Need Advice on Rivet Set Tools
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 19
From: Oswego New York
Need Advice on Rivet Set Tools
What size rivet setting tool (tips) do I need for an air tool application? For those of you that have done this yourselves, what's your recommendation?
Looking through the Parts Manuals, I've found rivets sizes 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", and 5/16", with 3/16" being the most common one used on my '70. I know the correct answer depends on which rivets I will be replacing, but I'd like to practice installing a few to get the 'hang' of it before removing too many for my restoration. I've looked on some of the internet sites, and found individual setting tips as well as multi-tip sets.
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
Looking through the Parts Manuals, I've found rivets sizes 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", and 5/16", with 3/16" being the most common one used on my '70. I know the correct answer depends on which rivets I will be replacing, but I'd like to practice installing a few to get the 'hang' of it before removing too many for my restoration. I've looked on some of the internet sites, and found individual setting tips as well as multi-tip sets.
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
If you plan on an air hammer to set rivets, you should put a regulator on it. Air hammers hit too fast and hard to control setting rivets.
Google "The Yard Store" in Wichita KS. They have a large selection of sets and bucking bars. (they'll have a regulator too)
Google "The Yard Store" in Wichita KS. They have a large selection of sets and bucking bars. (they'll have a regulator too)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
Tim has good advice. I think u can get away with just using a flat set. The rivets that u will use are not really shaped like an aircraft rivet. And u really want to use a soft aluminum rivet vs a harder alloy rivet when using them in composites. The harder alloy rivets will crack the plastics and thin fiberglass. I have rivet sets of all types and sizes, and a nice rivet gun, but I really recall using my flat set most. Just a few hits and it will buck the softer rivets with very little distortion.
