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CAR 66 Level
Objective
Reference B1
Riveting 7.8 2
Riveted joints, rivet spacing and pitch; Tools used for riveting and dimpling;
Inspection of riveted joints.
In repair work the size and type of rivets to be used and the
spacing to be employed for a particular repair is specified in an
approved repair scheme for a particular aircraft type. Unless
otherwise stated, the repair should follow the system of riveting
used elsewhere on the aircraft in similar locations. In carrying out
any repair of major structural components, such as
pressurised cabins and integral fuel tanks, the same type of
riveting and a comparable quality of riveted assembly are vital to
Fig no 7.8.2
Joggled Lap Joint
The under plate is joggled to preserve the continuity of the upper
surface. This provides a flush surface and can be used in radial or
longitudinal skin joints.
Fig no 7.8.3
Butt Joint
Single strap, used on flush surfaces where high stress is
encountered, requiring the use of heavy gauge plate. Can be used
in radial skin joints.
Fig no 7.8.7
Rivet Allowances
When fitting a rivet, sufficient shank must be left protruding
above the plate to take up the clearance and form the head. Failure
to observe this precaution leads to many riveting faults.
Fig no 7.8.6 The allowance for rivet heads are expressed in terms of the
Rivet Clearance diameter of the rivet shank and are dependent on the material
specification of the rivet and gauge of sheet being riveted.
The clearance is the difference between the size of the hole and
the rivet diameter; rivet holes are normally drilled 0.003 in
oversize. Clearance is necessary, particularly with light alloys to
prevent puckering of the sheet owing to the metal spreading when
the rivet head is formed.
Fig no 7.8.9
To determine the length of rivet to be used add the rivet allowance
to the rivet grip length. Have a trial on scrap metal of the same
thickness and specification.
Fig no 7.8.8
Typical values of allowance are: Strength of Joints
The factors that govern the strength of a joint are:
• Snap Head 1.5D
• Countersunk 0.75D Plate Specification;
• Reaction 1.5D
This will be of such a material and gauge as to successfully
withstand tensile and bearing loads.
Rivet Grip
This is the length of rivet shank taken up by the combined Rivet Specification;
thickness of the sheets being joined. This will be selected to withstand shear loads. In cases where the
specification of the rivet is not given, use a rivet of the same
material as the plate, with a diameter of 2ViT where T is the
thickness of the plate.
Rivet Spacing;
This will be determined to give the joint optimum strength
Fig no 7.8.11
Pitch- The distance between rivets in a row measured from centre
Fig no 7.8.10
to centre. 3D min.
Rivet Positions Land- The distance between the rivet centre and the edge of the
material. 2D min.
The position of the rivets relative to one another and the edge of
Spacing- The distance between adjacent rows of rivets 3-4D
the sheet material is important. They must not be too close
min.
together as the excessive number of holes will weaken the joint. If
where D = rivet shank diameter.
they are too far apart there would be too few to take the load and
Fig no 7.8.13
Multiple Chain
Used on watertight joints and in places of high stress where thick
gauge plate is used.
Fig no 7.8.12
Rivet Layout
Single Chain
Used chiefly on attachment and lightly stressed joints.
Fig no 7.8.14
Staggered Riveting
Fig no 7.8.15
Used as an alternative to Multiple Chain in watertight joints,
Rivet Selection
circular patches etc.
The rivets to be used for maintenance or repair will be specified
by Part Number in Approved Technical Publications (ATP) such
as the Illustrated Parts Catalogue and Structural Repair
Manual or on the Repair scheme or Service Bulletin.
The formed reaction head should be 0.5 D high. If countersinking is required, the thickness of the metal will
dictate the method used. If dimpling is required, keep hammer
blows or dimpling pressures to a minimum so that no undue work-
hardening occurs in the surrounding area.
