Rivets can be set by heating or striking the head. Heating requires caution and a welding torch, while striking requires a specialized barb or lock washer and a rivet setting tool. Both techniques create a permanent attachment point.
Rivets are remarkable fasteners that can be set in two main ways: by heating or by striking the head of the rivet. Both fastening techniques permanently attach the rivet to a material, such as sheet metal or leather. You may need to practice your chosen technique repeatedly to properly set the rivets.
One of the most common ways to set rivets is to use heat. You must place the rivet bolt through the material with one end protruding outward, while the opposite end remains pressed against the base of the material. Most rivet installers use a welding torch to create a red hot appearance visible through the protruding end of the rivet; once it’s heated properly, you can strike the hot end of the rivet with a peg hammer. The impact action deforms the end of the rivet so that it flattens against the surface of the material. As a result, the fastener becomes part of the overall material structure as a secure point.
Using heat to set rivets requires caution and adherence to safety protocol. A welding torch can easily set surrounding objects on fire if used improperly; you should be trained by an experienced flashlight user to learn all the correct operations. Excessive heating of the rivet can cause nearby material to burn, while insufficient heat will make the riveting process more difficult.
Specially designed rivets can be purchased for just a striking installation. Learning to set rivets with a hammer action requires a fastener with a long bolt and a specialized barb or lock washer. You can install the bolt into the material just like the heated rivet versions. A burr must be installed on the protruding end of the bolt; a rivet setting tool will help move the burr along the length of the bolt so that it is pressed firmly against the material, effectively setting the rivet to the material temporarily.
After the cutter is set, the excess length should be cut off the protruding end of the rivet with wire cutters. A riveting tool should be placed over the cut end of the rivet; you will need to hit the riveting tool with a hammer to slowly spread the rivet into a flattened shape. It is good practice to move the riveter continuously from left to right while striking. This action will form an even, flattened surface as you set the rivets. As a result, the final shape of the rivet should hold the material tightly together for a permanent attachment point.
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