Rivet Removal: What Are Your Best Tools & Techniques? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bddcustoms · 07-02-2009, 08:37 PM

Fellas,

I need to remove some rivets from my frame. I'd love to know what the Nation has found to work well for this type of task.

Post what you do (or even what you heard your sister's boysfriend's, step-dad's uncle -- twice removed -- did).

thanks.

War Chevy

**LockDoc** · 07-02-2009, 08:42 PM

-
I just use a BFH and a chisel sharpened on one side. It seems to pop the heads off easier. Be sure and hold the chisel with Vise Grips and wear safety glasses and gloves....

LockDoc

prostreetC-10 · 07-02-2009, 08:47 PM

I hope someone will agree with me on this so I don't sound like I'm full of S**T but I like to use my cutting torch. Once you get good with one of those, it's like an artist and a paint brush. You can get the rivot hot enough to blow away with the oxygen but it wont affect the frame.

My 2nd choice is the air chisle...not good on fillings in the ole molars though.

71see10 · 07-02-2009, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prostreetc-10

i hope someone will agree with me on this so i don't sound like i'm full of s**t but i like to use my cutting torch. Once you get good with one of those, it's like an artist and a paint brush. You can get the rivot hot enough to blow away with the oxygen but it wont affect the frame.

My 2nd choice is the air chisle...not good on fillings in the ole molars though.

x2 I,ll agree with you!!!

Big Fenders · 07-02-2009, 08:51 PM

Grind the head off and pop out..seems to work easiest for me..
Bob

**LockDoc** · 07-02-2009, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prostreetC-10

I hope someone will agree with me on this so I don't sound like I'm full of S**T but I like to use my cutting torch. Once you get good with one of those, it's like an artist and a paint brush. You can get the rivot hot enough to blow away with the oxygen but it wont affect the frame.

My 2nd choice is the air chisle...not good on fillings in the ole molars though.

If I have a tight spot that is hard to get to I will use the gas-axe but I can do the open ones about as quick with the chisel.

LockDoc

msgross · 07-02-2009, 08:53 PM

grind an "X" on the head with a cutoff wheel.. then use an air chisel to nip the four pieces right off... sometimes I had to use the air chisel with a punch installed to knock it out then... Didn't mess up the metal at all..

dan42 · 07-02-2009, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msgross

grind an "X" on the head with a cutoff wheel.. then use an air chisel to nip the four pieces right off... sometimes I had to use the air chisel with a punch installed to knock it out then... Didn't mess up the metal at all..

That's a great idea. I have to take the rivets out of the front crossmember to install my swaybar - I think that's the way I'll do it. Only thing I'm nervous about is that the gas line is only a couple of inches from the rivet - I'm gonna have to protect it somehow.

Sammy · 07-02-2009, 11:00 PM

Proper way to remove any rivet. Get a bit 1 size smaller than the shank drill straight down thru the top of the rivet head, just deep enough to loosen the heads grip. Then center punch the grip out from the top. Common method is to grind the entire head almost flush with a grinder then tap it thru with a punch or drive pin.

BATurbo · 07-03-2009, 02:22 AM

I agree with msgross. I use an 1/8 thick cutoff wheel to cut an X in the rivet head. I use a double X as it takes less time to grind the x and the "pie slices" pop off easier when you hit them with the chisel. Good luck with the removal. I ran into a situation where the plates were not tight together and the rivet had bulged and/or shifted between the plates so even after cutting off the heads I had to do some prying and hammering to get the plates to separate as I could not drive the rivet out due to the bulge/shift.

turp mcspray · 07-03-2009, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc

-
I just use a BFH and a chisel sharpened on one side. It seems to pop the heads off easier. Be sure and hold the chisel with Vise Grips and wear safety glasses and gloves....

LockDoc

Did you learn to hold it with a vise grip the hard way like i did? LOL!!!

**LockDoc** · 07-03-2009, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turp mcspray

Did you learn to hold it with a vise grip the hard way like i did? LOL!!!

Funny you should ask that...

.. Even with gloves on it hurts like h3ll when you hit your hand.

LockDoc

pumpkin · 07-03-2009, 09:44 AM

I like to drill them out. With cobalt drill bits, it seems to be the quickest easiest,way with the least chance of damaging anything.

