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  • Dimpling question

    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 ?
    Nev Bailey
    Christchurch, NZ

    BearhawkBlog.com - Safety & Maintenance Notes
    YouTube - Build and flying channel
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  • #2
    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.
    Brooks Cone
    Southeast Michigan
    Patrol #303, Kit build

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    • Nev
      Nev commented
      Editing a comment
      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.

  • #3
    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.

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    • #4
      SCREW DIMPLER (#6) - * For #6 AN Screws. Similar to pop dimpler, but uses and allen screw to apply force. Each size comes with male & female die, allen screws and nuts and allen wrench.

      Comment


      • Nev
        Nev commented
        Editing a comment
        This is the answer!

      • svyolo
        svyolo commented
        Editing a comment
        I like that one as well.

      • Battson
        Battson commented
        Editing a comment
        Save your money...

    • #5
      I purchased what I refer to as hand smashes. Basically a hand held punch. Cheers, bunch of us hanging out at the hangar.
      Provided to YouTube by Spinnin' Records Rise Up (feat. Vamero) · VINAI · Vamero Rise Up (feat. Vamero) â„— 2020 SpinninRecords.com Producer: Andy Dust Prod...

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      • #6
        #6 Stainless Steel domed screws are pretty small and low profile and look good ...... Easier solution IMHO

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        • #7
          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.
          Scratch Built 4-place Bearhawk. Continental IO-360, 88" C203 McCauley prop.

          Comment


          • svyolo
            svyolo commented
            Editing a comment
            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?

          • Nev
            Nev commented
            Editing a comment
            I've decided to go with dome head machine screws for the pitot mount, in the interest of simplicity and keeping the project moving.

        • #8
          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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          • #9
            Dome head machine screws, say it ain't so. This is the worst.
            Gerry
            Patrol #30

            Comment


            • Nev
              Nev commented
              Editing a comment
              You're probably not going to like the rest of my Bearhawk either then

          • #10
            Nev, I'm sure your plane will be the best one yet. With flush screws you'll be .001 KT faster.
            Gerry
            Patrol #30

            Comment


            • JimParker256
              JimParker256 commented
              Editing a comment
              Cracks me up just thinking about countersinking all those screws, then putting bush wheels on the plane...

            • Battson
              Battson commented
              Editing a comment
              Jim - I did it, trust me - worth every hour
              If you want a rocket ship then get a Glasair. The Bearhawk achieves speed by sheer determination and horsepower

          • #11
            Wait til he puts tire chains on the big tires for winter flying.

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