What you should know before using rivets

In this video I cover the basics of riveting, with 5 good tips to help you with your DIY projects.
What size hole to drill for rivets, how to chose the right sized rivet, how to change the gun's nozzles, how to drill out a rivet, how to avoid scratching the finished surface.
Click here to subscribe (it's free) and you won't miss any of my DIY tutorials on KZbin
/ @inspirediy
The equation for working out the right length rivet goes like this…
Add your Material thickness (both pieces) eg. 0.5 mm + 0.5mm = 1mm
Plus 1.5 times the diameter of the rivet, 3.2mm rivet x 1.5 = 4.8 (approx. 5mm)
So I’d aim for a 6mm rivet, easy! If you have longer rivets, it’s not a problem it just may not look any good. But don’t go too short because it may not hold. I hope this helps you out with your riveting project.
The rivet gun I use is found here... I am not affiliated with this store.
www.totaltools.com.au/10922-p...
The stuff and things I use and recommend, when clicked these links will take you directly to Amazon or an eBay site, InspireDIY is an Amazon associate/eBay Affiliate. Using these links does not impact the price in anyway for you, but InspireDIY may be able to earn from recommendations.
Find a rivet gun to suit your budget on Amazon amzn.to/37SyDkH or eBay ebay.us/1Hafvx
Drill bits for rivets amzn.to/37Suc9G
Snappy Tools 1/8 Inch Quick Change Drill Bit Adapter (US) amzn.to/3CZcrUx (UK) amzn.to/3iZ2QFm (AU) amzn.to/3iVB9Ns
(AU) Stanley 8mtr Tylon Tape Measure amzn.to/3mkF9t7
00:00 Rivet tips for DIY
00:19 What rivet gun to choose
00:43 What size hole do I drill fo a rivet
01:35 How to change the nozzle on a rivet gun
02:14 How to rivet two materials together
02:42 How to drill out a rivet
02:57 How to remove rivets from drill bit
03:11 Stop drill chuck from scratching paint
03:43 How to work out the right sized rivet
The boring stuff, these videos are intended to provide information and inspiration only. If you choose to imitate, duplicate or copy anything you may have observed in these videos, you do so at your own risk. Kent Thomas & Inspire DIY do not take any responsibility for any action taken as a result of the information or advice on this KZbin channel (or other platforms) and shall not have any liability in respect of any injury or damage that may result.
Kent Thomas/Inspire DIY disclaims any control over, relationship with, or endorsement of views expressed by any third party, including but not limited to, sponsored partners, featured guests in any episodes, or other KZbin (or other social platform) users. Any unsponsored links to other websites are provided only as a convenience, and not an endorsement of those pages by Kent Thomas/Inspire DIY. Kent Thomas/Inspire DIY encourages you to read the privacy statements of any third-party websites.
Kent Thomas/Inspire DIY does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information available on this KZbin page or any other social media platforms. Nothing contained in or provided though this KZbin page, website or social media platforms is intended to constitute advice or to serve as a substitute for the advice of a building or construction professional, or local government, council laws and building codes. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

[@alanhumphries9742]

Hey! Not one of the worst videos, one of the best. Simple and well delivered. Thanks (I'm fixing a vent to the roof of a horse float)

[@InspireDIY]

How did you get on Alan? the horses enjoying fresh air again? thanks mate - lovely comment. Kent

[@cindy2875]

Pop riveting my 1968 caravan - she needs a full re-rivet! Thanks for this tutorial - Haas really helped! My dad will be impressed with my new skill!

[@InspireDIY]

well done Cindy, love the caravan project.. all the best, Kent

[@douglasdever6134]

Fantastic. I'm riveting two pieces of aluminum (one 32" long) to a bracket to attach to a wall with nylon strapping between the two pieces. This will for the nylon strapping to go around a locking lid trash container from being pulled down by a large German Shepherd, determined to get into the garbage can when I leave. Now with a lid she cannot unlock and a trash can she cannot pull over, she is, HOPEFULLY, going to fail. I was going to screw everything together but thought I would try a pop rivet. Now I know what size pop rivet to purchase.

[@InspireDIY]

Good on you Douglas. All the best with your project (and the naughty trash can fiend)🤙Kent

[@ParaLabo]

Gonna pop rivet a door catch on a commercial dryer tomorrow. Thanks for the tips been awhile since I had to use a rivet gun.

[@InspireDIY]

Hey ParaLabo, sorry for the delayed reply.. how did you get on? Kent

[@ParaLabo]

@@InspireDIY It worked great. Holding the 2 things i'm riveting together tight to each other rather than pushing hard with the rivet gun helps a lot.

[@tonydowling5136]

Thanks for that. Simple and straightforward

[@InspireDIY]

No worries Tony, cheers for the comment mate 👍 Kent

[@johnkennedy5528]

So clear and practical. No gimmicks. Excellent DIY guidance. Well done Sir. JK in the UK 🦖

[@InspireDIY]

Cheers JK, thanks for the lovely comment mate🤙 Kent

[@amandaclarke4173]

best rivet video! I'm now confident in tackling my project. Many thanks

[@InspireDIY]

Good on you Amanda, what’s the project you’re tackling? Kent

[@billturner2613]

Excellent video,straight to the point

[@InspireDIY]

Thanks Bill 👍 Kent

[@rcdemoral1982]

Uh, this was probably the best instructional video I've seen - straight to the point, subscribed.

[@InspireDIY]

oh thanks mate, that's a very kind comment, glad to have you aboard! cheers, Kent

[@Nature31]

i bought a cheap rivet thing @ lidl, never used it but now needed it. watched your vid and now know how! love the accent ;)

[@InspireDIY]

Hey Nature. That’s awesome. I don’t have an accent- everyone around me talks the same😉 Kent

[@neilcaller]

Good tips, thank you!

[@patriotcarepackage]

Spot on! Have never used rivets. I picked you video first because the time was right. You nailed it. Only the information a beginner like me need and a pro type at the end. I wish all DIY videos were like yours. Only what we need to get back to the project and no more. Drive on buddy. You're on the right path.

[@InspireDIY]

Thanks so much Patriot, thats a very kind thing to say 🙂. All the best with your project. Kent

[@markifi]

this is excellent. the equation in the description is also helpful

[@InspireDIY]

Cheers mark🤙

[@beazleteats4031]

G'day from across the ditch. I've been a DIY dad for many years doing odd jobs (yes, even tiled out bathroom floor to ceiling) but I've never had the need for a rivet. My aluminium letterbox has just broken and a rivet looks like the answer...so thx heaps for such a great video. You're a good teacher and come across well on screen...maybe you should start your own DIY show on NZ TV. Go well mate.

[@InspireDIY]

Hey Beazle, you are very kind and thanks for the encouragement too😊. Let me know how you get on with the letterbox 👍 Kent.

[@VJer-zz1li]

You answered all of my questions! Was thinking of making a custom air intake heatshield for my vehicle using Al sheet metal as the frame. Thanks!

[@InspireDIY]

oh that's awesome V.Jer, I'm glad it helped mate, Kent

[@nedodonovan7067]

Excellent… thank you.

[@InspireDIY]

You’re welcome mate. Kent

[@dooleyfan]

This was very helpful today. I was attaching blinds to an aluminum gazebo. I decided to rivet the attachments the wrong way round initially so that I could practice how to drill out rivets (OK, maybe I didn’t decide that in advance). Excellent instructions, thank you from Canada!

[@InspireDIY]

That’s funny Doolyfan, I thought I was the only one who did things backwards 🤔 good on you mate. Kent

[@philipdove6987]

straight forward and tells you the important stuff. i would not have known how to choose the right rivet. Still don't know what I'm going to rivet but hey I've got the tool.

[@InspireDIY]

haha Philip, I too have bought the odd tool and still not sure what I'm gonna use it for! thanks mate, Kent

[@payneangel]

Ty! For a girl who’s NEVER used one, I am thankful for these tips! I’m nervous enough but you made me feel more confident. Tysm

[@InspireDIY]

Good on you PayneAngel 🤙 cheers for the lovely comment. Kent

[@mikebowdler8196]

flipping briliant ....thank you my man

[@InspireDIY]

Cheers Mike, lovely comment🤙 Kent

[@bartbug1]

Nice, top tip. Thanks mate.

