Is a hand rivet tool strong enough? What kind of rivets?

[deerhuntre]

I would like to install blind rivets in the hull of my aluminum 19' fish-n-ski. Would a hand rivet tool develop sufficient power to install rivets to the hull and the keel? Or do you guys use and should I purchase a pneumatic riveting tool?

What kind of rivets do you guys use in aluminum boats?

Thank you!!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Is a hand rivet tool strong enough? What kind of rivets?

Deer, Aluminum rivets would be best, if they are strong enough. If you use SS you will intoduce galvanic corrosion. Steel will rust out. Also, you can get 3/16" rivets if the standard 1/8" rivets are not sufficient, as well as ones designed to be waterproof.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Is a hand rivet tool strong enough? What kind of rivets?

Deer, A hand rivet tool should do the job.

 

[deerhuntre]

Re: Is a hand rivet tool strong enough? What kind of rivets?

Have you seen or used the aluminum monobolt rivets?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Is a hand rivet tool strong enough? What kind of rivets?

Do a Google for "Closed-End Blind Rivets",.......

They're the Waterproof Pop Rivets......... They come in an All Aluminum design......
In about Any Size you need.....

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Is a hand rivet tool strong enough? What kind of rivets?

Just make sure you get the right grip length ar at least a selection of lengths. There will be places where a stringer or cross brace need to be "grabbed" by the rivet and they tend to need a longer rivet.