[tbarto]

Hello, I have a 16' starecraft boat that I need to repair 6 rivets along the keel. The rivets broke when I hit a rather larger rock. The aluminum bent but is OK. Can anyone tell me what is the correct size rivet to use. I assume a 3/16 size hole will be made to take the old rivet out but how long should the rivet be? I assume I will need to fasten 3 pieces of aluminum together so the material might be .300 thick?? I'm not sure?? (keel, floor, support beam) all need to be riveted together? Also, can I use a hand held rivet gun? or do I need a more powerful gun.

I am new to riveting so any help is appreciated. Thanks!

[109jb]

For solid rivets length you need the thickness of the material you are going to fasten plus 1.5 times the diameter of the rivet before bucking.

[tbarto]

Thanks. I was thinking of using closed end rivets. I don't have access to inside. What size closed end should I use? Thanks

[Bob_VT]

Use a drill bit to measure the diameter of the exsisting hole. I imagine it will be 1/4 or 3/16 of an inch diameter. You can get closed end pop rivets and install them with 3m5200..... you will probably want to get a 1/2" grip range.

[tbarto]

Thanks for the reply. Can I use a std hand held gun for this?