Ethan Clarke
Installing plastic fender rivets can be a challenging task. While some rivets can be pushed in with your thumb, others may require the use of a rubber hammer or specific tools such as a rivet gun or pliers. Depending on the type of rivet, you may need to insert them into the fender hole and use a tool to pull or twist the stem until it breaks off. