Home >> Hobbies >> Other Hobbies

How to Compress a Hollow Rivet

Riveting is a process of forcing a metal fastener into a tight connection point between two metal items, such as attaching sheet metal panels to one another to construct an airplane fuselage. Hollow rivets, also known as semi-tubular rivets, are a common fastener choice because they do not need to be heated during the insertion process. A specialized impact tool is needed to force the fastener into position. Compressing the hollow rivet is a fast process for rapidly building a riveted item.

Things You'll Need

Impact riveter
2 metal sheets

Instructions

- 1
  Place the two metal sheets under the impact riveter's arm. Align the sheets so that their rivet holes line up together.
- 2
  Insert the hollow rivet into the aligned hole and press it firmly into the hole until it cannot be moved any further.
- 3
  Turn the impact riveter's power switch on and confirm that the machine's arm is directly above the hollow rivet's exposed head by visually verifying the position.
- 4
  Activate the impact riveter's arm and allow the arm to force the rivet downward into the two metal sheets. Turn the machine off.
- 5
  Visually verify that the rivet was forced all the way downward for a permanent connection. The rivet's head should be flush against the metal sheets' surface
- 6
  Align the next rivet hole on the impact riveter, if desired. Repeat Steps 1 through 5.

Other Hobbies