Fig no 7.8.17
Always hold the drill at right angles to the work, regardless of the
position of the hole or the curvature of the material. Use an angle
drill or drill extensions and adapters when access is Fig no 7.8.18
difficult with a straight drill. Never tip the drill sideways when Locating Holes
drilling or when withdrawing from the material because this
causes elongation of the hole. Where repairs are joined to the aircraft structure, existing hole
positions must be transferred to the new material. As far as
When holes are drilled through sheet metal, small burrs are possible this should be done by “back-drilling”, although care
formed around the edge of the hole, particularly on the rear must be taken to ensure the existing hole is not damaged. This
surface where the drill bursts through. This is especially true when may be achieved by using a drill guide or bush which fits securely
Fig no 7.8.20
Where access to the back of the repair area is restricted, it may be
Fig no 7.8.19 necessary to use a hole finder for laying out fastener patterns from
original structure. Many variations of hole finders have been
devised. The diagram, left, illustrates a suggested hole finder that
is easy to make and easy to use. This type of hole finder requires a
separate finder for each rivet diameter.
Another method is to use a clear acetate sheet onto which the hole
positions are transferred. Holes should be marked onto new
material using a centre punch as the drill may “wander” if the
Fig no 7.8.23
Fig no 7.8.21
Fig no 7.8.24
Aerodynamic Smoothness
Aircraft require an aerodynamically clean shape and a smooth
exterior surface for high performance, however, some areas are
more critical than others.
Fig no 7.8.22
The use of countersunk rivets in skin joins and repairs helps
Fig no 7.8.27
Fig no 7.8.26
Cut Countersinking
For single fasteners a simple countersink cutter of the correct
angle may be used in a hand drill, however for large repairs
special countersinking equipment like the Micro-stop tool should
be used for speed and consistency.
Fig no 7.8.30
The micro-stop countersink should be set up and adjusted on a
piece of scrap metal of the same material and thickness as the part
to be countersunk. The procedure is as follows;
The aluminium alloy skin panels commonly used for stressed skin
structures are either solution treated and naturally aged or solution
treated and artificially aged. The naturally aged materials
and some of the artificially aged clad materials may be
satisfactorily dimpled at room temperature, although if dimples of
Fig no 7.8.33
Fig no 7.8.35
Fig no 7.8.34
Snap - a form of punch with a recess at one end, the same shape
as the rivet pre-formed head.
Dolly - this is a metal block with a recess the same shape as the Fig no 7.8.36
preformed head of the rivet. It is used to support the pre-formed
rivet head while forming the rivet. The pre-formed rivet head Hand Riveting
should fit squarely into the dolly. If the job is small or can be done away from the aircraft, hand
riveting may be convenient.
Riveting tools are available in different sizes and shapes to
accommodate the various rivet sizes and head forms. When solid rivets are closed with a hand hammer, the pre-formed
head should be supported in a dolly and a hollow set or draw tool
When the appropriate actions of drilling, countersinking, used to ensure the sheets drawn together. The tail is then
dimpling, deburring, cleaning and adjustment have been driven using a flat snap to form a reaction head with a thickness of
completed, the work to be riveted should be assembled, sealant 0.5D. If a round or snap head is required on the shank end, the tail
applied, and mating surfaces brought tightly into contact by use of should first be partly formed with a flat snap, then
skin grips or clips, care being taken not to damage the skin finished with a suitably shaped snap. The rivet should never be hit
surface. It is important that no gaps are present between layers, as directly with the hammer.
this will prevent the correct forming of the rivet and reduce shear
strength. Riveting may stretch thin sheets slightly, particularly
with minimum rivet clearances, and this should not be allowed to
accumulate by riveting, for example, straight along a line of rivets.
The correct sequence of closing rivets can only be obtained by
experience, and with each type of joint the order of
riveting may vary slightly.
For the larger rivets that are relatively accessible, a slow, hard-
hitting, long stroke gun is required. Some of these guns hit only
one blow each time the trigger is pulled. For work with
Fig no 7.8.39
Rivet Snaps
Fig no 7.8.38 Sometimes referred to as “sets”, snaps are available in a variety of
sizes and styles. Always select the correct type for the rivet gun
you are using and the rivet you are installing. Using the
wrong type will damage the rivet head, the aircraft skin or both.
