Hi Rob A pop blind rivet gun is an inexpensive and easy-to-operate tool that is a welcome addition to any home tool kit. For repairing gutters, window screens, sheet metal pipe or any of the other light-gauge metal components around the house, you'll quickly find it indispensable. A pop blind rivet gun looks something like a large pair of pliers. There are two handles - one fixed and one movable - and a metal head with interchangeable riveting inserts that will accommodate different sizes of rivets. The pop blind rivet itself looks something like a nail with a flanged metal sleeve over one end. In use, the gun pulls up on the "nail" end of the rivet - the shaft - causing the sleeve end, which is the actual rivet, to expand and lock the two pieces of metal together. When the force being exerted on the rivet by its expansion exceeds the breaking point of the slender shaft, the shaft snaps off and leaves the rivet in place. It's the distinctive sound of the shaft snapping away that gives the pop blind rivet its name. Unlike screws, pop blind rivets are permanent once they're installed. They should not be used for joining parts that will need to be disassembled again. How It's Used Pop blind rivets come in different lengths and diameters, depending on what you want to rivet. Because the rivet will only expand so far before snapping, you need to make sure that you select a length that is compatible with the combined thickness of the pieces you are joining - a chart that accompanies the rivets helps you with the selection. The rivets are also available in both steel and aluminum, allowing you to select one that's compatible with the type of metal you wish to join. First, align and temporarily clamp the two pieces of metal to be joined. Using the drill bit selection guide supplied with the rivets, drill a hole of the proper diameter through both pieces. Next, select the insert that corresponds to the diameter of the rivet you're using, and insert it into the rivet gun. Insert the pop rivet into the hole in the metal being joined until the flange is completely up against the surface, then slip the gun over the shaft end of the rivet. If it's easier, you can also do this in the reverse order by putting the rivet into the gun first. Squeeze the handles on the gun gently to begin putting pressure on the rivet, and double check that everything is aligned how you want it. Remember - pop blind rivets are not designed to be removable. Once the rivet is installed, the only way to get it out again is to drill out the core of the rivet or grind off the head on one side so that the rivet can be driven out. Continue to squeeze the handles firmly as the rivet expands in the hole. You will see the metal draw together as the end of the rivet opposite the flange continues to flatten out and enlarge. After a couple of squeezes on the handle the rivet will be fully expanded, and the shaft will snap off from the rivet and remain in the gun. Finally, pull the shaft out of the gun and discard it, and you're ready to install another rivet. Pop blind rivet guns and replacement rivets are sold in home centers, hardware stores, and many other retail outlets. For your initial purchase, look for a complete kit that contains the gun, inserts, insert wrench, and a selection of rivets. If you have a lot of similar riveting to do - installing a gutter system, for example - you can purchase rivets of the same size by the box. To have handy in your toolbox, however, your best bet is to buy a rivet selection that includes several sizes in both aluminum and steel. The rivet gun will come with complete instructions, and they need to be followed carefully. Also, you should always wear eye protection and follow any other safety precautions recommended by the manufacturer.
________________________________ From: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Rob Monitor Sent: Wednesday, 27 June 2007 08:50 To: blindhandyman@yahoogroups.com Subject: [BlindHandyMan] pop rivets Hi, could some one till me how much a pop rivet gun would cost and how hard are they to use?? Also how thick of metal can they rivet together?? THANKS ROB [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ********************************************************************** This message and its attachments may contain legally privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, you must not disclose or use the information contained in it. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail and delete the e-mail. Any content of this message and its attachments which does not relate to the official business of Eraring Energy must be taken not to have been sent or endorsed by Eraring Energy. No warranty is made that the e-mail or attachment(s) are free from computer virus or other defect. ********************************************************************** [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
