Removing Pop Rivets

[MikePA]

What's the proper method for removing pop rivets?

I have to replace a broken hold down strap and it's held on by 2 different sized pop rivets;

1/8" x .232 and a 1/8" x .294.

Do I use a 1/8" drill and drill them out? A 1/16" drill? [img]/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[BB_TX]

Use the 1/8" drill (or slightly larger) and just drill until the head falls off. Then push it thru the hole.

[RobS]

Mike, you'll want to drill the same size or slightly smaller than the original holes. Of course, that's easy to say but impossible to see the original holes with the rivet in there. If they are the "standard" small pop-rivets it's usually 1/8 inch. 1/16 drill might be a tad small. You can also use a larger drill bit but only drill down until the rivet head comes off. The cone angle of the drill bit will usually keep you out of the base metal. Vise grips on the backside if they spin [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[chim]

Just a note - if they do start to spin, angling the drill some generally cuts the head off even while it's spinning.................chim