Dimpling question

Nev

Nev

Quick-build 4-place B #25
I'm mounting the pitot tube just aft of the main spar. Normally I would use a hand rivet squeezer to dimple the #6 screw holes, but in this location it doesn't have the reach. My pop rivet squeezer doesn't have an attachment for #6. Any ideas how to dimple in the middle of a large sheet ?
 
AE1022
Above is the part number for a Pop Rivet Dimple Die tool made by Avery, Sold by Aircraft Tool Supply. Its a dimple die with a hole drilled in teh center of the two mating pieces. A nail inserts through the holes and then a common pop rivet gun is used to squeeze the dimple into the sheet.
 
Thanks Brooks - I've got that already but I don't have the die attachment for a #6 machine screw. Any other ideas ? I could use domed screws but it might not look good in this area.
 
They make a rivet set for a rivet gun that you can put a dimple die in, and drill a hole in a hunk of metal for the other side of the die as a bucking bar. I did break one of my dimple dies that way. For a #6 screw I might use the pop rivet for 1/8 rivet, and finish it with the #6 in the rivet gun.

I did break a die after only 3 or 4 dimples.
 
#6 Stainless Steel domed screws are pretty small and low profile and look good ...... Easier solution IMHO
 
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If the mast or whatever your putting the screws into is countersunk then you could just use the screw to dimple the sheet as you tighten it. I did this on a couple of occasions, one of them was mounting the pitot mast. I first installed the countersunk nut plates then screwed in the screw which dimpled the sheet as it tightened.
 
I like that idea as well. Maybe still start with the pop rivet simpler, and upsize the 1/8 inch to a #6? How did they turn out?
 
I've decided to go with dome head machine screws for the pitot mount, in the interest of simplicity and keeping the project moving.
 
Drill a hole in a couple of bucking bars (drill them in the side, or somewhere else out of the way). Put your existing dimpling hand-tool bits into the holes. Use the rivet gun to gently buck the dimpling bits together.
 
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Jim - I did it, trust me - worth every hour :D
If you want a rocket ship then get a Glasair. The Bearhawk achieves speed by sheer determination and horsepower
 
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