Rivet squeezer didn?t budge a -6 rivet

[Brantel]

Another piece of advice someone once shared with me is to use as thin a set as you can on the yoke and ram for longer rivets. This ensures that you are working on the power curve of the cam action that is driving the ram. If the whole mess is too tight, the cam action does not have a chance to do its job.

[Tommy123]

If you can get a squeezer in there you can set it with a gun. Where you installing a -6 rivet? A bolt would work too.

[nohoflyer]

The hand squeezer just seems like it would be easier and more consistent. Also, less of a chance for smileys. Am I wrong in this thought? What would be the point of having the squeezer then.

[Brantel]

Originally Posted by nohoflyer

The hand squeezer just seems like it would be easier and more consistent. Also, less of a chance for smileys. Am I wrong in this thought? What would be the point of having the squeezer then.

I squeeze everything possible to squeeze that makes sense. Everyone has their own style and preference, you will find yours. To each their own.

[Brantel]

Originally Posted by Tommy123

If you can get a squeezer in there you can set it with a gun. Where you installing a -6 rivet? A bolt would work too.

Van's does not recommend mixing different fastener types where they were not part of the original design. Something about different fastener types won't share the shear load the same/properly and could weaken the overall assembly.

[fl-mike]

Another trick if you are having issues with tipping the shop side because the rivet is on the long side and it’s hard to stay square is to put a -3 cup set on the tail side for the initial squeeze. It ensures you are square and starts the shop head. Then switch to a flat set to finish. If you have a row,you can start them all with the cup set and them come back with the flat. No need to keep switching on each rivet. I used this trick on the forward lower longerons on the 8 that are at an odd angle. Worked great. Give it a try.

Update: It may have been a -4 cup set. The -3 seems too small. It's been a few months!

[wirejock]

Originally Posted by Brantel

I squeeze everything possible to squeeze that makes sense. Everyone has their own style and preference, you will find yours. To each their own.

Funny. To each his own is right. I drive with gun and bar more often. The only time I use a squeezer is a row of rivets all exactly the same length and thickness of material.
Guess you get comfortable with techniques.

[rv9builder]

Originally Posted by fl-mike

Another trick is to put a -3 cup set on the tail side for the initial squeeze.

Cool idea, Mike. I'm going to try it!

Thanks!

[fl-mike]

Originally Posted by rv9builder

Cool idea, Mike. I'm going to try it!

Thanks!

Hmmm, now that I think about it, it may have been a -4 cup set. It's been a few months!

[rv9builder]

I'll try both!