Rivet Drilling

[TXredfish]

I have an aluminum boat, I was removing a front bench that is riveted to a small aluminum wall. I was drilling out one of the final rivets when a small problem occured (the drill bit broke inside the rivet.) Since the bit broke below the rivet's surface I cannot reach it. And trying to drill it through the bottom cannot be possbile because the angle of the hull does not allow the drill to fit. So if anyone out there has had this problem or anyone with a solution please tell.

 

[DJ]

Re: Rivet Drilling

TXredfish,<br /><br />Two possibilities.<br /><br />1. Carefully grind off the rivet head.<br /><br />2. Use a larger size bit to remove the remainder of the rivet head. Once this is done, the rivet should fall out.

 

[Paul Witt]

Re: Rivet Drilling

Common problem in the aircraft industry! First, is the rivet a button head rivet or a counter sunk rivet. If its a button head, you might be in some luck. Take a common chisel and see if you can just cut off the head, or most of it and punch the rivet through. If it's not a button head, or this won't work, let me know, we'll figure something out.

 

[TXredfish]

Re: Rivet Drilling

The rivet is a button head, and I see what you mean by chiseling it out.<br /><br />--------------<br />Tight Lines<br /><br />--------------<br />Thanks guys