Livrat · 07-03-2009, 10:00 AM

I use a cutting torch to "wash" the heads off.. (Be careful with a torch, if your not vary handy with one its probably best to use a different method as there is a fine line between "washing" the heads and cutting/damaging everything)
Next I use a grinder to make them completely flush.. then pop em out with an air chisel punch

woodman13 · 07-03-2009, 10:39 AM

Plasma cutter

VanceH · 07-03-2009, 10:41 AM

Sawzal with a metal blade and an air grinder

glock35ipsc · 07-03-2009, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msgross

grind an "X" on the head with a cutoff wheel.. then use an air chisel to nip the four pieces right off... sometimes I had to use the air chisel with a punch installed to knock it out then... Didn't mess up the metal at all..

I do this too, only I just grind one slot across the head instead of two, then hit it with the air chisel.

Or I'll just blow the center out with the plasma cutter, and a quick tap with the hammer and they fall right out.

prostreetC-10 · 07-03-2009, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodman13

Plasma cutter

You suck!!!!

woodman13 · 07-03-2009, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prostreetC-10

You suck!!!!

Sorry, picked it up at a DOL on a pallet sale 2 years ago for $180, new in the box along with a Lincoln welder and a Miller portable Bobcat gas welder.

Indyuke · 07-03-2009, 03:13 PM

I agree with the drill out method. (some industries it's the ONLY approved method) And use a center punch to get yourself started if there isn't already a dimple there.

tranz am · 07-03-2009, 03:32 PM

angle grind the head off, center punch it and drill it out. easy.
every air chisel Ive had had died on me mid way through the job!

**68SWB4x4** · 07-03-2009, 05:23 PM

a hammer and a chisel seriously works? I couldn't imagine, it takes long enough with an air chisel!

Beelzeburb · 07-03-2009, 06:20 PM

Oxy/Acetyl torch is what I used to remove the rivets through the frame on my rear shackle brackets. Get the mix right and it is a quick process. Just don't drip any on yourself.

williamt · 07-03-2009, 06:37 PM

on areas that you can get to I have had real good luck with a sawzall laid on its side

68C10withA396 · 07-03-2009, 06:40 PM

I just bought a nice set of rivot removal drill bits from harbor freight that work like a charm. Drill the shaft from the head side and they fall out, no chisel or hammers needed. It is a pain sometimes to get the head back off the bit if you drill to deep.

07-02-2009, 08:37 PM	#1
bddcustoms Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Bowie, Maryland Posts: 80	Rivet Removal: What Are Your Best Tools & Techniques? Fellas, I need to remove some rivets from my frame. I'd love to know what the Nation has found to work well for this type of task. Post what you do (or even what you heard your sister's boysfriend's, step-dad's uncle -- twice removed -- did). thanks. War Chevy __________________ broke d!@k dog Garage 1969 C20 - Project: "Big Sexy" [http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=454894] 2003 'Burban - [Big Pop's daily driver] 1969 350/350 Stingray - [as soon as the economy turns...] 1939 Chevy Roadster Pick Up - Project: "Pre-School" (searching now)

07-02-2009, 08:42 PM	#2
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,346	Re: Rivet Removal: What Are Your Best Tools & Techniques? - I just use a BFH and a chisel sharpened on one side. It seems to pop the heads off easier. Be sure and hold the chisel with Vise Grips and wear safety glasses and gloves.... LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

07-02-2009, 08:47 PM	#3
prostreetC-10 My Carbon Footprint Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Orygun Posts: 5,527	Re: Rivet Removal: What Are Your Best Tools & Techniques? I hope someone will agree with me on this so I don't sound like I'm full of ST but I like to use my cutting torch. Once you get good with one of those, it's like an artist and a paint brush. You can get the rivot hot enough to blow away with the oxygen but it wont affect the frame. My 2nd choice is the air chisle...not good on fillings in the ole molars though. __________________ A quick "pedalfest" Still getting loose (carb test) 496 Initial fire up video!** Last edited by prostreetC-10; 07-02-2009 at 08:47 PM.

07-02-2009, 08:51 PM	#5
Big Fenders Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Tucson Arizona Posts: 264	Re: Rivet Removal: What Are Your Best Tools & Techniques? Grind the head off and pop out..seems to work easiest for me.. Bob

07-02-2009, 08:53 PM	#7
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Rivet Removal: What Are Your Best Tools & Techniques? grind an "X" on the head with a cutoff wheel.. then use an air chisel to nip the four pieces right off... sometimes I had to use the air chisel with a punch installed to knock it out then... Didn't mess up the metal at all.. __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

07-02-2009, 11:00 PM	#9
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: Rivet Removal: What Are Your Best Tools & Techniques? Proper way to remove any rivet. Get a bit 1 size smaller than the shank drill straight down thru the top of the rivet head, just deep enough to loosen the heads grip. Then center punch the grip out from the top. Common method is to grind the entire head almost flush with a grinder then tap it thru with a punch or drive pin. __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

07-03-2009, 02:22 AM	#10
BATurbo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Warren, Mi Posts: 32	Re: Rivet Removal: What Are Your Best Tools & Techniques? I agree with msgross. I use an 1/8 thick cutoff wheel to cut an X in the rivet head. I use a double X as it takes less time to grind the x and the "pie slices" pop off easier when you hit them with the chisel. Good luck with the removal. I ran into a situation where the plates were not tight together and the rivet had bulged and/or shifted between the plates so even after cutting off the heads I had to do some prying and hammering to get the plates to separate as I could not drive the rivet out due to the bulge/shift.

