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Mini Rivets

Fleetwood mIkea

Active Member
Sep 13, 2017
338
98
28
Milton
What is the best way to replace mini-rivets that are commonly used to attach plastics, ramps etc? I don’t like the look of regular rivets with the hole in the middle, and I think the pressure would crack the plastic. I’ve done a bit of searching on this site but didn’t find anything yet. Hopefully this is an excuse to buy another tool.
Any suggestions?

11DC06F4-2AEA-4624-B711-3796E204D229.jpeg
 

roar

Well-Known Member
Oct 22, 2015
604
294
63
49
Waterdown
A couple of options that I'm aware. One is a rivet press and the other is a rivet rollover punch. People have made their own presses with different tools but ultimately what you need is a rivet die or rollover press. Minstry Of Pinball used to sell kits but they have since wound their business down and the items aren't in stock.

http://www.pinrestore.com/Riveting.html

I've searched high and low for the rollover punch and have yet to find it at a place that will ship one at a rate I'm willing to pay for a tool I'd hardly use. Check this thread for other ideas on pinside:

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/where-to-get-rivet-press

If you buy something, let me know, I'd love to borrow it :)
 

Fleetwood mIkea

Active Member
Sep 13, 2017
338
98
28
Milton
That’s where I saw that! Thanks for the links- somehow couldn’t find it again. I’ll be in the US a lot in the coming months so maybe I can grab something down there or have it shipped to wherever I happen to be. I may just end up going the Instructibles route though- seems simple enough. I also like the 3rd hand C-clamp idea. I’ll have to think about the best way to go about that one
And you’re more than welcome to use anything I pick up...or maybe I’ll make an extra or 2 if I end up having to fab something up.
Thanks again!