Wing Spar Rivet Squeeze

[Notatestpilot]

Howdy!
I was thinking of an inexpensive way to squeeze big (3/16th inch dia) rivets. Like the type holding a wing spar cap together. Would using the right rivet sets in between a hydraulic press be a workable method?

Ideally, the right tool is to use a deep wide head on a pneumatic squeeze…but I’m trying to find a cheaper way.

 

[Dan Thomas]

Rivet squeezers have to be rigid enough to ensure that the rivet does not "dump" during the squeeze. Just using a press to push a snap isn't going to work well at all.

In aviation, cheap usually ends up costing more.

 

[Bell206]

I’m trying to find a cheaper way.

When it comes to bucking rivets the cheapest way is to do it manually with a rivet gun and bucking bar. A C-squeeze rivet gun (manual or air) has its place but a standard rivet gun can be more flexible. Never seen or used a hydraulic press for riveting before but personally wouldnt use it. However without more info on your project can't offer much more.

 

[Let'sgoflying!]

Did you ask your type club?
They can tell you the cheapest and best ways for every rivet, angle, hole punch on the airplane.
If there are only a few, borrow the best tool.

 

[Daleandee]

Here's what Dan Weseman at Sport Performance Aviation uses for the spar rivets in his experimental Panther aircraft:

 

[Notatestpilot]

Here's what Dan Weseman at Sport Performance Aviation uses for the spar rivets in his experimental Panther aircraft:

Thank you!
That is exactly what I’m looking for…

 

[nauga]

More than a few folks built early RV spars using a C-frame dimpler with cupped sets and a big-assed hammer...just like Vans described.

Nauga,
and some good hearing protecction

 

[Daleandee]

Early Sonex guys built the spars using the "big bolt" method which used a large bolt and a hammer to set the rivets. FWIW, my plane has factory assembled wing spars ...

 

[EvilEagle]

Thank you!
That is exactly what I’m looking for…

I need one of those too!

 

[Dan Thomas]

Here's what Dan Weseman at Sport Performance Aviation uses for the spar rivets in his experimental Panther aircraft:

That will keep the rivet from dumping. Without that rigid-C-frame, anything can happen.

 

[pfarber]

You can use any method you like to form a shop head as long as you don't work harden the rivet and it's within specs. A press is fine as long as it doesn't flex and the part doesn't move.

 

[Craig]

I've got one of these, a 24" and two 36" throat ones for my shop. The 36's are stored at a friend's place and I need to get them home. At over 5,000 lbs each, it's one at a time on the trailer. The 12" needs a light going tru and the 24" needs a full overhaul.

https://store.e-airtool.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=92_122&products_id=1807