Rivet Gauge Question

[swixtt]

hey guys,
we just got our first rivets in our RV9 on the weekend... things went pretty good. we got a rivet gauge from Planetools and have been using that to test them but when measure the diameter on the rivet we get it pretty much snug to the gauge, but usually the depth measurement isn't quite right. we are making sure the correct rivet length is used.
what is most critical when using the gauge, diameter or depth.?

also, our squeezer isn't adjustable so we are using washers,etc. which is fine, but we couldn't get a complete squeeze on a few that we had to go back and hit again with the hand squeezer. how many different washer sets have you used? i just have a combo of thin and thick and use that to dial it in. sometimes though, they aren't thin enough.

anyway, thanks for reading.

[terrykohler]

I wouldn't obsess too much over this. Ideally, the rivet shank should stick out 1.5 to 2.0 diameters before upsetting. More than 2 diameters and the column will buckle rather than upset. Less than 1.5 and you don't have enough material for a good shop head. The gage gives you a lot of tolerance as far as the formed head. As long as you're coming close to the gage diameter, you're good. Most important is to use the proper length rivet.
Terry, CFI
RV9A, N323TP

[kbehrent]

Originally Posted by swixtt

hey guys,
...
also, our squeezer isn't adjustable so we are using washers,etc......
...
anyway, thanks for reading.

Most squeezers can be made adjustable by replacing the fixed set holder with an adjustable one. I bought all my tools from Avery (www.averytools.com) and they do sell the adjustable set holder. If your squeezer won't accept one, buy a squeezer that supports it. You just got started...don't go cheap on a squeezer. You have way way too many rivets & dimples to squeeze!!! While your at it, check out a pneumatic squeezer. Best money I ever spent in a tool along with a pneumatic cleco plyers!

[miyu1975]

I bought my set from planetools too and it included an adjustable arm. Check your tool box. I did not know what it was for a while...til I asked a question here and the light bulb went on...ah that is what that thing is.

[swixtt]

Originally Posted by miyu1975

I bought my set from planetools too and it included an adjustable arm. Check your tool box. I did not know what it was for a while...til I asked a question here and the light bulb went on...ah that is what that thing is.

no i just bought a few things from them, not the entire kit so it didn't come with it. he just sent me a note and said it's about $60 for adjustable attachment.
i'm just going to find a few thinner washers i think!

thanks for the posts guys and not flaming me on it!! i was just wondering whether we should be using the diameter side more for the rivet guage or the depth. to me they look correct based on diameter and not the depth... but what the heck do i know,i've never built an airplane before!

[Adam Oke]

Originally Posted by swixtt

no i just bought a few things from them, not the entire kit so it didn't come with it. he just sent me a note and said it's about $60 for adjustable attachment.
i'm just going to find a few thinner washers i think!

I am more of a rookie than you so take my word for what it's worth (money back guarantee) but that adjustable attachment is awesome!

I was using the washers for the first practice kit. What a pain. So I searched the forum if there was a better way. Sure enough I had already bought the adjustable attachment from Ishams. Lovin it already.

[RScott]

Get the adjustable set holder--you'll be glad you did. You'll be changing settings hundreds of times.

Here is a time setting suggestion, however. When you get the washer combo right for a particular rivet size, write that combo down so you don't have to experiment again. Same thing goes for the adjustable set holder, after you get it adjusted right, run the set holder all the way to the top (closed position, snug fit), counting the turns as you do so. Write down the number of turns & when you use that size rivet again, run the set holder all the way up and back off the 3 of turns you wrote down.

[swixtt]

Originally Posted by Adam Oke

I am more of a rookie than you so take my word for what it's worth (money back guarantee) but that adjustable attachment is awesome!

I was using the washers for the first practice kit. What a pain. So I searched the forum if there was a better way. Sure enough I had already bought the adjustable attachment from Ishams. Lovin it already.

thanks adam,
did you get their complete kit with pneumatic squeezer,etc.?
i'll have a look on their site. the washers aren't too bad, i've pretty much know in my head how many washers i need for what rivet so far. but you are right, can't quite dial it in with them yet.
have you got your 8 emp on the way yet?

[Adam Oke]

Originally Posted by RScott

Get the adjustable set holder--you'll be glad you did. You'll be changing settings hundreds of times.

Here is a time setting suggestion, however. When you get the washer combo right for a particular rivet size, write that combo down so you don't have to experiment again. Same thing goes for the adjustable set holder, after you get it adjusted right, run the set holder all the way to the top (closed position, snug fit), counting the turns as you do so. Write down the number of turns & when you use that size rivet again, run the set holder all the way up and back off the 3 of turns you wrote down.

I always wondered ... does that not vary with metal thickness? Thus it would be a guideline for setting the first rivet, gauging it appropriately, then making minor adjustments?

[swixtt]

Originally Posted by Adam Oke

I always wondered ... does that not vary with metal thickness? Thus it would be a guideline for setting the first rivet, gauging it appropriately, then making minor adjustments?

that's why it's key to use the Correct rivet length relative to the thickness of the material you are working on. just like the guy a couple above said in the post.