[@InspireDIY]

Cheers buddy🙂

[@tobywebb3625]

Thanks for the video, perfect for what i need. Now i can make a downpipe from the roof gutter to the ground. I'll still make a mess of it but the riveting will be perfect 🫡

[@InspireDIY]

haha, have a little faith Toby, it will look just fine. good on you mate, Kent

[@gerritjongkind8538]

Interesting. I did not know much about using rivets. Now I know more. Thanks to you.

[@InspireDIY]

Thanks mate, glad I got yo share some riveting information with you😉 Kent

[@DeuceDeuce80]

Quality content, thanks for uploading.

[@InspireDIY]

Cheers DeuceDeuce, KentKent

[@momoho11]

This was super helpful. I got into a fender bender 1.5 yr ago. Bent the front support bar (among other things). I was unable to pull the bar out to straighten in. I've since replaced hood& side fender. But because that's still bent I've gone through FOUR hood latches. I've ordered a new support bar& I've been brainstorming the best way to put the new one on. This is the method I've decided on. The old piece is tach welded so some grinding will be needed. But she'll look brand new.... Well sorta. It's a 1998 Subaru Forester. I feel like this will just increase my car experience. Thank you for the video

[@InspireDIY]

That’s a good idea momoho, good luck with it🤙 Kent

[@MrTahir959]

Great video, thank you so much!!!!

[@InspireDIY]

You are most welcome MrTahir 👌 cheers, Kent

[@joshualevy4784]

Super helpful and to the point. Been restoring an 61 airstream for a few years now. But always looking for advice from those who know something I don’t. Cheers!

[@InspireDIY]

Good on you Joshua, there’s plenty of rivets in those things hey! 🤙 Kent

[@joshualevy4784]

Indeed@@InspireDIY

[@kellypurinton5584]

I need to rivet a "composite" track to the side of a fiberglass dinghy hull (to attach a sponson - an air bladder to increase stability for small boats). So... softer than metal, and also thicker. This gave me a great place to start thinking about it. Thank you!

[@InspireDIY]

Very cool Kelly, best of luck on the high seas ⚓️ Kent

[@caesarisared1320]

Brilliant. I got a popgun rivet the other week and know how to use it and what length to use also

[@InspireDIY]

Good to hear Caesar, all the best with your riveting! 🤙Kent

[@larsrons7937]

Informative and well explained. #5 was my favorite.

[@olivechopper]

Cheers Larson, it’s a handy little trade secret hey 👌 good on you mate, Kent

[@larsrons7937]

@@olivechopper I have occasionally used washers for this, but they can be hard to find in small sizes. I never thought of rivets.

[@zev108]

Very useful ❤

[@InspireDIY]

Cheers Zev, Kent

[@Indopridechicken]

Omg i learned many things from you! Thanks for sharing 🎉

[@InspireDIY]

Cheers for the nice comment mate, all the best🤙Kent

[@syayue5863]

3.2 + 1.5 is 3.7.........great video 👍

[@like2view]

Thanks for al the tips: MY project is to replace a steel spring clip on a camera back. The back when closed in the final 2-3 mm should slide the clip up over the peg. IT should make a slightly audible click when closed. Why do I have to replace it.. well.. I wasn't broke, but I decided to fixit. Noting that it failed to "slide over peg without coercion, I decide to bend it a bit to facilitate sliding over the peg. The bending broke the clip. The camera can still be closed (with coercion) and securing the back with a rubber band.. just in case. I bought a camera for parts. Originally I was going to swap out the back (held by three screws) when I received the donor camera a lesser model, the pressure plate was a very cheap substitute compared to the plate in MY camera. So now I think the best plan is to drill out the rivets that hold the clip on both cameras and rivet the unbroken clip into the the better camera. I've done some riveting in the past. Much Large ..clipping the door panel trimming to the car door. Here I want the I guess the blind rivet with a button on the back and the flat side on the interior. I can provide pics if you must know ;)

[@InspireDIY]

All the best with your project bud👌 happy snapping once finished. Kent

[@thejUmpyNehPets]

Wow, that really was a riveting video!

[@InspireDIY]

haha, Cheers mate

[@DONOCARSON109]

I've learn more about Pop riveting from watching this 4 min 19 secs video, than the hour and a half watching 9 other vids. cheers. at last.

