How do I avoid smilies?

[BillL]

To this point i have managed to avoid using the rivet gun to set nearly any -4 rivets. Setting flush rivets is no problem, setting -3 universal head seems fine. I use the squeezer when possible. I just can not seem to consistently avoid a side strike with -4's. I have am using a straight set, and it seems a new rivet head slides around in the polished cup, then during the set the universal head seems to hit in the center and flatten, making it nearly impossible to avoid a side strike.

SOoooo . . . is me ?

Is it pressure? i am at 80 psi and use a short burst of about 3 strikes per pulse.

Should the set fit the head of the rivet closer? - - -it seems to slide around some? Do i have a defective set?

It is essential that i learn to do this very consistently. Hammer me . . .

[Mike S]

80 psi may be a bit too high.

Try practicing on some scrap at lower pressures.

[scootwoot]

80 psi sounds way to high.. you should be able to hold the gun on the rivet without it jumping off.. start low and work up.. I also started with some plastic caps that go over the end of the rivet set, helps teach you how to stay on the rivet. I got them from Avery,, but I can't find them on their site.

[Lionclaw]

I had good luck putting 1 or 2 small squares of duct tape over the end of the rivet set to prevent smilies. You will have to replace it every 4-5 rivets, but there aren't too many an470 rivets that you cant squeeze anyway. With my 3x rivet gun and a tungsten bucking bar I can easily set -4 rivets at 40-45psi and -3 rivets at 30-35 psi, but YMMV with your equipment.

[DaAV8R]

I have recently modified my technique for holding the gun. I am palming the gun with the heal of the gun in the palm of my hand. This seems to eliminate the eccentric forces associated with holding the gun by the handle. I seem to be getting better results this way. I also think there is a fair bit of difference in the sets. Masking tape on the set prevents marring of the factory head. 50 psi seems to be adequate for the -4's unless the structure is extremely rigid.

[Joe Parish]

Wondering if your set is the right size? Have you double checked the size of your rivet set?

[BillL]

Well, I will definitely experiment with some lower pressures. I will also give a go at the duct-tape method to cushion the blows.

Regarding the set, I have an Avery set, and yes it is listed as the correct one for -4's. But . . . the polished cup is definitely larger than the -4 squeezer sets. If i place the rivet head in the set and slide it sideways, it is twice the movement in the gun set vs the squeezer set. I will leave this until last to check out, as the pressure is clearly too high.

Thanks for the quick replies!! I will do this fresh in the morning and post results.

--sorry: masking tape

[David Paule]

The pressure will depend upon the gun and its size. Right now I'm using a Sioux 3x gun and 18 psi. This works very well for both the -3 and the -4 rivets.

Sets differ a lot. So do guns. See: http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ad.php?t=89865.

Dave

[Jamie]

I have no idea what pressure I used but it was nowhere near 80. Get a swivel regular and put it on the gun. Keep your PSI at 80 at the compressor. Strike the gun on a wooden table and adjust the swivel regulator until it just feels right (controllable). I had a very long hose run from my compressor regulator to the gun. The end result is that the air 'jumps' through the hose in an erratic manner and sometimes makes the gun harder to control (very noticeable in my shop). Kicking up the pressure at the compressor and using a swivel regulator on the gun helps cut that down. As I wrote I above I have no idea what pressure I used at the gun. It's a 'feel' thing as much as anything.

Also, use any reflection in the aluminum to help you ensure that you have the rivet gun straight. Your eyes can play tricks on you.

[agirard7a]

If you put pressure on the gun with palm of your hand on the butt of the gun, while supporting the work, it won't bounce off the
Rivet and cause a smile on the factory head. However you do it, you need
Hand pressure on the gun.