07-03-2009, 09:44 AM	#13
pumpkin Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: East Sooke B.C. Canada Posts: 543	Re: Rivet Removal: What Are Your Best Tools & Techniques? I like to drill them out. With cobalt drill bits, it seems to be the quickest easiest,way with the least chance of damaging anything.

07-03-2009, 10:00 AM	#14
Livrat Member #1049 Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Troy Montana Posts: 3,940	Re: Rivet Removal: What Are Your Best Tools & Techniques? I use a cutting torch to "wash" the heads off.. (Be careful with a torch, if your not vary handy with one its probably best to use a different method as there is a fine line between "washing" the heads and cutting/damaging everything) Next I use a grinder to make them completely flush.. then pop em out with an air chisel punch

07-03-2009, 10:39 AM	#15
woodman13 woodman13 Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Moody, Tx Posts: 261	Re: Rivet Removal: What Are Your Best Tools & Techniques? Plasma cutter __________________ Woodman13 2007 Dodge Ram 3500 5.9 rolling coal! 1994 Caprice 9C1 88K miles, LT-1, dropped/shaved 1967 C-30 350 4 sp dually 1971 C10 SWB BBC, auto; good driver

07-03-2009, 10:41 AM	#16
VanceH Loving the Jimmster Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Emmett, idaho Posts: 575	Re: Rivet Removal: What Are Your Best Tools & Techniques? Sawzal with a metal blade and an air grinder

07-03-2009, 03:13 PM	#20
Indyuke Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Posts: 623	Re: Rivet Removal: What Are Your Best Tools & Techniques? I agree with the drill out method. (some industries it's the ONLY approved method) And use a center punch to get yourself started if there isn't already a dimple there.

07-03-2009, 03:32 PM	#21
tranz am Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Santa Rosa, Ca Posts: 586	Re: Rivet Removal: What Are Your Best Tools & Techniques? angle grind the head off, center punch it and drill it out. easy. every air chisel Ive had had died on me mid way through the job! __________________ My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456220 Best 1/4 mile time 12.1 @ 111 w/traction issues 1969 GMC SWB 1964 chevy II Nova ht Last edited by tranz am; 07-03-2009 at 03:33 PM.

07-03-2009, 05:23 PM	#22
68SWB4x4 Strongman Garage Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Salinas, CA Posts: 10,241	Re: Rivet Removal: What Are Your Best Tools & Techniques? a hammer and a chisel seriously works? I couldn't imagine, it takes long enough with an air chisel! __________________ Kalle 68 GMC Suburban 1500 4x4 SOLD 69 Pontiac Lemans 99 Silverado 4.8 5 speed ECSB [ Facebook Instagram Subscribe on YOUTUBE

07-03-2009, 06:20 PM	#23
Beelzeburb Devil's in the Details Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Southern Utah Posts: 353	Re: Rivet Removal: What Are Your Best Tools & Techniques? Oxy/Acetyl torch is what I used to remove the rivets through the frame on my rear shackle brackets. Get the mix right and it is a quick process. Just don't drip any on yourself. __________________ '70 K10 Suburban - TBI 454, 4L80E, NP241C, Dana 60 & 44 - The 10+ Year Project Thread Datsun 240Z, 510 2 door and an old Honda motorcycle



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07-03-2009, 06:37 PM	#24
williamt 68 just like me Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: canton ga. Posts: 142	Re: Rivet Removal: What Are Your Best Tools & Techniques? on areas that you can get to I have had real good luck with a sawzall laid on its side __________________ 68 just like me

07-03-2009, 06:40 PM	#25
68C10withA396 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Jacksonville N.C. Posts: 58	Re: Rivet Removal: What Are Your Best Tools & Techniques? I just bought a nice set of rivot removal drill bits from harbor freight that work like a charm. Drill the shaft from the head side and they fall out, no chisel or hammers needed. It is a pain sometimes to get the head back off the bit if you drill to deep.

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