After squeezing a multitude of rivets yesterday, I found a few rivets that I really didn't like. The shop heads were off-set to one side. Not very good. So, today I removed these rivets and replaced them.
All toll, there were four rivets to be removed and replaced.
Two rivets drilled out and two to go!
I marked the heads of the rivets to be removed with a Sharpie pen. Notice the deformation of the aluminum shear web. This was my first clue there might be a problem prior to flipping the part over.
The goal is to drill out the rivet to remove the factory head. Then punch the rest through the aluminum parts. You do not want to damage anything. That would mean more work.
Here are the remains of the rivets after removal.
Crap! Look at the off-set in these rivets. The stem of the rivet is even damaged. This is why each and every rivet needs to be inspected.
Using the rivet gauge and looking at each one insures a well built aircraft. One you would like to fly in.
Long story short. Practice riveting. Practicing does not guarantee good rivets every time. Inspect every rivet! Get good at removals. You'll be doing a few over the years of building.
A little touch up primer and it's good as new.
Later,
BWW
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