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Question:

What kind of rivets do I use on an aluminum boat?

I am restoring my great grandpas boat and was told to get rivets to fill holes, And I researched them and theres different kinds of rivetsWhich do I use.

Answer:

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Aluminium blind rivetsIf the holes are elongated or worn drill out to the next size upIf similar rivets fitted to similar areas and structure have washers then fit them as needed - normally these load spreading washers are stainless, use 316 rather than the cheaper 304 seriesUse Dura-Lac or a similar anti-corrosive compound to prevent electrolysis between slightly differing grades of alloy - it is impossible to have the alloy of the hull the same as the modern rivet alloy so that is very importantRivets are structural members, so must not be replaced with other forms of repairIt is worth buying a good rivet set if you are planning on doing more than a few - the cheap guns are pretty hard on the hands and frankly just plain hurt! I use one with two long handles, this is very accurate and quite easy to use with little shock transmitted to the wristThere are concertina types and even electric and air operated types if you have a lot of money! Set all rivets the same as original - this is almost certainly to mean that you will set them from outside the boat, leaving a nicely rounded head on the outside surface - flush mounted rivets require countersinking and are usually only used in aircraft skin assembly, avoid these as they are not needed or cost effectiveThe larger rivets used to mount seats etcare still available with effort, and were set in the factory using power or hydraulic setsUse of a dolly on the outside, and a steady peening - with a ball-pein hammer strangely enough - will mount then and clamp the workIt is a two person job, and the boat hull should be well jigged or supported so no twist or fluting of the panels occurs should many rivets be missing.
have you ever tried craigslist yet? additionally, counting on your area you will ought to pass to a city to get ityou additionally can google junkyards in interior of reach cities via finding junkyard close to 'place call' in google mapsuhm, final motel you purchased is stealing from yet another truck :)
Aluminium blind rivetsIf the holes are elongated or worn drill out to the next size upIf similar rivets fitted to similar areas and structure have washers then fit them as needed - normally these load spreading washers are stainless, use 316 rather than the cheaper 304 seriesUse Dura-Lac or a similar anti-corrosive compound to prevent electrolysis between slightly differing grades of alloy - it is impossible to have the alloy of the hull the same as the modern rivet alloy so that is very importantRivets are structural members, so must not be replaced with other forms of repairIt is worth buying a good rivet set if you are planning on doing more than a few - the cheap guns are pretty hard on the hands and frankly just plain hurt! I use one with two long handles, this is very accurate and quite easy to use with little shock transmitted to the wristThere are concertina types and even electric and air operated types if you have a lot of money! Set all rivets the same as original - this is almost certainly to mean that you will set them from outside the boat, leaving a nicely rounded head on the outside surface - flush mounted rivets require countersinking and are usually only used in aircraft skin assembly, avoid these as they are not needed or cost effectiveThe larger rivets used to mount seats etcare still available with effort, and were set in the factory using power or hydraulic setsUse of a dolly on the outside, and a steady peening - with a ball-pein hammer strangely enough - will mount then and clamp the workIt is a two person job, and the boat hull should be well jigged or supported so no twist or fluting of the panels occurs should many rivets be missing.

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