Large Rivet Removal?

[Stangman701]

Hey guys, just wanted to see if someone could give me some guidance on this situation. I need to replace a rear leaf spring bracket on my truck and it is connected to the frame with 4 large rivets. I can just go buy some bolts to put the new one on with, but how do I go about getting those damn rivets out?

[J-rod]

large drill. :dunno:

[SonofaBish]

or a grinder ... something like this: http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&pid=00926438000&cat=Portable+Power+Tools&subcat=Angle+Grinders&vertical=TOOL&ihtoken=1

edit: link doesnt work... but yea, an angle grinder is what i was talking about

[Rodeheaver's]

deff a 4" grinder ftw

[Stangman701]

Thanks for the replies :highfive: . Grinder definitely makes the most sense, but being that I don't have one I think I'm going to try to drill them out first and if I can't get that to work then I guess I'll go out and buy a grinder :frown:

[low12lightning]

Grind the head flush to the frame, then use a air hammer with a punch bit in it to push it out of the frame.

[Milewsky80]

Any time I've taken out rivets I just drilled them out...

[383taman]

Air hammer with a sharp chiesel bit.Noisy but fastest.:awsome:

[somethingclever]

I just did this 1.5 weeks ago on my truck. Had to remove 3 or 4 large rivets on the frame.

I used a 6" angle grinder with a cutoff wheel to get the head off...then a grinder wheel to make sure it was flush with the frame, then punched it out the other side with a hammer and punch.

Don't bother drilling them...they're too big and most likely a hardenend rivet considering it's purpose. It'll take forever and will ruin a lot of bits.

You want to make sure the bolts your using to replace the rivets are a tight fit. Ream the old hole if you need to.

Have fun. :sticktonge:

[Smallville]

Air hammer with a sharp chiesel bit.Noisy but fastest.:awsome:


:iagree: I have done this many times, Don't bother drilling, it'll get you nowhere fast.

[Domination]

Air hammer with a sharp chiesel bit.Noisy but fastest.:awsome:



X2 Snap on air chiesels will blow your mind. They can't go dull! But skrew the grinder and all the damn sparks.

[weareweird69]

I second the Air Chisel. However, its gotta be a good chisel and bit!! or else the rivets will own the bit lol

Definately wear ear protection!

[thelast50ho]

I like the 4 inch grinder then a punch to knock them out. and regular Grade 8 bolts will work fine to reatatch it