[@InspireDIY]

Oh Dono, that’s a lovely comment mate 🙂 thanks for letting me know, cheers. Kent

[@DONOCARSON109]

@@InspireDIY I made the comment because it's true. many thanks for the tuition.

[@rndyh77]

Now I've got to figure out what I can rivet!

[@InspireDIY]

Haha, yeah! And there's rivets everywhere when you start looking 😉.

[@anastasiostresinis6899]

Bravo! Quick, efficient, right to the point, covered just about everything on riveting. Now, how about a video on how to remove stuck pins? Thanks tons!

[@InspireDIY]

Great suggestion for a helpful video Anastasio, as sure as there are rivets, there are stuck and broken ones to remove ..GRRRR!. cheers mate, Kent

[@coffey1718]

THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@InspireDIY]

Hey RC. You are most welcome bud👍 Kent

[@jfarrell21]

I have a 2008 Jeep with a soft-top. Over time the nylon mesh straps have torn off. They are attached to the aluminum spreaders with pop rivets. Drill out the old rivet; measure, cut and double back the new mesh, new pop rivet and bob's your uncle.

[@InspireDIY]

Well done Jfarrell 👌 you’re all over it! Kent

[@lauriebevins8517]

Great video! I actually created a cat collar using blind rivets, washers and sturdy nylon fabric, a year ago. I want to reuse the the washers to create a bigger one as he's grown, and let's face it, they're not too cheap (for me, anyway...). I appreciate the advice how to drill out the rivets!

[@InspireDIY]

That's very ingenious of you Laurie, well done mate. Kent

[@THX11380]

I was absolutely riveted just watching

[@InspireDIY]

Oh you didn’t just say that Matt! It’s a Dad joke for sure 👌 Kent

[@aberhamlaguna415]

Recently bought a 2004 Toyota highlander V6 but its wrecked in the front by support assembly it's a project car and runs and shifts well with 150,653 miles on it but like I said the front radiator support assembly is wrecked and the radiator wont fit properly, So I went to a junk yard and managed to get a good used one for 75$, Unfortunately I live in the country side of Colorado and i dont have a welding gun that welds aluminum to metal so the rivets might be the next best thing to secure the assembly properly once I manage to level it correctly, I've worked with rivets many times putting steel on steel with my farm house once that's done I will be able to put the front bumper and grill and the car will look good as new.

[@InspireDIY]

Oh well done Aberham, I love a project! All the best with your rebuild/modifications- let me know how it goes 🤙 Kent

[@hellyripphin8357]

Trying to replace a 1950s sliding screen for the shower (the type with three doors that slide into a 'stack' on one side). Trying to rivet the frame together. Thank you for your helfpul video.

[@InspireDIY]

Well done Helly, how did you get on? Kent

[@safetybay4345]

@@InspireDIY I finished it - hooray!

[@ralphwaters8905]

I'm planning to build a folding tonneau cover for a pickup truck because I need T-slot rails to support a ladder rack. The commercial tonneaus either will not fit between the T-slots OR require fragile aluminum extrusions on each side that block bed access. I expect to use blind rivets to attach aluminum ("diamond" pattern) tread plate to a frame made of rectangular tubing. It would be nice if I could get reasonable resistance to water leakage thru each rivet without having to spend extra to get sealed blind rivets. Can I get by with squirting some caulk into the hole of each rivet after setting? Should I consider a dab around each hole before installing the rivet? As great as rivets are, I like rivet nuts even better!

[@InspireDIY]

Hey Ralph, I wish I had a definitive answer for you but I don’t sorry.. anytime I’ve needed something to be watertight I’ve caulked/siliconed the head or stem afterwards. Best of luck mate, Kent

[@shaunatate7740]

Tip for leaving rivet in drill for scratches is genius

[@InspireDIY]

Hey Shauna, I think I said the same thing when I learnt that trick. cheers mate, Kent

[@TaterChip91]

I'm still a little confused about choosing the correct size...I'm going to be riveting together 2 pieces of aluminum ⅛ thick each, so a total of ¼ of material...I'm wanting a very strong connection...would you be able to tell me the sizes and length I should be using..?

