Comments - A HUGE Mistake - Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers2024-03-29T07:54:13Zhttps://zenith.aero/profiles/comment/feed?attachedTo=2606393%3ABlogPost%3A230551&xn_auth=noThanks for the comments and s…tag:zenith.aero,2012-08-08:2606393:Comment:2307662012-08-08T01:59:26.751ZDavid A. Judkinshttps://zenith.aero/profile/DavidAJudkins
<p>Thanks for the comments and suggestions! I have plenty of rivets to drill out, so I should be able to put several of these methods to use to see which one works best! In the meantime, I'm working on the elevator. Hopefully, I won't screw it up!</p>
<p>Thanks for the comments and suggestions! I have plenty of rivets to drill out, so I should be able to put several of these methods to use to see which one works best! In the meantime, I'm working on the elevator. Hopefully, I won't screw it up!</p> I use the next size smaller b…tag:zenith.aero,2012-08-07:2606393:Comment:2306732012-08-07T23:22:21.663ZMarvin W Millerhttps://zenith.aero/profile/MarvinWMiller
<p>I use the next size smaller bit 1st. (#40,30,20) Drill all the way through centered. Then the original size bit works slick, easy I think.</p>
<p>I use the next size smaller bit 1st. (#40,30,20) Drill all the way through centered. Then the original size bit works slick, easy I think.</p> Another note: you don't have…tag:zenith.aero,2012-08-07:2606393:Comment:2305582012-08-07T02:20:28.126ZRon Lendonhttps://zenith.aero/profile/RonLendon
<p>Another note: you don't have to push the stems all the way out, only enough so the drill bit won't touch when removing the heads.</p>
<p>Another note: you don't have to push the stems all the way out, only enough so the drill bit won't touch when removing the heads.</p> When drilling out the blind r…tag:zenith.aero,2012-08-07:2606393:Comment:2303202012-08-07T02:17:36.080ZRon Lendonhttps://zenith.aero/profile/RonLendon
<p>When drilling out the blind rivets, make sure to first push the stems back away from the domed head and only drill till the rivet head is free then stop drilling. Pushing the stems back may require more hands or special tools to hold a backup block/bar on the backside of the rivet and a punch, automatic or manual, to push the stem back.</p>
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<p>Once the heads are removed you can peel the materials apart. Use diagonal cutters to remove the rest of the rivets from the back side then…</p>
<p>When drilling out the blind rivets, make sure to first push the stems back away from the domed head and only drill till the rivet head is free then stop drilling. Pushing the stems back may require more hands or special tools to hold a backup block/bar on the backside of the rivet and a punch, automatic or manual, to push the stem back.</p>
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<p>Once the heads are removed you can peel the materials apart. Use diagonal cutters to remove the rest of the rivets from the back side then smooth up the surface of the rib flange with a hammer and dolly block.</p>
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<p>Doing it that way keeps the hole sizes original and you have a much better chance of saving all the pieces for reuse.</p> I feel your pain...
I've had…tag:zenith.aero,2012-08-07:2606393:Comment:2303942012-08-07T01:47:36.476ZMark Maltaishttps://zenith.aero/profile/MarkMaltais
<p>I feel your pain...</p>
<p>I've had to un-rivet more than one part and skin so far. Best way I found was to use the same size bit as the hole, make sure it's SHARP, brand new is best. I have a variable speed high end air drill and drill at the slowest speed, basically barely turning. If done right the head will come off and wind up on the bit, then just punch the hole out with a pin punch. In some cases you will have to shear the drilled head off with a chisel. Get a sharp cold chisel…</p>
<p>I feel your pain...</p>
<p>I've had to un-rivet more than one part and skin so far. Best way I found was to use the same size bit as the hole, make sure it's SHARP, brand new is best. I have a variable speed high end air drill and drill at the slowest speed, basically barely turning. If done right the head will come off and wind up on the bit, then just punch the hole out with a pin punch. In some cases you will have to shear the drilled head off with a chisel. Get a sharp cold chisel with sharp angle and it works fine.</p>
<p>I had to undo the entire rivet line on the wing spar (due to a difference on the plans and assembly guide) in one instance and it actually went very well. Once you get the hang of it, it went really fast...took me maybe 10 minutes to do. Believe me, it's a good thing these are pulled rivets, solid rivets can be much more tricky!</p>