[RV7Ron]

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]

Never mind...

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

http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=32313&highlight=universal+head+rivets

 

[Mel]

There is no hard rule.

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]

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

 

[RScott]

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.