Stubborn Rivet Removal

[Two Fister]

Anybody have any suggestions for getting some nasty old rivets out of a driftboat floor? I'm getting ready to redo my floor and would like to be able to keep the old floor in one piece to use as a template. The rivets that hold it in place are nasty. I drilled out the center of several and they don't want to budge.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated!
TF

[Klamanite]

Grind/chisel off the heads until just the center remains, then knock them through with a hammer and punch.

[Two Fister]

The only problem is they are kind of set down into the wood so I'll have to really tear the wood apart to get at them. If I tear the wood up too much it'll fall apart before I can use it as a template. Maybe I'll make templates out of cardboard so that I have use any and all means to get the rivets out.

[Klamanite]

I didn't know if they were in wood or metal.........:redface:

If you have a dremel, you can do the same thing with a small grinding bit the diameter of the rivet head.

Also, if you drill them first, you need to be nearly the exact diameter of the shank of the rivet. Otherwise you'll still tear up the wood when you start hammering. The heads should be just about to fall off when you're done drilling and a quick pop with the hammer/punch should finish them.

[Two Fister]

Thanks Klamanite! I always forget that I have a dremel in that mess that I call a garage. I think I even have the perfect size grinding bit. I think there are only about 200 of the little suckers that I need to get out. Uggh!

[Chrome Bumper]

Use a bigger drill

[fishkisser]

Drill them all the way through(except where gas tanks or elec. wiring exist)your gonna have to sooner or later on some if there is much corrosion anyway... A slightly larger hole will still allow you to pop rivit them back on or step up to a bigger dia. screw:twocents:

[James in Idaho]

Cut off disk on a 4.5" grinder. Or if you really like to have fun, use the little drimell cut of disks.

[fishncliff]

Sounds like they are countersunk. Forget the dremel tool.

Use a slightly larger bit. Drill down far enuf in the center to pop the heads off. Usually you can tip the bit sideways a little bit and the head will pop off. Then take a punch and drive them out.

If they are stuck. Use a slightly smaller bit. Drill about halfway through the rivet. do not go all the way. put the punch in the hole you just drilled and drive them out. The hole will weaken the walls of the rivet and make it collapse.
I drilled rivets out for Boeing for 10 years.

[fishkisser]

Sounds like they are countersunk. Forget the dremel tool.
Use a slightly larger bit. Drill down far enuf in the center to pop the heads off. Usually you can tip the bit sideways a little bit and the head will pop off. Then take a punch and drive them out.
If they are stuck. Use a slightly smaller bit. Drill about halfway through the rivet. do not go all the way. put the punch in the hoe you just drilled and drive them out. The hole will weaken the walls of the rivet and make it collapse.
I drilled rivets out for Boein for 10 years.

Nothing beats the voice of Experience...

[Two Fister]

Thanks guys! They are stuck pretty good, but drilling them part way and taking a cold punch to them seems like it's going to be the ticket. Only about 150 more to go....