk

They also have good info on drill sizes

James - 15/4/04 at 03:52 PM

Ok, thanks all.

4.0x10 Screwfix rivets for the side panels it is then!

James

ned - 15/4/04 at 04:03 PM

James,

Yeah, still want in. need rivets for floor, bulkhead panels and sides..

when you wanting to put theorder in? i cn call you if urgent! off home now though (today)

Ned.

theconrodkid - 15/4/04 at 04:21 PM

you could allways use the black gunge windscreens are put in with,no holes to drill

Fozzie - 15/4/04 at 07:31 PM

Quote:
''Anyone else who I'll see soon at Walton etc.?''



Thanks for the thought James!, but Ok for bits,
See ya Sunday

ATB fozzie

James - 15/4/04 at 11:04 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Fozzie

Thanks for the thought James!, but Ok for bits,
See ya Sunday

ATB fozzie


Yeah, yeah, it's alright for those of you past the Screwfix bits building stage!

James

DaveFJ - 16/4/04 at 08:06 AM

I would agree (get this you don't hear it very often from me!) that the pop rivets you mention would be adequate for general panelling. (just) BUT keep an eye on them... the are very weak and you may well need to replace some from time to time.

As for drilling....... if they are 4.0mm rivets use a 4.0mm drill do NOT be tempted to drill oversize.

If you are riveting ally to steel then you may be best off with monel metal rivets - you should ideally still use a good jointing compound though....

As for the floor - if any one is considering it I would suggest that these types of rivets are not up to the job and structural breakstem rivets are needed (I used 4.8mm structural at 20mm pitch - staggered - they cost about £40 for 600 from the states but were worth it IMHO)

Sounds like I'm preaching again - but what the hell I'll post it anyway!!

NS Dev - 16/4/04 at 10:37 PM

I would agree that normal ally pop-rivets do tend to shear off when vibrated a lot, I have to replace mine quite a bit on my grasstrack car, they keep loosing their heads!!

flyingkiwi - 17/4/04 at 11:33 AM

The majoy snag I've had with pop's is that they work loose after a bit of vibration. Resulting in a pain in the ass spinning rivet to remove. Sugest a blob of araldite or something similar to hold em in position.

I can get hold of countersink rivet's if anyone is interested. Having just Disbanded my beloved sea harrier squadron I've found a secret stash of countersink 3.3 and 4mm rivet's of perfect size. Loads available!

Give me a shout if you want some and I will see what I can sort out next week

Chris