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Message started by splash07 on 08/03/12 at 11:38:29

Title: experience with HF rivet guns
Post by splash07 on 08/03/12 at 11:38:29

I just got a '14 duracraft aluminum boat from my boss. It is in great shape but it is starting to pop rivets. I was considering buying a HF rivet gun and was wondering if anyone has any experience with them? What should I be looking for and what size should I be looking for? Thanks in advance

something like this maybe?
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-quarter-inch-air-hydraulic-riveter-98898.html

Title: Re: experience with HF rivet guns
Post by Cavi Mike on 08/03/12 at 11:59:46

Unless you're gonna be building a boat, an $80 air-powered riveter seems a bit overkill, don't you think? A hand riveter will be just fine, they can be had for less than $10.

I have this one that I've used a handful of times and it does its job just fine.
http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-riveter-set-38353.html

But of course if your boat uses larger rivets this won't work.

Title: Re: experience with HF rivet guns
Post by verslagen1 on 08/03/12 at 12:02:35

Got one of those for my brother.

works fine, he used it alot.

Title: Re: experience with HF rivet guns
Post by splash07 on 08/03/12 at 12:08:33

Yeah I need at least 1/4" rivets for this boat.

Title: Re: experience with HF rivet guns
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/03/12 at 12:31:38

If I was gonna be doin very many 1/4" rivets, Id sure want something that handles it without a lot of strength required. IDK what kind of clearance youll need, if they go in from the outside,, or what,,
Why is it poppin rivets? YOu got a 150 HP outboard on it makin 65 MPH on the water?
What are you gonna put in the seams before you rivet it back? Anything?

Title: Re: experience with HF rivet guns
Post by splash07 on 08/03/12 at 12:41:18

poppin rivets cuz its 32 years old, it only had a 15 on it so not overpowered. clearance should not be an issue. I plan on using 5200 on the seams.

Title: Re: experience with HF rivet guns
Post by arteacher on 08/03/12 at 13:22:10

You can't use blind rivets on a boat- they will leak, as they have a hole in them. You have to use regular aluminum rivets, a hand held anvil, and a hammer. I have done this kind of repair before.

Title: Re: experience with HF rivet guns
Post by John_D FSO on 08/03/12 at 15:51:08

Dad had this problem on an old aluminum boat we got from Grandpa years and years ago (as long as I can remember, so over 36 years), because they had an overpowered motor on it. Even used to have a framework on the back to beef it up, although Dad took it off because we only ever used oars with it. Anyway... he just drilled the bad ones out and replaced them with machine screws. Wasn't a perfect seal, but you could fish all day and only have around an inch of water in the bottom. Plus, it's easier having small kids hold a pair of pliers on a nut on the inside, than try and line a block of metal up in the inside for an anvil! ;D

Title: Re: experience with HF rivet guns
Post by splash07 on 08/23/12 at 11:47:24

So I ended up going with one of the hand operated ones, like this:

http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac30/splash07s/image_16310.jpg

And after doing some research I learned that others have used pop blind rivets with no problems. The trick is to use a closed end aluminum rivet with a touch of silicone sealant, like this:

http://i882.photobucket.com/albums/ac30/splash07s/31a0VH4gKFL_SL500_AA300_.jpg

I have already popped a few in and they seem pretty strong but I have not tested it in the water yet so i dont know how well they will hold up or if they will leak. More updates to come. :D

Title: Re: experience with HF rivet guns
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/23/12 at 21:34:59

We used a rivet gun kinda like that to replace the rivets when we had to replace a window regulator. OUrs wasnt so nice as to catch the pin, tho, like yours. Thats a pretty macho gun. Did that come from HF?

Title: Re: experience with HF rivet guns
Post by splash07 on 08/23/12 at 22:18:41

yup, 20 bucks and 50 rivets came with the package. Im not using their rivets though because they arae open end.