To remove rivets effectively, here are the main methods commonly used:
1. Drilling Out Rivets
- Use a drill bit slightly larger than the rivet's mandrel.
- Mark the center of the rivet head with a center punch to guide the drill bit.
- Drill slowly through the center of the rivet head until the head separates from the shaft.
- Remove any remaining rivet parts with pliers or a punch.
- This method works well for most rivet types and is the most common approach
2. Grinding
- Use a rotary tool with a cutting disc or an angle grinder to grind off the rivet head.
- Carbide burrs can also be used for grinding steel rivets without producing sparks.
- This is useful when drilling is difficult or the rivet is stubborn
3. Using Wire Cutters or Snips
- Flush-cutting snips can cut small aluminum rivets, especially hollow ones.
- Regular diagonal wire cutters usually don't work because their cutting edges are not flush
4. Chiseling
- Use a cold chisel or a sharpened flathead screwdriver and a hammer.
- Position the chisel at the rivet head edge and strike firmly to separate the head.
- Work around the rivet head until it detaches, then punch out the remaining shaft.
- This method is good for stubborn rivets when precision is less critical
5. Removing Blind Rivets (Special Case)
- Knock out the mandrel with a punch to loosen it.
- Drill out the setting head carefully with a drill bit matching the rivet size.
- Drill through the closing head on the backside to remove all parts.
- Clean the hole thoroughly after removal
Summary
Drilling is generally the fastest and most versatile method for removing rivets. Grinding and chiseling are good alternatives for difficult or solid rivets. For blind rivets, knocking out the mandrel and drilling the head is the recommended approach. Always ensure the workpiece is securely fixed and use appropriate safety gear. These methods cover most rivet removal scenarios and can be done with common tools like drills, rotary tools, chisels, and snips
