Aluminum Rivets

[DougyB]

Hey guys, I know theres a list somewhere but I cant find it from the search tool, so.... where do you guys suggest I find aluminum rivets for my 1984 starcraft 14' V-hull? Lancaster Marine is trying to steal my money and charge me 1.09 a rivet They also tried charging 39.00 a quart for Alkalyd paint that I bought a gallon of for $35.00.

Needless to say, Im 100% sure you guys know somewhere to find these rivets I need ( the rivets that hold the benches in, not skeg rivets)

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Aluminum Rivets

Good quality closed end pop rivets are about a buck a piece........ try fastenal or online

Paint for a tin boat........ Rustoleum or Valspar enamel are the best bang for the buck

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Aluminum Rivets

Hi DougyB. Yeah, someone is trying to take you for a ride. Here's a great link for rivets to get you started. Most 3/6" aluminum blind, pop-rivets will work. If you only need a few, you can get a pack of 20-50 from most hardware stores, but if you need more than 100, or so, it's probably worth ordering them. Some folks dip the rivets in 2 part epoxy, like JB weld for good measure just prior to installation, but you don't really have to. Here's the rivets link and a vid of a guy installing some pop rivets in his boat.

http://www.rivetsonline.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0MA1-5NXjs&feature=related

 

[Hooked on Catfish]

Re: Aluminum Rivets

You might try Fastenal.com

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Aluminum Rivets

http://www.rivetsonline.com/rivets-en/blind-rivets-en/closed-end-blind-rivets.html

I buy a lot of rivets from these folks and they have good service.

The aluminum rivet with the steel mandrel will be the strongest, and bout 35 cents each with shipping and handling if you go with the 1/4" dia.

 

[raymondpickens]

Re: Aluminum Rivets

Well there are the REEVITS!

 

[DougyB]

Re: Aluminum Rivets

wow thanks guys, much faster responses than the johnson ob forum, I appreciate all the help. As far as sealing them, I was thinking about using something, like jb weld, just for the fact that this is going to be the third time rivets were replaced, so the holes might be a bit loose.

As for rivets though, I think Im going to use solid aluminum rivets, i feel much safer using these and have nothing to worry about with galvanic corrosion

 

[bob johnson]

Re: Aluminum Rivets

wow thanks guys, much faster responses than the johnson ob forum, I appreciate all the help. As far as sealing them, I was thinking about using something, like jb weld, just for the fact that this is going to be the third time rivets were replaced, so the holes might be a bit loose.

As for rivets though, I think Im going to use solid aluminum rivets, i feel much safer using these and have nothing to worry about with galvanic corrosion

dont try and fill a diametrical gap with glue.... drill the hole out to match the next bigger dia rivet.

I am installing rivets in my older aluminum hull now...I am using 1/4 dia rivets to replace the 3/16th factory and 7/32 pop rivets where needed. ( all the pop rivets are going bye bye).
drilling and then reaming makes sure I get two layers of aluminum on the same centerline and a clean round hole that fits perfect with my rivets...

make sure you debur the holes after you drill them out...I ground the paint off all the holes i am re riveting...and i used marinetex 5200 sealant as well just a tab, and spin the rivet...a little extra waterproofing.....

good luck
bob

 

[DougyB]

Re: Aluminum Rivets

Bob, thank you very much, great advice that I will definately use. My only fear is if the tabs that bend out from the bench to anchor them in have enough size to keep the hole in the bench tab while maintaining enough tensile strength.
This picture was just happened to be in my phone, the front bench tabs have far less clearance, but i can always angle the hole into the bench.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Aluminum Rivets

I'd go with the 1/4" blind rivets. They seal themselves and are much easier to install, a one man job.

If this is the third time you're replacing these rivets, something isn't going quite right with your installation.

