How to Remove Solid Rivets
- 1). Align the tip of a center punch with the center of a solid rivet. Strike the center punch with a hammer to make a depression on the rivet.
- 2). Set the tip of 1/16-inch drill bit, secured in the chuck of a drill motor, on the center mark depression. Apply cutting fluid to the contact area between the rivet and the drill bit. Slowly drill a hole through the rivet.
- 3). Exchange the 1/16-inch drill bit for a 1/8-inch drill bit. Coat the 1/8-inch drill bit with cutting fluid. Drill a 1/8-inch hole through the solid rivet using the 1/16 hole as a guide.
- 4). Push the center of a drive punch into the 1/8 inch hole. Tap the back of the punch with a hammer until the solid rivet pops free of the base material. Work slowly to avoid damaging the material around the hole.
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