New guy needin' some help

[fishin addiction]

Hey guys, needin some help from the experts here. I want to replace some rivets in my little 10ft jon boat. I have no idea how to tell what size rivets I need or what kind. I know I need solid marine aluminum rivets but what kind,style. Is there a way to measure the existing rivets, being they are already bucked, expanded. I am new to the rivet thing and need all the help I can get. Thank you all in advance.

 

[navis]

Re: New guy needin' some help

Welcome to iboats!

The easiest way to do this will be to use calipers and measure the inner diameter of the hole that the rivet came out of. If you post this measurement I will let you know what the applicable rivet size would be.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: New guy needin' some help

Just put a drill bit in the hole to determine size. Fastenal is the best source for any type of rivet you need. Are the rivets missing or just leaking? If leaking you can re-buck and coat all the rivets on the inside with Gluvit.

 

[allpoints360]

Re: New guy needin' some help

Ditto Lion Hunter. Use a drill bit.

 

[fishin addiction]

Re: New guy needin' some help

Thank you for the responses. I will drill one out in the morning and measure the hole.

This is a 1972 model boat and some of the rivets are missing some pulled through and some leaking that have been rebucked so many times they're mushroomed. I will also post some pics because some of the rivets have pulled through the seat being mushroomed they left a bigger hole than what is supposed to be. The hull holes are fine just the seat pulled through. I heard I could use a washer on the rivet for this but I don't know. Thanks very much for the help

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: New guy needin' some help

Here ya go. Probably more than you ever wanted to know about rivets.


http://www.fastenal.com/web/products.ex?N=999600191&Nty=0

 

[navis]

Re: New guy needin' some help

Haha, wow. How have I never thought of using a drill bit to check the size of a hole. DUH!

 

[fishin addiction]

Re: New guy needin' some help

I drilled one out and a 5/32 drill bit fits nicely in the hole. Does this mean I need a 5/32 rivet? here are some pics of what I'm trying to do. There is a fastenal store not far from me so I should be able to go get the things I need hopefully.

 

[fishin addiction]

Re: New guy needin' some help

I called two different fastenal stores today and they said they couldn't get the size I needed. Could get a 3/16 by 1/2 but I don't think that's right. Anyway they only sell packs of 500 and will not break pack. $50-$100. Please help!!!! I looked at the online store and don't know the terminoligy well enough to know I'm ordering the right thing. Everyone has been wonderful so far helping me out and I really do apprieciate it. I would never have attempted this without ya'lls help.Thanks again.

 

[fishin addiction]

Re: New guy needin' some help

I've tried everywhere still haven't found a source

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: New guy needin' some help

Try to find an aircraft mechanic at a local airport.....they use solid rivets. Beyond the pop rivets most places will not break up a package. If you use a washer make sure it is aluminum and when you install a rivet use a dab of 3m5200 on the shaft.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: New guy needin' some help

I think buying 500 is a great excuse to have to buy more boats to use them on. Don't quit until the box is gone! LOL

 

[i386]

Re: New guy needin' some help

Following what Bob said, Aircraft Spruce also carries many types of rivets and rivet tools.

http://aircraftspruce.com/

 

[78ImperialT]

Re: New guy needin' some help

cant you just drill the hole to 3/16 and use aluminum rivets from tractor supply or home depot???

i have built racecars for years and they are basically held together with rivets and zeus screws. i know they arent in the water, so my advice may not be what you need.