 

[cm20]

Re: Aluminum Rivets

mcmaster carr has all the types of rivets you could ever need...... www.mcmaster.com

 

[DougyB]

Re: Aluminum Rivets

Its an 84, 1st rivet install was factory, second was by me and pops, to redo floor, and this time im taking out the middle bench and moving the flotation underneith the deck. I've only ever had two rivets leak, they were skeg rivets that the previous owner must have knocked out when I got the boat.

As far as an aluminum/aluminum blind rivet, Idk if they can handle the load of a solid rivet. I know they are strong, but the rivets holding the bench seats hold a ton of responsibilty and I do not wish to replace rivets again for another ten years.

 

[DougyB]

Re: Aluminum Rivets

ha, mcmasters!!! I had ordered from them last time but could not remember the name, I swore it started with a c for some reason but they are it, yes they have everything rivets. Idk why its so hard to find them using a rivet search on yahoo.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Aluminum Rivets

You'll regret removing that middle bench before your 10 year time limit is up. That bench is a structual member of your boat and you'll stress your boat without it. Don't throw that bench away, you may want to put it back in later.

 

[DougyB]

Re: Aluminum Rivets

I was planning on using sheet metal and wood to make a renforced gunnel that would eventually lead to a splash well of sorts. I have the middle bench out now and I do notice how much weaker the middle of the sidewalls feel, I will save the bench.

As for making bigger rivet holes, which I have not done before, a 1/4 drill bit to drill a hole for a 1/4" rivet correct? Im pretty sure length is 3/8"

 

[bob johnson]

Re: Aluminum Rivets

I was planning on using sheet metal and wood to make a renforced gunnel that would eventually lead to a splash well of sorts. I have the middle bench out now and I do notice how much weaker the middle of the sidewalls feel, I will save the bench.

As for making bigger rivet holes, which I have not done before, a 1/4 drill bit to drill a hole for a 1/4" rivet correct? Im pretty sure length is 3/8"

if you dont drill and ream...... then at least pre drill smaller then finnish drill to size!!!

you want to make sure the holes are aligned and the same size......the problem with drills in sheet metal is they want to screw themselves through instead of cutting their way through...a three flute drill or reamer cuts smoother.....and makes nice ROUND holes

bob

 

[robert graham]

Re: Aluminum Rivets

If you just have a few rivets to replace, and for simplicity, use a 1/8" or 3/16" stainless steel phillips head screw of the appropriate length, and a Nyloc nut on the inside of the boat. I've used these for decades in my riveted aluminum canoe and they work great. Ace Hardware has these and they're so easy to install and tighten! But if you love and want rivets, by all means get 'em! Good Luck!

 

[DougyB]

Re: Aluminum Rivets

Thanks for all the info guys, I ordered from mcmaster a few min. ago, along with the 5200 and three flute bit.

Bob, thanks for keeping me from doing this repair half assed, i appreciate all your input.

 

[bob johnson]

Re: Aluminum Rivets

Bob, thank you very much, great advice that I will definately use. My only fear is if the tabs that bend out from the bench to anchor them in have enough size to keep the hole in the bench tab while maintaining enough tensile strength.View attachment 135784
This picture was just happened to be in my phone, the front bench tabs have far less clearance, but i can always angle the hole into the bench.

ok this isnt heart surgery.....this is just a boat...so breathe!! you can drill the hole oversize to fit your rivet...if the hole breaks through the side of the material on the bench , dont sweat it...go ahead and put a rivet in there anyway..and go drill another brand new hole a half inch away!!! walla.....it takes another 1 minute of your time...

I looked at the edge of my starcraft today while working on the transom...they got a rivet ever 1/2" down the edge of the side of the boat where it meets the transom!!! so there are a million rivets!!!.....no body cared when it was new.

if it makes you feel better about asthetics but a new hole and rivet in the same spot on all four corners of the bench....hey now it looks factory!! ha ha ha

if you go with 5200 I think its best to have it stick to the aluminum of the hull and not over a painted surface!!..

maybe thats just me....
good luck...

bob

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: Aluminum Rivets

Your local aviation FBO (fixed base operation) should have what you need.