How to set a countersunk rivet in a longeron that is already installed..

[Westerhuis]

I’m scratching my head and I’m probably overthinking things, but how do I set rivets on a longeron that is already installed? I need to install a couple of nutplates. I can’t get the hand squeezer in due to the skin and the part mounted above it. I am thinking to use cherry rivets, but there must be a way to install normal (counter-sunk) rivets. Right?

 

[skelrad]

I'm not familiar with the location, but if it's truly just for nutplates and the rivets don't grab anything else structural, there's no real reason to stress over using solid rivets. The rivets just hold the nutplate in position. If it were me I'd just use pop rivets (not cherry, just whatever cheap variety I had on hand), assuming nothing else is captured by those rivets. If you've got the strength, you can sometimes squeeze short 3- rivets using parallel jaw pliers (like Knipex) as well.

 

[Mikeyb]

Hidden in the assembly instructions ( bottom of page 8-48) it says to make a rivet squeezer by grinding the jaws of Visegrip pliers smooth to set the rivets for the flap block nut plates. They have to be 8” or bigger. PITA. Knipex type pliers with smooth jaws might work easier.

 

[wirejock]

Hidden in the assembly instructions ( bottom of page 8-48) it says to make a rivet squeezer by grinding the jaws of Visegrip pliers smooth to set the rivets for the flap block nut plates. They have to be 8” or bigger. PITA. Knipex type pliers with smooth jaws might work easier.

What he ^ said. Big pair of Knipex.
Personally, I have tungsten bars and drive solid rivets, but it's quite amazing what a big pair of Knipex will do.

 

[gasman]

You can also use "A" (soft 1100) rivets for nutplates..... It makes the squeeze much easier.

 

[Norman CYYJ]

You can also use 3/32 flush pop rivets. A small twist drill in your fingers can remove enough material to counter sink them.

 

[BravoAlphaRomeo]

^^ That’s a great idea. Aircraft Spruce sells them. I believe they are used in Zenith construction. As mentioned, they are practically countersunk when you set them. Very little head protruding.

 

[JDA_BTR]

I like the pulled rivets for these that the RV14 kit calls out from time to time. They also come in a 3-3 size if a little longer is needed, like on the longeron. The 3-2 has a 1/6 to 1/8 grip length and the 3-3 is for 1/8 to 3/16 grip.

CCR-264SS-3-2 Pop Rivet

store.vansaircraft.com

 

[Jonnyb]

As above, I use the CCC32 rivet when I have to.
And for the Knipex pliers I use these:

https://amzn.eu/d/g7NZEdh