Closing Solid Rivets

This is usually done during a repair or modification to the aircraft structure. The repair scheme or modification leaflet will detail the rivet size, type and spacing to be used which, usually will be the existing layout and materials used in adjacent parts of the structure. The rivet diameter will normally be approximately three times the thickness of a single sheet of the material being joined.

The tools required to close (set) a solid rivet are a rivet snap, reaction block (dolly) and pneumatic hammer (rivet gun). If access is restricted, then two people will be required to complete the task - one holding the work and one riveting.

A solid rivet may be closed as follows:

• It should be ensured that the plates are secured by the use of gripping pins.
• The hole is prepared and the correct rivets are obtained.
• A rivet, of the correct diameter and length, is inserted into the hole.
• The rivet head is supported in the snap and the dolly placed on the tail of the rivet.
• Light blows are applied with a hammer to the snap whilst the dolly is kept on the rivet’s tail.
• The partially formed rivet is inspected and (if satisfactory) more blows are applied with the hammer until the rivet is formed correctly.