Type of rivets used to secure floor to ribs ??

[mr 88]

I have searched the forums and think it will be easier just to ask this[ I am sure ] played out question. Replacing floor and wondering what size and type of rivets to go with. Do I try and use the old holes in the ribs and go with maybe 1/4" rivets or drill new ones and go with a smaller size rivets.I have read where some people just use SS screws and also wonder if they loosen over time ? Pros and cons to either method ? I have a HD Rivet gun that goes up to 1/4"" for what it's worth,thanks.........

 

[barato2]

Re: Type of rivets used to secure floor to ribs ??

hard part on reusing factory holes is drilling the holes in the new floor to line up perfectly. i think most people just drill new ones and use 3/16 rivets. i got 3 boxes (25 in each) of large head 3/16 rivets with grip range up to 1" from McMaster-Carr for abt $25-30 shipped.

at least a few folks have done screws, incl our esteemed moderator, and have been happy. i think if you slather em in 5200, they probably can be kept from backing out.

 

[mr 88]

Re: Type of rivets used to secure floor to ribs ??

Thanks,are they aluminum rivets or some other material ? May start this weekend so will have to buy local.

 

[barato2]

Re: Type of rivets used to secure floor to ribs ??

yeah, i'd use aluminum. no galvanic corrosion issues and you'd need that HD rivet gun to pull 3/16 SS rivets. good luck finding em locally in long enough grip range if your floors are any thicker than 1/2". i bet McMC could express em to you by this weekend. or you could go the screws route since those are readily available in correct lengths....just use flatheads and countersink em

 

[North Beach]

Re: Type of rivets used to secure floor to ribs ??

MR88, my deck was 1/2" plywood and I used 3/16 aluminum rivets with 1/2" to 5/8" grip range. I purchased all of the rivets for my restore at rivetsinstock.com

 

[mr 88]

Re: Type of rivets used to secure floor to ribs ??

Using 3/4 decking . Store close by called Fastenall that may have rivets with 3/4 plus grip range. If not I probably will goes SS route with 5200,thanks guys.