Community Forums

tallguy · 01-25-2007, 03:03 PM

I just noticed that the heads of several of the rivets attaching the topmost hinges to the entry door frame have broken off. Does anyone have suggestions for how to fix this? Do I need to remove the frame from the body wall? If so, how? Can I attach the hinge with screws/bolts rather than rivets?

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

tallguy · 01-25-2007, 03:03 PM

I just noticed that the heads of several of the rivets attaching the topmost hinges to the entry door frame have broken off. Does anyone have suggestions for how to fix this? Do I need to remove the frame from the body wall? If so, how? Can I attach the hinge with screws/bolts rather than rivets?

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

cmolling · 01-25-2007, 06:04 PM

Jim, I was a paper pusher, not a mechanic. However, if I recdall correctly, I have seen a tool in hardware stores which inserts pop rivets (I think that is the correct name). If the hinges have not come off completely, perhaps you can drill out the rest of the original rivets and insert new ones before things deteriorate further.

Lorna · 01-25-2007, 06:52 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by cmolling:
...I have seen a tool in hardware stores which inserts pop rivets (I think that is the correct name)... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The tool is fairly inexpensive. Make sure your rivets will not only fit the diameter of the drilled out rivet hole (you need to use a drill bit that is carbide tipped and only slightly larger than the old rivet body) but also the thickness of all the layers of material you are riveting together.

Dsouthw524 · 01-26-2007, 02:16 AM

The pop rivets will work for this project as well as many other repairs. they are great for attaching everything including awnings! Many think scews should be used but do not think that the material being fastened to isn't all that thick. also pop rivets don't vibrate loose.

full-timer · 01-26-2007, 05:19 AM

Jim,when using the rivets it will be a good idea to get the washers that fit on them also. This will give you more holding area on the head and won't pull off as easy.

Joe

hondo122 · 01-26-2007, 05:47 AM

Make sure you get rivets in a compatable material. They come in aluminum, steel, stainless steel and titanium that I'm sure of, maybe more. Also different lengths and diameters. Length is critical as the "break-off" length must work out with the materials joined. This is different than overall length.

adj · 01-26-2007, 10:35 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by hondo122:
Make sure you get rivets in a compatable material. They come in aluminum, steel, stainless steel and titanium that I'm sure of, maybe more. Also different lengths and diameters. Length is critical as the "break-off" length must work out with the materials joined. This is different than overall length. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ensure your tool is strong enough to deal with the materials as listed above. I had a basic rivit tool which I destroyed trying to install a stainless steel rivit. I'm now the proud owner of a much stronger tool.

hondo122 · 01-26-2007, 01:44 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by adj:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by hondo122:
Make sure you get rivets in a compatable material. They come in aluminum, steel, stainless steel and titanium that I'm sure of, maybe more. Also different lengths and diameters. Length is critical as the "break-off" length must work out with the materials joined. This is different than overall length. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ensure your tool is strong enough to deal with the materials as listed above. I had a basic rivit tool which I destroyed trying to install a stainless steel rivit. I'm now the proud owner of a much stronger tool. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

No doubt about it some of the rivets require a pretty stout tool and grip. They make hydraulic guns and I think cordless electric.

Easyrider · 01-26-2007, 01:55 PM

Don't let all the posts about pop rivets and the tools scare you!

Pop rivets are very easy to apply and make a strong,long lasting, and very inexpensive connection. And after purchasing the pop riveter tool you will be able to fix many things easily,quickly, and permanently. The tool will be adjustable to be able to apply different diameter rivets depending on what you are trying to fix. My pop riveter is one of the handiest and most used tools in my tool box. I always like to say that with my pop riveter, some silicon glue, and duct tape I can fix just about anything!

tallguy · 01-26-2007, 03:59 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by hondo122:
Length is critical as the "break-off" length must work out with the materials joined. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

How do I determine the proper length, given I don't have access to the inside of the door frame?

hondo122 · 01-26-2007, 04:25 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tallguy:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by hondo122:
Length is critical as the "break-off" length must work out with the materials joined. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

How do I determine the proper length, given I don't have access to the inside of the door frame? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
If the broken rivet is still in the hole drill it out with the approprate size bit. You the should be able to see approximate thickness off of the 2 items. Check the rivet package and it should give you a range of thicknesses that can be joined.

Indy Itasca · 01-26-2007, 04:45 PM

T determine the thickness: drill out the old rivet; then using an awl or other thin pointed tool place the tip even with the backside of the hole. Slide your thumb and fore finger down the tool until they are flush with the outside of the hole. Carefully remove the tool keeping your thumb in place. The distance from the tip of the tool to your thumb is the depth you need for the rivet.

NeilV · 01-27-2007, 01:14 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tallguy:
I just noticed that the heads of several of the rivets attaching the topmost hinges to the entry door frame have broken off. Does anyone have suggestions for how to fix this? Do I need to remove the frame from the body wall? If so, how? Can I attach the hinge with screws/bolts rather than rivets?

Any help will be greatly appreciated! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Any idea yet as to what caused the rivets to break off? Sticking door check, hindge bound, wind damage, factory defect or is someone hanging on the door to pull themselves up instead of using the assist handle? You need to address the cause or you might end up doing this repair on a regular basis.

If the original rivets are solid and broke off then a hollow pop rivet may not hold up very well either.

Let us know how you make out on the repair.