[@sparkhype1652]

Good timing great video. Can i use flashing as passanger foot flooring in my car or can i use a paint car bonnet i hv in my yard. I dont have the funds to purchase sheet metal

[@InspireDIY]

Yeah go for it spark👌the bonnet may be a better thickness than flashings. Best of luck. Kent

[@joefryoux6802]

Im going to attach hinges and a latch to a small side door of an evaporative cooler (swamp cooler) the door will be used to add ice the water tank.

[@InspireDIY]

Hey Joe, how did you get on mate?

[@titchglover2601]

I have a 5x11 trailer the gate has four hinges. one of the hinges has come off. I still have the hinge attached to the gate however I need to remove the old damaged rivets and add two new ones. I have no clue. the trailer deck is also coming off and needs new rivets also. researching on it.

[@InspireDIY]

Hey Titch, when it comes time to drill out the rivets, remember which size drillbit was effective and that would be the rivet size that you need to replace. Best of luck Kent

[@paulanderson653]

Onya mate.

[@InspireDIY]

Cheers Paul🤙

[@admiralgoodboy]

Thanks boss gonna do some body work on my truck im gonna use rivets on ABS plastics

[@InspireDIY]

Let us know how you get on Admiral, are you planning to use aluminium pop rivets or ones specially for plastic? cheers, Kent

[@admiralgoodboy]

@@InspireDIY aluminum pop rivets. Abs plastic onto aluminum sheet

[@karenpotts2212]

what size pop rivets fit either an M6 and M8 rivet attachment?

[@InspireDIY]

Hey Karen, I’m not sure what you’re asking sorry🤷‍♂️ are you meaning what size river nuts?

[@lovelace1972]

Making test fire fans with plastic

[@smartassist9700]

I have thin stainless steel trash can with foot lever to raise lid. Rivets seem to be aluminum as they wore and broke. I want steel rivets. Both are thin layered, small. How do I gauge small holes existing? What is shortest rivet that will tighten down enough? Being stainless rivets. Is the rivet harder to apply/squeeze?

[@InspireDIY]

hey Smart Assist, to gauge size I normally test with a few rivets or you can use your drill bits to get the perfect sizing. steel rivets will will harder to squeeze but at that small size its a negligible difference. follow that rule to determine length (at the end of the video) if you go too short the rivet won't flare enough material to hold it snug. best of luck mate, Kent

[@aaronwhite5448]

I'm making a wooden sign with sheet metal strips as hangings. The piece of wood is 1/2in thick. Would riveting this work?

[@InspireDIY]

hey Aaron, I would be inclined to screw the strips to the timber with 1/2 inch long screws, or small bolts as rivets and timber don't really get along that well. in my experience the timber fails to hold the rivet over time. best of luck, Kent

[@erl12end]

This was the second worst video I have ever wached so I gave it a thumbs up!

[@InspireDIY]

Haha, we’ll done erl12end👍 Kent

[@gravitystu3286]

Trying to make a cage for my sugar gliders 😎👌🏻

[@InspireDIY]

good luck with it GravityStu. Kent

[@MsPookiesmom]

Good video. I just wish the measurements weren’t in millimeters.

[@InspireDIY]

Ohh that’s a tough one.. sorry mate

[@aliensexist6634]

should have included on how to fix a stuck pin in the gun. some cheaper rivet guns tend to do that from time to time

[@InspireDIY]

Hey Alien, yeah that's a good point, a cheap gun does it, so does a quality gun eventually when the jaws wear out. here's the tip,, open the handles right up, poke a rivet stem into the hole in an attempt to push the stuck stem out the back of the gun. Kent

[@jasonsmith3573]

basic info but well delivered all except for the maths fail. 3.2+1.5 doesn't equal 4.8 😉I'm currently fixing a new bottom to an old wheelbarrow cause I would rather pay $6.50 for 100 pops than $63 for a new tub when it is a three week wait. 'A man's got work to do.

[@InspireDIY]

Jason, thanks for the comment mate, watch my equation again and if I’m wrong I’ll buy you a new wheelbarrow😉 Kent

[@AH-nw8qg]

It was 3.2 x 1.5

[@seenthroughblackeyes3232]

Hello, I am trying to remove a rivet from the leg of a folding table and then replace it with a new rivet. Is there anything different in that process than in your video? I can send you a photo if need be. Thanks.