Before use, ensure that the portion of the snap which contacts the
rivet head or aircraft skin is free from sealant, jointing compound
and swarf as this will cause damage.
As with the snap, ensure that the face which contacts the rivet is
clean.
Fig no 7.8.40
Bucking Bars
To form the rivet tail a bucking bar or dolly must be used to react
against the rivet gun blows. They should also be used to block the
skin when the rivet is inserted to ensure the sheets are
closed together.
Fig no 7.8.41
Bucking bars are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and
weights, and are made of steel. When selecting one for use in Pneumatic or Air Drill Motors
areas of restricted access, choose one in which the centre of While electric drills may be used for drilling aircraft sheet metal
gravity is as close as possible over the rivet being formed. Always in workshops, the most universally used drill in the hangar is the
ensure the face of the block is presented square to the rivet. pneumatic type often referred to as a “windy drill”. The
main advantage of a pneumatic or air drill, over an electric drill is
Using a bucking bar which is too light means that the gun must its safety. Most electric motors produce sparks and heat which are
Many air drills are straight, with a chuck at one and an air
connection at the other. The exhaust is usually arranged to
exit from the back of the drill and may be ducted away by a
tube to avoid blowing swarf around. Another popular type is
the pistol grip drill with various sized drill chucks. For drilling
holes where the structure interferes, a right angled drill or
45° angle drill is available. The drill bits are retained in the
angled drills by using collets which grip the drill shanks;
some types use drills with threaded shanks. Flexible shafts are
also available with aright angled drill attachment at
one end and which can be attached to the pneumatic drill
chuck. The flexible drive shaft can be passed through lightening
holes and around corners etc.
Fig no 7.8.42
Pneumatic drills are operated by compressed air at approximately
80-100 Ibs/sq in. Each tool is connected to the air supply hose by
Reduction gearing is fitted between the motor and the chuck. The
gearbox is packed with grease and sealed from the air motor.
Fig no 7.8.43
Fig no 7.8.45
Maintenance of Air Tools
All air tools must be kept clean and well lubricated. Lubrication is
Fig no 7.8.44 essential to prevent seizure of the moving parts. A few drops of
Rivet Miller or Shaver light machine oil introduced into the air hose quick release
adapter several times a day will help to keep the air tools
Fig no 7.8.46
Fig no 7.8.48
Rivet Squeezers
As an alternative to reaction riveting, rivet squeezing provides a
practical option which offers a high degree of control over the
force applied. It also has the advantage that the force is applied
steadily and the rivet is formed in one action.
Fig no 7.8.49
Rivet Inspection
After the rivets have been closed they should be inspected to
ensure that they are tight and fully formed. Rivet heads must not
Fig no 7.8.50
be deformed or cracked, and the surrounding area should be free
If one or more of the holes is oversize the rivet will swell into it
from distortion and undamaged by the riveting tools. Rivets
when formed and an under size driven head will result.
which are obviously not performing their function should be
Fig no 7.8.52
If the bucking bar is too light or is not held firmly against the
rivet the driven head will become Bell shaped and the structure
may be damaged. Fig no 7.8.55
If the parts are not tightly clamped before riveting a shanked
rivet may result. Care must be taken to avoid this condition.
Fig no 7.8.53
Diagonal cracks on the driven head are usually the result of
over-driving.
Fig no 7.8.56
If the parts are not held tightly together when drilled, or are not
drilled squarely, the holes will not align or the skin may buckle
Fig no 7.8.57
If the rivet becomes work hardened before it is fully formed,
cracks may develop in either the manufactured or driven head. Fig no 7.8.60
If the rivet snap is too small or of the wrong shape, the edges of
the snap will cut into the manufactured head.
Fig no 7.8.58
If the bucking bar is not held square to the rivet or not aligned,
the driven head will be dragged sideways or stepped.
Fig no7.8.61
If the rivet snap is not held squarely on the manufactured head
during riveting it will cut into the head and may also damage the
surrounding structure.
