Universal head rivets

RV7Ron · #1 06-01-2009, 07:56 AM

Just starting to set some rivets on my empennage, so obviously still a little inexperienced. My question is, what orientation do the universal head rivets (470) go? I didnt see any indication on the prints or in the instructions (maybe I am missing it?) showing or stating this. Is there a rule of thumb builders follow? Like, "shop head toward the tail" or "factory head on the thicker piece"?? Or is just a cosmetic preference. My expectation is that, from a structural standpoint, it doesnt matter.

RV7Ron · #2 06-01-2009, 08:00 AM

I actually found a thread that answers this in the archives...

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...al+head+rivets

Mel · #3 06-01-2009, 08:01 AM

Standard "rule of thumb" is to have the shop head on the thicker material. The shop head tends to distort the thinner material. But it is not a hard rule. First rule is whatever is practical.

RV7Ron · #4 06-01-2009, 08:19 AM

Thanks Mel, think I'm all set...no pun intended!

RScott · #5 06-01-2009, 06:19 PM

Since the subject of universal head rivets has come up, here is a tip:

I was using one of those short, maybe 3" rivet sets and had a lot of trouble keeping it on the rivet, often giving me half moons on the rivet.

Later in the project I had to get a long set. Found that the longer, heavier set doesn't bounce around & every rivet is perfect.