Rivets

From livediesel@yahoogroups.com, May 2013:

• JP wrote:
  • MCC uses 3/32" rivets typically 3/8" or 5/16" long. I have found that http://www.aircraft-tool.com/ has the best prices for rivets and rivet related items.

• Bill Koster wrote:
  • I have used #2 drive screws to simulate rivets. Though oversize, they give a good appearance. Their head is about the same size as a 2-56 round head screw, but without the slot.

• Jimi wrote:
  • Are you looking for scale rivets ? For small rivets, try using the heads of common pins. (Raid your wife's sewing box.) Of course they can't be used to hold two pieces of steel together, but they look nice.
  • Weld the steel at the joints to hold the pieces together. Then drill a very small hole to insert a pin and cut the excess off the back. If you have a good welder (TIG) tack weld the pin from the backside.
  • For a rivet a little bigger, look in the nail aisle at Home Depot and buy some brads with rounded heads. Drill, insert, cut and tack weld from the back. It worked great on the cow catcher I built.

• Laurence Johnson wrote:
  • For the stake pockets on a flat car I used #6 finishing nails; small holes and cut in back leaving 1/8 inch exposed, two blows with hammer and nail set to flatten the head and then touched the back w/wire welder. Looks and holds well.

External Links

• "A Riveting Article (or how to set rivets without going crazy)", DiscoverLiveSteam.com