Removing structural steel rivets can be a necessary task during renovations, repairs, or dismantling projects. While various methods exist, one approach, particularly useful when you have access to the back of the rivet, involves a combination of drilling and mechanical force.
A Method for Removing Structural Steel Rivets
When you have access to the back of the rivet, a straightforward method can be employed using common tools. This technique focuses on weakening the rivet head to facilitate removal.
Here's how to execute this method:
- Secure the Back: Since you have access to the back of the rivet, the first step is to secure it. You can grab it with some needle nose locking pliers. This prevents the entire rivet from spinning while you work on the head and provides a grip for later removal.
- Drill the Head: Carefully drill with a minimum 3/8" drill bit into the center of the rivet head. It is important to drill slowly. The goal is to remove just enough material to weaken the head without drilling completely through the rivet body.
- Know When to Stop: Continue drilling slowly and stop as soon as the head starts to spin. This indicates that the material connecting the head to the rivet body has been sufficiently weakened.
- Remove the Rivet: Once the head is spinning freely or has been partially removed by drilling, you should then be able to either pull it out with the pliers holding the back or use a punch to drive it out from the drilled side.
This process effectively severs or significantly weakens the rivet head, allowing the main body to be pulled or punched free from the structural connection.
Tools Needed:
- Needle Nose Locking Pliers
- Drill
- Minimum 3/8" Drill Bit (or appropriate size relative to the rivet head)
- Punch (optional, for driving the rivet out)
- Safety Glasses (always wear safety glasses when drilling or punching)
This method provides a targeted approach for removing rivets when the back is accessible, minimizing damage to the surrounding structure.
