Rivet Tape

Will Womack · #1 10-20-2005, 05:45 AM

I am going to try back riveting for the first time tonight (7A rudder stiffeners - separate rudder skins). My question is: How many times can you use the rivet tape if it is even reusable? Any tips or tricks?

Thanks.

Kahuna · #2 10-20-2005, 05:48 AM

Being the cheap SOB that I am, I get 3 uses out of mine and use the same strips as I go along until they just dont stick no more.

Kahuna

Rick6a · #3 10-20-2005, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will Womack

I am going to try back riveting for the first time tonight (7A rudder stiffeners - separate rudder skins). My question is: How many times can you use the rivet tape if it is even reusable? Any tips or tricks?
Thanks.

You can use it as long as the (relatively weak) adhesive holds up. When you run out of official aircraft quality rivet tape, common clear packing tape works just as well.

Rick Galati RV-6A "Darla"

Steve · #4 10-20-2005, 06:40 AM

I've used the 3M Scotch Tape in the BLUE box (not very sticky) available at the office supply stores. Up to 3 uses per strip. I like it better than genuine rivet tape.

PS
According to an A&P and Army helo mechanic I know, regular scotch tape use is prohibited by some a/c mfgs because the glue can get under the rivet head and cause all sorts of probs, etc, etc. But then again he always says stuff like that.

Another cheap SOB,
Steve

mgomez · #5 10-20-2005, 06:57 AM

I don't know about prohibited, but it's certainly a pain in the butt. I was too cheap at first to buy rivet tape, and used scotch tape. I don't think any adhesive got under the rivet head, but plenty got ON them. It took a fair amount of time to get rid of it with Goof Off.

It's an aesthetic issue to me...so I bought some rivet tape at $7/roll.

penguin · #6 10-20-2005, 06:59 AM

But I thought "genuine rivet tape" is just another vesion of Scotch tape that doesn't split into circles once you have riveted on it? I've had one roll for years, and its not about to run out any time soon! Agree that you just keep using it until it don't stick no more - its only there to stop the rivets falling out before they're set.

Pete

txaviator · #7 10-20-2005, 07:33 AM

Will,

As the others have said, just keep using the rivet tape strips until they won't stick anymore. One roll of rivet tape will go a L-O-N-G way if you reuse the strips until they no longer stick.

And one more thing you will learn tonight? After back-riveting, you will wish that you could back-rivet the entire plane. The process works THAT easily and THAT good!

cjensen · #8 10-20-2005, 07:47 AM

i agree, Gary! i really wish there was a way to backrivet the entire airplane! it works great, an the results are more consistant than a gun and bar could ever dream of being.

i am another cheap sob, but i do buy rivet tape when needed. i tried using regular scotch tape, and while it works great to hold the rivet in place, it doesn't come off easily like rivet tape does. too much of a pain to me. my sop is to use the rivet tape as many times as possible, then buy a new role.

have fun tonight, you'll love the results!

Rick6a · #9 10-20-2005, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjensen

i agree, Gary! i really wish there was a way to backrivet the entire airplane! it works great, an the results are more consistant than a gun and bar could ever dream of being.........................

Actually Chad, you CAN backrivet a great deal of the airframe if you want to. Many times...... while building the wings especially, I had dear wife simply hold a suitable bucking bar firmly against the rivet head on the exterior side of the skin while I set the shop heads from inside......a pretty good way to avoid dents.....unless YOU slip off the rivet!!! The technique is as old as flush rivets.

Rick Galati RV-6A "Darla"

Will Womack · #10 10-20-2005, 08:36 AM

Thanks for all the replies. I am looking forward to trying something new tonight. The roll of rivet tape I got from the "Yard" tool kit looks like packing tape with red striped down the sides.

I have also heard that back riveting can be used in other places as well. Have to look at that when I get my wings (which I hope to order within the next week!)