Fig no 7.8.59
Fig no 7.8.63
Rivet Removal
Whether a rivet is damaged or distorted or has to be removed as
part of a repair, great care must be taken to avoid damage to the
existing holes and surrounding structure.
Fig no 7.8.68
Fig no 7.8.67
Chobert Rivets
Chobert rivets date back to the 1930s and are still being
manufactured although they are not commonly encountered on
modern commercial aircraft. They are manufactured with either
snapor countersunk heads and are normally supplied in tubes for
ease of assembly on to a mandrel. The action of closing a
Chobert rivet is shown.
It should be noticed that the rivet itself has a tapered bore and is
threaded onto a re-usable hardened steel mandrel. The mandrel, Fig no 7.8.69
with the rivets mounted on to it, is fed into a Chobert
i.e. AGS 2044/508 Csk head (120°) an AGS 2047/506 pin would
be used.
Grip Range
Prior to fitting the Chobert rivet, the range of total material Fig no 7.8.71 Chobert type 715 repetition riveter
thickness must be determined in order to select a suitable length Jaws, Cursor Spring and Mandrel
rivet.
The purpose and description of these items are as follows:
4002-0510
4002 = Avdel self plugging rivet snap head Al Alloy L86
anodised
-05 = 5/32" diameter
10 = 5/16" long
The total length (P) determines the clearance required behind the
fastener for installation. The grip length range is dictated by the
Operation
To place rivets with Pull Tool Type 734, ensure the correct nose
piece is fitted for the size of rivet to be placed, insert the rivet
body into the prepared hole in the application, apply the pull
tool to the protruding rivet Stem and actuate the trigger. The tool
cycle will ensure the rivet is placed.
Alternatively, the rivet stem may be inserted onto the nose piece
Fig no 7.8.77 Avdel Hydro-Pneumatic Pull Tool Type 734 of the tool and the pull tool and rivet then offered to the
application. Again, actuation of the trigger will then operate the
Series
tool setting
Specific points to be observed are:
Malfunction Cause
• The air pressure applied to this tool shall not exceed 100 PSI. Several pulls required to set 1. Check airline pressure at the
• The tool shall not be operated without either a stem catcher
rivet tool.
assembly or an undamaged pintail deflector fitted.
• Always disconnect the airline from the tool inlet before (70-100psi required)
attempting to adjust, add nose equipment or dismantle. 2. Tool requires lubrication at
• Do not operate the tool without a nose casing fitted. air inlet.
• Ensure that vent holes do not become blocked or covered. 3. Worn jaws or build up of dirt
m
jaws.
4. Broken jaws.
CATEGORY MODULE REVISION NO. REVISION DATE 5. Tool requires Page 44 of 66
Re-priming.
B1.1 7.8 1 Aug-2019
THAKUR INSTITUTE OF AVIATION TECHNOLOGY
Jaws will not grip rivet stem 1. Worn jaws or build up of dirt malfunctions
in Mandrel Cropping Tool
jaws. The air operated cropping tool is used on Avdel rivets after they
2. Jaw housing loose. Tighten have been placed to cut off the protruding mandrel stem.
against
nylon locking ring.
3. Weak or broken jaw spreader
spring
4. Incorrect nose equipment
fitted-
replace as necessary.
Jaws will not release spent 5. Dirty
1. Dirty,jaws/jaw
bent or broken
housing.
rivet stem. mandrel
Clean and
causing distortion of jaw
re-lubricate.
2. Jaw
spreader
housing, nose tip or
nose
tube not permitting it to
move not properly seated,
casing
forward.
Tighten
nose equipment.
Slow stroking tool 3.
1. Weak or broken
Lubricate spring air
tool through Fig no 7.8.78 Avdel Mandrel cropping tools
around
inlet. jaw Operating the Cropping Tool.
2. spreader
Check airassembly.
pressure at the
4. Tool over primed, re-prime Before connecting an air supply to the tool check its jaws for
tool.
security and ensure that they are not damaged. Hold the tool with
Spent rivet stem jamming in 1. as per
Incorrect jaw spreader fitted. the handle uppermost and introduce about six drops of oil into
tool. instructions.
