Chapter 5 discusses making a wedge to help pulling blind rivets in tight spaces. Anyone just filed the tip of a 'pop rivet gun' (the silver screw in piece) instead of using a wedge? It would seem to accomplish the same goal.
Background: I used the Ch 5 technique on the fuel tank brackets, and it worked great. Now starting to use it on the wing leading edge rib to spar area, and after a few successful tries, the mandrel isn't breaking off at the rivet, but about halfway up. Looking at my wedge, I can see it is wearing out and the hole has become elongated. Guessing it's time to make a new one, but since it's aluminum it will probably wear out soon as well. There is nothing stuck in the 'pop-rivet gun', and with 2 of them in the garage I don't mind having one tip dedicated to wedge status.
Thanks!
Background: I used the Ch 5 technique on the fuel tank brackets, and it worked great. Now starting to use it on the wing leading edge rib to spar area, and after a few successful tries, the mandrel isn't breaking off at the rivet, but about halfway up. Looking at my wedge, I can see it is wearing out and the hole has become elongated. Guessing it's time to make a new one, but since it's aluminum it will probably wear out soon as well. There is nothing stuck in the 'pop-rivet gun', and with 2 of them in the garage I don't mind having one tip dedicated to wedge status.
Thanks!