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Builder Tip #71 from HomebuiltHELP 
The Basics of working with Solid Rivets
Not all Homebuilts use solid rivets.
But, MOST do! 

Not every aircraft requires solid shank rivets for holding its parts together. However, that is usually the exception as even most pop riveted aircraft designs use solid rivets in high stress areas (like the wing spars, for example). 

Many of the high performance homebuilt aircraft designs (like most of the Vans Aircraft models) use solid rivets almost exclusively due to their robust structural qualities. 

This week's Tip video demonstrates the tools and techniques used by builders to "set" solid rivets for construction of their homebuilt aircraft. While an 8 minute video clip cannot transfer the skills needed to start building with rivets, this overview can set the expectations of the required tools and effort that is needed to work with these fasteners. This Tip video is just the first of a series to highlight the art and skills of solid rivet setting.

Interested in learning about solid riveting techniques for building aircraft like those made by Vans Aircraft  and others?

Working with "solid" rivets (the ones that need a bucking bar to be held on the back side) can be intimidating if you are not familiar with the relevant tools and techniques. As compared to blind rivets which are relatively easy to work with, solid rivets need a little practice and some specialized tools.

Once the confidence in setting these rivets is acquired, the opportunity for building a greater variety of fast, sleek aircraft becomes possible (For example, the majority of Vans aircraft models are predominantly built with solid rivets).

Our popular DVD: "RV Rudder Workshop" demonstrates and explains the basic techniques and tools for working with solid rivets. As an example of putting these skills to work, a rudder for the Vans RV7 is built in a step by step presentation. You cannot get a better preview and understanding of what it takes to build a Vans aircraft with this informative DVD.

Become enlightened today with the details of solid riveting by visiting the webpage below and ordering a copy of RV Rudder Workshop!

Watch a previous Tip?
 Don't forget that past  Tip of the Week articles and videos are listed on the Archive Listing page on our website.  You can check back there for future reference and review of these tips.You can also reach that page from a link on the top, right side of our home page. 

We have also released a dual DVD set containing the first 35 Tips with updated comments and material for those who want to watch offline with the convenience of DVD chapter indexing.
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