Riveting rib attach angles to Spar

[DesertBearhawk]

Guys... Had a hell of a day in the shop! I made the attempt to rivet the first set of rib attach angles to the spar. I started with the root rib as I figured it to be the easiest....I had to drill out two sets of rivets. I have not damaged the rivet holes yet but I doubt I get lucky a third time! So, what is the secret to getting them riveted down? My biggest issue was having the angles not stay put and end up with a gap between the angle and the spar.


I have been going at this spar for a month now and maybe ai need a break...nonetheless, if any of you have any suggestions on how to nail these down im all ears!


Thanks Guys!

[tf104]

This is what I was taught and it works very well . take a piece of scrap engine baffle material ( mine is orange) I cut off a three quarter inch strip and used a leather punch the diameter of the rivet and punched a hole in one end. Put the rivet in place and then put the strip on the side where the shop head will be formed then set the rivet . the strip will keep the two pieces tight as the rivet is set. practice on some scrap to get a feel for it . it works for a squeazer or the gun. good luck!

[N3UW]

That is a pretty cool idea. had not seen that before.

[Craig C.]

Wingnut clecos in every other hole for the part you are shooting. Shoot all the rivets between clecos first, then remove clecos and finish. If you need extra holding power at the cleco, use a washer on the bulbed ear side of the cleco to spread the load.