2. Bent or dirty jaw spreader the air inlet connection. Once the cropping tool is connected
tube. to the air supply keep clear of the cutting jaws.
Table Avdel Hydro-Pneumatic Pull Tool Type 734 Series Rivet Miller
Warning: The milling cutter revolves at 18,000 rpm and can cause
severe injuries
Fig no 7.8.81
Pull Through Rivets
This type of mechanically expanded rivet is similar to the
Chobert and is used as a tacking rivet to attach assemblies to
hollow tubes, and as a grommet. It differs from most other blind
rivets in that the stem pulls completely through the sleeve of the
rivet during installation.
Fig no 7.8.82
Self-Plugging (Mechanical Lock) Rivets
Self-plugging, mechanical lock rivets are similar to the old
British Avdel and American self-plugging, friction lock rivets,
except for the manner in which they are retained in the material.
This type of rivet has a positive mechanical locking feature that
resists vibration that would cause the mandrel of friction lock
rivets to loosen and possibly fall out. Also the mechanical
locking type rivet stem breaks off flush with the head and
usually does not require further stem trimming when properly
installed. Self plugging, mechanical lock rivets display all the
strength characteristics of solid shank rivets and in almost all
cases can be substituted rivet for rivet.
Fig no 7.8.87
Fig no 7.8.86
Fig no 7.8.89
Cherry Rivet Specifications
Cherry rivets are identified by a part number derived from either
a National Aerospace Standards (NAS) or Textron Cherry (CR)
specification. These specifications are interchangeable and a
conversion table may be used to determine equivalent parts.
Fig no 7.8.90
Fig no 7.8.91
Fig no 7.8.93
Fig no 7.8.92
Cherry Installation
Cherry rivets may be installed using either hand or power
operated tools. It is important to use the correct tooling for the
Cherry rivets being installed.
Fig no 7.8.95
Inspection of riveted joints
Cherry Rivet Inspection
As with all blind rivets, inspection of the installed fastener is
usually limited to the manufactured head. Providing the rivet is
tight and meets the flushness, protrusion and seating
requirements it may be considered serviceable. These limits are
listed in the Structural Repair Manual.
Fig no 7.8.94
The holes in the sheets to be fastened must be of correct size and
aligned properly. Do notforce the rivet into the hole.
Fig no 7.8.96
Not all materials are suitable for use with Imex rivets as the
rapid expansion of the formed headis unsatisfactory in very soft
or very brittle materials. For this reason the appropriate air
publication must be consulted.
Fig no 7.8.99
Identification
Pin rivets require the head to be held with a bucking bar while a
rivet gun fitted with the collar forming die is used to swage the
collar into place.
Fig no 7.8.101 Huck blind rivets
Fig no 7.8.102
Lockbolts have a frangible shank at the grooved end of the pin.
Once the pin has been inserted into the prepared hole and the
collar is threaded on to it, the installation gun is applied to the Fig no 7.8.103
shank. The action of the gun is to pull on the shank and force the Hi-Shear Fasteners
collar into the die on the front of the gun. At a predetermined
tension the shank brakes leaving a fully formed fastener. In Introduction
some designs the puller cuts excess collar material off. Hi-Shear pins are used to effect a saving in weight while
retaining the full shear strength of an equivalent size bolt. When
Their main disadvantage is that they do not have the hole filling setting Hi-Shear pins there is also a considerable reduction in
properties of solid and blind rivets. time as opposed to fitting split pinned bolts. Access is required
for both sides of the structure.
Pins
The pins are available with flat or countersunk heads and in a
range of diameters and lengths. Pin lengths for rivets of 3/16 in.
diameter and above are supplied in 1/16in. increments and for
diameters below 3/16in. in 1/32in. increments.
Fig no 7.8.110
Fig no 7.8.111
Hi-Shear Pin Setting Faults Fig no 7.8.112
Faults and methods of correction, when setting Hi-Shear pins are Collar Removal
shown. When removing either type of fastener the collar must be
destroyed. This may be done with a chisel, which is used to split
Fig no 7.8.113