[@InspireDIY]

Hey mate.. nothing strange there, Go for it! Kent

[@paulcrafts4448]

What does it mean if the mandrel doesn't release and remains stuck in the rivet hole? Is it a sign of a "bad" rivet job.? I've had this happen several times when riveting.

[@InspireDIY]

Hey Paul, no it’s normally damaged teeth in the jaws of the riveter. They wear over time. Cheers, Kent

[@paulcrafts4448]

@@InspireDIY Thanks, but this is a relatively new riveter. I wonder if this would happen if the rivet is too short for the substance (fiberglass RV body), so that when it expands (using the tool) it locks up the mandrel ? These are blind rivets I'm using, and sometimes the riveter is very difficult to compress.

[@maureenhaisten9932]

Outside metal door

[@InspireDIY]

Hey Maureen, how did you get on? Kent

[@babybrazaa]

my rivet isn't breaking. do you think the riveter is the problem?

[@InspireDIY]

Hey Taz, yeah.. It’s normally the jaws on the riveter that wear out or are bad quality that makes that happen. Frustrating hey! Best of luck mate 🤙 Kent

[@thomasdelaney6799]

Rivets for a daycab truck.

[@InspireDIY]

How did it go mate? Kent

[@earlgeorge7573]

when should a washer be used???????????????????????????????????????????????

[@InspireDIY]

Hey Earl, if I am understanding the question right ..use a washer with an internal diameter ‘ID’ close to that of the rivet body, this will create a wider footprint spreading the load which is sometimes needed on materials like plastics, if the rivet is long enough you can use a washer on both sides👌 good on you mate, Kent

[@user-pu8hz1zk4q]

riveting a paddle leash to a kayak

[@InspireDIY]

Hey user, can I recommend you use 100% aluminium rivets to avoid the mandrel rusting as some a part aluminium part steel, good luck with your project, Kent

[@8006345789]

Excellent tips!!

[@InspireDIY]

Thank you for the lovely comment 🤙 Kent

[@dapv144]

This is a riveting video!

[@InspireDIY]

Well done E R! cheers, Kent

[@Theglitchedgamer]

I'm working on replacing a broken door handle on my car that is held in with 2 rivets.

[@InspireDIY]

well best of luck to you Jay, I use rivets for everything too! cheers,, Kent

[@donal-bertomaldonado3428]

I want to replace the rivet on the bracket that holds a PCV valve. Not too sure the size of the bit I need. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqvIZ4GMgtSHY6s

[@RobertMacDougall-jo5pt]

Snow shoe strap

[@InspireDIY]

Yeah mate, how did it go Robert? Kent

[@elithompson807]

I am patching an aluminum Jon boat

[@InspireDIY]

Hey Eli, I’ve heard this name before - Jon boat, but don’t know what they are? Tell me mate! Kent

[@elithompson807]

@@InspireDIY it's just an aluminum boat 17'

[@olivechopper]

@@elithompson807 sweet🤙 we call them a tinny in Oz & NZ …can I suggest you try full aluminium rivets (not the steel mandrel ones) for better longevity in a boat especially if used in salt water. Good on you mate. Kent

[@elithompson807]

@olivechopper Thanks I appreciate all your help! Fresh water here, but will use aluminum ones!

[@DingoDman]

these devices are so hard to use 🤣

[@InspireDIY]

Hey Dingo, are you referring to handheld riveters, Pop brand, or just all of them, have you come up with an easier solution? cheers, Kent

[@DingoDman]

@@InspireDIY i ended up realising i was using a dinosaur of a handheld riveter, i brought a new one and it worked first go🤣, thank you for the reply tho appreciate you

[@marylebone4465]

I am here cause the rivet on my camera tripod broke

[@InspireDIY]

Hey Mary, sorry for the late response.. how did you get on? Unfortunately I’m familiar with the gammy tripod too😂. Kent

[@Ohshiitsdatboi]

Cars

[@InspireDIY]

Hey Ohshiits, you are a man of few words ..respect! Kent

[@jeremyray6601]

3.2 + 1.5 = 4.7

[@InspireDIY]

Hey Jeremy, you baffled me for a minute there mate ..until I remembered it’s ‘diameter multiplied by 1.5’😉Kent