Darn poprivets

[QuickMick]

The dodger that came with my boat is shot, so I'm (attempting) to remove the turn-clasp thingies from the boat. the problem is they are popriveted on and im having a heck of a time w/removal. ive been attempting to drill out the center, but only seem to succeed in snapping drill bits. Im afraid to put too much leveraged force against the glass...anyone know the best way to remove those little buggers?

Thanks

[IslanderGuy]

I have drilled them out with good success before. If you are having trouble with the bits breaking, it is probably due to too much pressure or not enough speed on the drill. Do not press too hard, and keep the drill bit moving fast, this way the bit will shave off the metal, rather then digging in deep and getting caught. A little drop of oil might help keep the bit moving as will, but I have not needed it. Most, if not all, of the rivets I have worked with have been aluminum, which is fairly soft and should not require oil, but if these are something harder like stainless, oil might help.

[tager]

Failing that you could grind the back of the rivets off.

[QuickMick]

thanks guys... unfortunatly they appear to have been installed before the interior glass was put up, so i can only get to one side of it...

[RXBOT]

Since rivets are mostly used in blind applications normaly you can't see the backside. You can grind the head off though.

[tommays]

I usally just drill a tiny bit then THEN with the right size punch tap them IN as the head will pop off if you weaken it a bit

[QuickMick]

I never considered the 'too much pressure issue,' lol, but then again i always say if one beer is good.... two is better.... thanks guys

[remetau]

Originally Posted by QuickMick

I never considered the 'too much pressure issue,' lol, but then again i always say if one beer is good.... two is better.... thanks guys

Hah! Glad I'm not the only one to follow that golden rule. I was once into straight razor shaving and at fist figurged that the harder I pressed the better the shave, boy was that a mistake!

I still enjoy more beer though

[nickmerc]

I like to use an over sized bit so that I am sure I get the head separated from the body of the rivet. Just be careful to stop drilling once the head is detached.
________
Washington Dispensaries

[QuickMick]

OK, guys the procedure worked. one of them was already loose.... when i got it off, about a quart of water oozed out.... ruh ro.
so... 1. do i assume the water got in via the loose rivet?
2. or possibly somehow through the companionway sliding hatch?
3. how do i insure the water is gone? (i was thinking of using a turkey
baster, or epoxy syringe to suck it out)
4. what do i do next? just squirt a bunch of epoxy in there?

any help is appreciated, as i left the hole open and weather is blowing in!!