The Armour Archive

Is it possible that some rivets (from the same box) are harder than others? I am trying to rivet some things together, and some of them peen nice and easy, while others do not want to peen at all. Am I doing something wrong? I figured it's probably "user error", but as far as I know I am doing them all the same way.

Anyway, whatever the cause, it's REAL frustrating.

Cat

Cat,

I suppose it is possible but here are some possible other things to look for.
are you using flat headed or round headed rivets? If round are you using a rivet set or other indentation to keep them straight when peening them. If they turn it may seem like they are a lot harder to peen because they are as they move about. Also are you keeping the length of the rivet to a managable length (I do not do this all the time but should). If it is overly long cut them with nippers so they peen properly, extra material will be extra work.

RPM

I am using dome headed rivets, but some of them go into their holes at an angle, and some, due to the curvature of the piece, I can't get the nippers all the way down to where I usually cut it. I have decided I hate riveting. Well, I don't mind it at all when the rivet is in a nice, easy to get to area with plenty of room to set the rivet head squarely on the anvil and plenty of room to peen, but I hate all of the other rivet situations.

Grrrrrrr...this is frustrating to say the least. Next time I will pay VERY close attention to rivet placement - that's for SURE!

Cat

Cat, for the rivets that go in and you are having a hard time cutting to the right length. Put them in and mark where they need cut, then pull them out and cut to length. Reinsert and peen away. Works for me. Takes a bit more time but beats the frustration.

Also (did you get a welder?) specialized hammers help.

Take a heavier then you'd use ball pien and cut off the flat end. same thing on another but cut off the round end. Then take another two lighter then you'd normally use and put an extension on. Basically weld a piece of metal dowel (I used threaded rod cause I had it handy) weld to the hammer about 4" long then weld the head on that you cut off from the other ones. All four come in really handy.

Also I never trim the rivits when they're in place. It's not too hard to eyeball it. Armouring isn't an exact science.

My rivits are all the same hardness. (well each type) but I get mine from a different place then you so who knows.

Also one of those cheapo 24 pound soft as hell anvil shaped objects work wonderfull for peening rivits. you'll put rivit shaped depressions in it in short order.