Rivet length issue...

markpsmith · #1 12-06-2006, 10:22 AM

I am working on my RV-8 HS front spar. I am getting ready to rivet the HS-810/814 to the HS-702. The center 4 holes (ones with flush rivets) call for AN426AD4-6. These seem too long.

I think a 4-5 would work fine - problem is that none come with the empenage kit. Should I just order some 4-5s? Or am I missing something here?

http://img330.imageshack.us/img330/5578/10303765nf.jpg

The link above was stolen from another post, but shows the 4 countersunk holes I am talking about (right in the middle of the pic).

Thanks,
Mark
RV-8 Emp

briand · #2 12-06-2006, 10:30 AM

Should stick out about .1875". Take it to the SB wheel if its a little too long.

Jim P · #3 12-06-2006, 10:36 AM

If you're just starting out, go to your favorite hardware supplier (Aircraft Spruce, Wicks, local, whatever) and order a bunch of rivets, in 3 and 4's with some 5's (you won't need many of those). Order about 1/4lb in almost every size; they're cheap.

markpsmith · #4 12-06-2006, 10:44 AM

Here is the actual pic.

It sticks out 13/64" (0.203")

Mark

Harold Lanfear · #5 12-06-2006, 10:49 AM

Being cheap; yet knowing I'd always need a few 'odd length' rivets; I bought some long ones and cut them. As a cutter, I use one of my electrical crimp tools that has threaded holes for cutting machine screws. It does a really nice job, plus I use it to cut screws to length. I don't remember where I got it, I've had it forever; you can pick them up at the Aviation department of Lowes, Radio Shack, etc.

bsacks05 · #6 12-06-2006, 10:50 AM

The rivet should stick out 1.5 times the rivet shank diameter. For a 4/32 rivet that would be 6/32 so your 13/64 sounds like you have the correct length rivet for the job. Anything else would be too short.

dan · #7 12-06-2006, 10:50 AM

The rule of thumb is for a rivet shank to stick out 1.5D before being squashed. In the case of a 1/8" diameter rivet, that equates to 3/16" -- or 12/64".

If your rivet sticks out 13/64", then it's only off by 1/64". Going with the next size up or next size down rivet, you'll be off by either 3/64" or 5/64". My point is that you'll be even further away from the 1.5D rule of thumb.

If you have a rivet cutter, sure, you could make your own custom perfect rivets.

OR YOU COULD JUST SQUEEZE THAT PUPPY AND CALL IT GOOD.

alpinelakespilot2000 · #8 12-06-2006, 11:06 AM

Buy a $10 rivet cutter NOW. You'll have many opportunities/needs to use it in the future. Good luck.

markpsmith · #9 12-06-2006, 11:07 AM

We must all just be sitting at work browsing the web...Such quick responses

I guess my issue was with the length the rivet extruded I ended up with 1.5D shop head, although, the height of the shop head was more than 0.5D. Otherwise to make the height 0.5D, I would have to buck it more which would make the diamater more that 1.5D.

I am probably being too anal. I just went with whatever height the 1.5D shop head gave me - which ended up being a height of about 0.8D.

Thanks for the help,
Mark

briand · #10 12-06-2006, 11:45 AM

Sometimes the rivets like to squish over to the side if they are too long. I find that if they are in a bad location, its better to have them the exact length prior to squeezing to lessen the chance of a badly formed rivet. Your experience is a factor as well. Trim it if you want, you will probably end up with a better shop head if you do.