How to Remove Rivets? – 2 Simple Methods

Do you want to remove rivets without a machine using only your gauge metal sheets or don’t know the procedure of getting them out cleanly?

Rivets are the metal bolts usually installed in bind straps or metal clasps to hold them tightly. Taking out these bolts requires lots of energy and force.

But if you eliminate these rivets with the right technique then it will not damage your expensive drill and is not risky for its surroundings. Here you will find an ideal method of safely drilling rivets and removing them effortlessly.

Keep reading this exciting guide to doing this task with minimal effort!

 

Things and Materials Required

Here’s the list of things and materials that you require to do this DIY task.

Tools Required

• 20v Drill/Driver combo
• Titanium drill bit set
• 11-in-1 Screwdriver

Materials Required

• Gutter screws
• White Pop Rivets

How to Remove Rivets – Step-by-Step Guide

The rivets are permanently installed into metal sheets and gutters. If you apply extra force to remove them, it might damage the surrounding areas of sheets or the structure of holes.

You might never re-install them into the sheets. So, it is essential to use a proper strategy or a standard approach to take them out from these sheets.

You can also use a rivet gun to fix them permanently into any solid metal sheets without any effort. It is important to fix these two metal sheets together with a rivet gun.

Here are the main steps which should be carried out to take out rivets without any tool or a drill.

Step 1. Investigate the Surrounding Areas of Rivet

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In the first step, you need to investigate various sides around the rivet to know how to take it out the rivet. You have to find any secure spot on the ladder to lean on it.

This spot should be just a few meters away from the surface. Be Cautious that this spot should not be slippery or soft. It needs to be solid enough to handle your weight quickly.

Step 2. Choose a Drill Bit

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Now check out the density of the hole and the size of the drill bit. The drill bit should be well-matched with the size of this rivet.

You need to place this drill bit on the rivet hole accurately. This bit should not be smaller than the hole to adjust quickly.

Just place this bit in your electric drill safely and get ready for the job.

Step 3. Drill Out the Rivet

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Further, the peak of your drill bit has to be placed at the center of the hole. The drill bit should be sharped enough to have a firm grip. Now start drilling on the rivet with a bit heavier pressure.

You have to drill it at a gentle speed along with firm pressure. Make it 100% sure that the drill is never vibrant or bent in your hands. Now dig the metal sheet on its wall and return the pressure with max force.

It is better to drill the top of the rivet slightly to make a hole. This small hole helps you to fit your drill bit. Finally, drill out the rivet and break it into parts.

Step 4. Reattach with Screw Gutter

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Let’s re-attach a few pieces to line them up. You can rejoin these pieces with the screw gutter. Must investigate the size of screws to perfect setup the drill on them.

Now line up the existing holes and install the top of the gutter screws. Just fix these screws and lock them securely into the metal sheets.

Another Way – Remove Rivets with a Grinder

You have another option to remove rivets and that is with a grinder. This process is much faster than the traditional one. You just need to take care of the edges of the wheels on the rivet.

If you are using a cutting grinder then it will make a perfect slice of the rivet head and its remaining portion. You can DIY this grinding process with minimal effort.

Always put the protective eyewear when using a grinder! This process might affect the work surface so if you don’t need the underlying surface only then use a grinder for this purpose.

Pro Tips for Removing Rivets

Most rivets are available in classic or pop rivet formats. You might be again thinking of removing pop rivets or how to use a pop rivet gun for this purpose.

Here, you will get some useful tips that should be followed to do this task with a DIY attitude.

• You can use a grinder instead of any power drill. It will split the head of the rivets into different slices easily.
• The hammer and punch is another alternative to this drill. You can also do this task efficiently with these hand tools.
• If you feel any extra paint around the head of a rivet, must remove it so that rivet can easily detach from its surface.
• You should control the drill bit by turning it with your hand. This will give you better control over the rivet head.
• Must check the rivet head! Some rivet heads curve in some directions. You have to mark this type of rivets with a drill bit.

Warnings

After these pro tips in removing rivets, you need to avoid a few crucial things for your safety. Must read them carefully!

• Check the ladder before climbing on it
• Always do these tasks in good weather conditions
• Must arrange another person for assistance who can hold the ladder

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

How Are Rivets Usually Removed?

You can remove the rivet by destroying it from the base. The drilling process is the most recommended one to do so. You can use the drill bit to eliminate the inner wall and separate the head to remove it from the surface effectively.

Can You Remove Rivets Without a Drill?

You must arrange a slot-head screwdriver or a cold chisel to remove the rivet. It will require a little extra effort from you to upset and then detach the rivet head from its location.

Are Rivets Easy to Remove?

Although it is difficult, once you choose the right gear for this mission, the whole process will become quite easy. You can use the simple drilling process, or if the rivet is too stubborn, the grinding technique eliminates it from any surface.

How Do You Remove a Rivet without Breaking It?

You must cut off the edges and grasp them firmly to remove the rivet from its base. Multiple ways can be adopted to remove the rivet without damaging it. A good drilling machine or the grinding process will do this job nicely.

How Do You Get Rivets Out of Metal?

The blunt-edge or cold chisel are the right options to remove the rivet from metal. If it is stubborn, use the hammer to dig it out from its surface.

The Bottom Line

It’s time to just line up the existing holes on your metal sheets and install the rivets like a pro. It would help if you place them correctly to fix it up.

You can also remove these rivets without a drill or any other tool. It looks quite a forceful thing to do, but you can comfortably do it if you are using any trick.

A Grinder is another useful option for this task. You can slice up the rivet head effortlessly and this might damage the surface. So, you might need to paint it again.

This informative guide provides you complete inside of removing rivets with a DIY attitude. Now I am confident enough that you understand the concept of removing the rivets. Just pick all the gears and do this task like a pro.