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Topic: Rivets

Wolfes Company
Member
Member # 167

posted 05-26-2001 03:16 PM

Without sounding like a complete idiot, how were rivets made? Were they cast? Wire smashed over (how do they get the heads?) or forged? If they were forged wouldn't they be more of a pain in the rear to make than nails? Just wanted to know.

Thanks,
Steve

Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged

Gobae
Member
Member # 112

posted 05-29-2001 12:24 PM

Rivets are made pretty easily. Cut a section of round or square stock the appropriate diameter (round is more common) to the length needed. Place in the hole, backup one end against the anvil (or other immovable object) and pein the first head. Flip and repeat.

If the rivet size is small this can be done cold w/o any problem. For larger rivets you'd heat the stock and place in a rivet header (there are many different styles but essentially they just hold the rivet in place with only enough of the stock poking up to pein a head). Then reheat the one headed rivet, place in the hole and pein the second head.

If you're doing production work you could head a bunch of rivets a head of time. In some larger cities some smiths did specialize in making just nails or rivets.

Swordsmith www.oakandacorn.com

[ 05-29-2001: Message edited by: Swordsmith ]

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Gobae - The Blacksmith
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Registered: Jan 2001 | IP: Logged

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