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Removing blind rivets made easy:

step-by-step instructions

Published on 29.11.2024

This article will show you in detail how to remove blind rivets. This task is important if you want to carry out repairs or restorations. Incorrectly set blind rivets or those that do not hold firmly can affect your projects. With these step-by-step instructions, you will be able to remove blind rivets easily and safely.

Contents

The right preparation
 

Removing blind rivets: The step-by-step guide in 5 easy steps

  1. Step: Prepare the work surface
  2. Step: Mark the blind rivets
  3. Step: Knock out the mandrel
  4. Step: Drill out the setting head
  5. Step: Remove the closing head

Post-processing of the removed blind rivets

More tips & tricks

Conclusion

Frequently asked questions

The right preparation

Before you start removing a blind rivet, you should have all the necessary tools and materials ready. Here is a list of what you will need:

  • Drill: An essential tool for drilling out the blind rivets.
     
  • Drill bit: Choose a drill bit that is the same size as the hole diameter of the blind rivet. Our recommendation for a 4 x 10 blind rivet is a 4.1 hole diameter and drill bit.
  • Punch and hammer: To remove the residual mandrel.
  • Safety goggles and gloves: Protect your eyes and hands from metal chips and sparks.
     
  • Vacuum cleaner: for removing metal shavings.

Each of these tools has a specific function, which we will explain in more detail in the course of the article.

In addition, safety should be the top priority in any DIY project. Here is some important information about safety measures:

  • Wear protective clothing and goggles: Avoid injuries from flying metal shavings and sparks.
     
  • Work in a well-ventilated area: metalworking can create dust and fumes that are better vented in a well-ventilated area.
  • Ensure the area to be worked on is stable: the workpiece should be firmly fixed to prevent it from slipping during the work.

Removing blind rivets: step-by-step instructions in five easy steps

In these step-by-step instructions, we show how to safely remove a 4.0 AL/A2 PolyGrip® blind rivet. For the drilling, we use a 4.1 mm metal drill bit that is ideally matched to the hole size of the set blind rivet and enables clean disassembly.

Step 1: Prepare the work surface

Remove any obstacles that could hinder your work and make sure that the workpiece is firmly fixed. A firm work surface makes your work easier and increases safety.

Gather all the tools you will need for the next steps: drill, drill press, punch, hammer and, if necessary, cleaning utensils.

Step 2: Marking the blind rivets

Clamp the component securely in a vice or fix it in place in a suitable manner.

Identify the centre of the blind rivet and mark the position. A precise marking will help you to position the drill bit accurately.

This is particularly important to avoid damaging the surrounding material.

Step 3: Knock out the mandrel

Carefully knock the mandrel out of the blind rivet using a suitable tool, such as a punch. This loosens the mandrel, allowing it to be easily removed or to fall out.

 

 

Step 4: Drill out the setting head
 

Now carefully drill out the blind rivet's setting head with a drill. This requires a drill bit that is approximately the same diameter as the blind rivet in order to cut through the material cleanly. Place the drill bit exactly on the marked spot and start drilling slowly.

Make sure that you drill straight and evenly to avoid deviation. This ensures that the head of the blind rivet is effectively loosened without damaging the material.

 

 

The blind rivet head turns with the drill bit and visibly loosens.

Now you can put down the drill and take the loosened blind rivet head off the drill.

Step 5: Removing the closing head

The rivet has already been removed from above. However, the closing head of the blind rivet is still on the bottom side.

In the last step, the closing head of the blind rivet is drilled through so that all rivet parts can be completely removed.

 

Insert the drill bit at the top of the riveted joint and carefully drill out the closing head on the underside of the component.

Clean the resulting opening thoroughly to remove all metal debris and remove the fallen closing head if possible.

After that, the joint is ready for a new fastening.

Post-processing of the removed blind rivets

After removing the blind rivets, you should clean the work surface and your tools. Remove any metal shavings with a vacuum cleaner and dispose of the removed blind rivets properly.

Clean your tools thoroughly after each use and check them for damage or wear. Regular maintenance will ensure that your tools last a long time.

 

 

More tips and tricks
 

We know from experience that mistakes can often be made. Avoid them by always working carefully and observing all safety precautions. Here are some additional tips:

  • Test it: Before you start work, test your tool on a similar material. This way, you can ensure that everything is working properly.
  • Patience is key: Don't work under time pressure. A calm and careful approach will lead to better results.
     

Alternative methods: If one method doesn't work, don't be afraid to try an alternative method and read more information on the GESIPA website.

Why not just drill through the blind rivet?
 

Another option is to drill out the blind rivet from above without knocking out the mandrel and removing the blind rivet head. Since the material of the mandrel is much harder than that of the rest of the blind rivet, drilling is more challenging. This can not only increase the amount of work involved, but also potentially cause damage to the drill bit or the workpiece.
 

Conclusion
 

Removing blind rivets can be done easily and safely with the right preparation and tools. In this article, we showed you how to remove blind rivets step by step. Always remember to wear protective clothing and follow safety precautions. With patience and care, you can easily remove blind rivets and successfully complete your projects.

Frequently asked questions

Can blind rivets be reused?

No. When you remove a blind rivet, the structure of the rivet is damaged, making it no longer safe and secure. Blind rivets are completely destroyed when drilled out and must be disposed of properly and replaced if necessary. A new blind rivet should always be used for new joints.

How can blind rivets be removed without a drill?

We recommend always drilling out a blind rivet and hammering out the mandrel beforehand. This is the safest method and avoids injuries.

How can damage to the material be avoided when removing blind rivets?

Select a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the total rivet head and apply it straight to exert as little pressure as possible on the surrounding material. It is also helpful to use a low drilling speed to ensure precise removal.

When is it necessary to remove blind rivets?

Removing blind rivets is necessary when a repair or replacement is required, for example, for rusty or loose rivets. It may also be necessary to remove rivets when remodelling or removing components that are riveted in place.

How do you remove blind rivets in hard-to-reach places?

For hard-to-reach places, an angle drill is helpful, as it allows the drill head to be placed in narrow areas. Alternatively, a flexible bit extender can be used.

Are there risks involved in removing blind rivets?

Yes, there is a risk of damaging the surrounding material, especially if the drill slips. In addition, sharp metal chips can come loose, posing a risk of injury. That's why it's important to wear protective goggles and gloves and to work carefully to protect both yourself and the workpiece.

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