Topic: What did I sign myself up for - riveting

[eigenvector]

I have a few machine tools, but I don't live in a factory.

I'm trying to set 1/4" rivets (copper - softest material I could get in that size) and I'm finding that you just can't do it without a rivet gun.  I was hoping that copper would be soft enough to allow the body to deform with just a vice or similar press but nope - not gonna happen.

should I do myself a favor and take care of this the real way?

BTW:  I am NOT going to use pop rivets - this is one instance where I wouldn't trust them.

[70CB750]

You need two tools, one to tighten the two pieces together - this tool looks like round punch with a hole in the axis (seems it is called squeezer die in english)

The next step is to slightly puset the rivet with a hammer

The last step is to form the head with half globe tool.

[70CB750]

Here

[eigenvector]

Hammer, doing it the old way.

Fortunately I have a flat head rivet - I think they're called nail head rivets.  So for that I can simply rest the head on a flat surface - but the underside I can use a cold chisel to mushroom the rivet.

I'll give that a shot

[754]

Why use a chisel..just use a cold hammer........ Al. The tools are cold this winter..
 What are you making..pics ?

[ekpent]

 Might be going steampunk on us Frank.

[eigenvector]

So I smacked them around a bit with the hammer.  Using a chisel was a good idea - the tip expanded the shank very quickly. 

They're set, not finished though - I want to press them now that the shank has mushroomed to firm up the bond.

To answer your question - they're rivets holding the starter clutch together.

[754]

Are you sure copper will hold ? Pretty ductile and weak..

[madmtnmotors]

Are you sure copper will hold ? Pretty ductile and weak..

My thoughts exactly.

[eigenvector]

I don't see it being a problem.  It only has to prevent the top plate from pulling off and also prevent the body of the clutch from spinning when the starter is engaged.  To do that it would have to shear all 3 rivets and there just aren't those kind of forces present.

It still has to be pressed firmly now - so I'm not done anyway.

I will say it sure don't FEEL soft and weak.

Edited:
I should add, the original rivets were aluminum.