Skip to main content

Just curious about what most folks use to remove the rivet from a coupler to do repairs? I have a Dremel so i can grind off the top of the rivet. Not keen about using a drill bit to remove the bottom of the rivet. My old geezer hands aren't that steady. 

Dep

Last edited by Deputy
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

It is actually easier to drill the rivet out than to grind the rivet head off and far less likely to do damage to the assembly. The dimple in the center of the flared end will keep the bit centered as long as you don't get crazy applying pressure while drilling. As mentioned above, it is easy just to crush the flared end and push it through.

I use a center punch and a hammer to flare the end on the new rivet. You just need to flare it enough to keep it in place. The spring is the really fun part! Buy extras.

Mike D posted:

It is actually easier to drill the rivet out than to grind the rivet head off and far less likely to do damage to the assembly. The dimple in the center of the flared end will keep the bit centered as long as you don't get crazy applying pressure while drilling. As mentioned above, it is easy just to crush the flared end and push it through.

I use a center punch and a hammer to flare the end on the new rivet. You just need to flare it enough to keep it in place. The spring is the really fun part! Buy extras.

Who carries the springs?  I've thought about rolling my own, but haven't been able to (easily) find a source for small enough piano wire.

Come to think of it though, I wonder if some old used guitar strings wouldn't work? 

Norton posted:

Make your own springs? The repro parts guys sell sets of ten rivets and ten springs for pennies. Hardly worth the hassle of making your own.

I used a small cutoff wheel on the dremel on the rivet head. 5 seconds and its off.

Pete

One guy's hassle might be another guy's fun and relaxation.  Didja' ever think of that? 

But thanks for the info.  If I run into a repro parts guy before I get around to rollin' my own, I'll gladly pay a few bucks for several sets of rivets and springs.  Otherwise, I'll go ahead and make my own.  I know how, and it's really no hassle whatsoever. 

Mixed Freight posted:
Mike D posted:

It is actually easier to drill the rivet out than to grind the rivet head off and far less likely to do damage to the assembly. The dimple in the center of the flared end will keep the bit centered as long as you don't get crazy applying pressure while drilling. As mentioned above, it is easy just to crush the flared end and push it through.

I use a center punch and a hammer to flare the end on the new rivet. You just need to flare it enough to keep it in place. The spring is the really fun part! Buy extras.

Who carries the springs?  I've thought about rolling my own, but haven't been able to (easily) find a source for small enough piano wire.

Come to think of it though, I wonder if some old used guitar strings wouldn't work? 

You can find them readily in various quantities on eBay. You can find them with the rivets and even with the knuckles if you want extras of all. I keep several of each on hand all the time. I replace all of the cheap plastic knuckles with built in plastic springs with metal knuckles and separate springs when they break.

Mixed Freight posted:
Mike D posted:

It is actually easier to drill the rivet out than to grind the rivet head off and far less likely to do damage to the assembly. The dimple in the center of the flared end will keep the bit centered as long as you don't get crazy applying pressure while drilling. As mentioned above, it is easy just to crush the flared end and push it through.

I use a center punch and a hammer to flare the end on the new rivet. You just need to flare it enough to keep it in place. The spring is the really fun part! Buy extras.

Who carries the springs?  I've thought about rolling my own, but haven't been able to (easily) find a source for small enough piano wire.

Come to think of it though, I wonder if some old used guitar strings wouldn't work? 

I got the complete coupler parts from Brasseur Train Parts. They have a huge selection of springs and sell them by part number. For some strange reason I can't get to their website right now. But they have pretty much everything you need.

Mixed Freight posted:
Mike D posted:

It is actually easier to drill the rivet out than to grind the rivet head off and far less likely to do damage to the assembly. The dimple in the center of the flared end will keep the bit centered as long as you don't get crazy applying pressure while drilling. As mentioned above, it is easy just to crush the flared end and push it through.

I use a center punch and a hammer to flare the end on the new rivet. You just need to flare it enough to keep it in place. The spring is the really fun part! Buy extras.

Who carries the springs?  I've thought about rolling my own, but haven't been able to (easily) find a source for small enough piano wire.

Come to think of it though, I wonder if some old used guitar strings wouldn't work? 

I just bought coupler knuckles, pins and springs off ebay. very reasonable price

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×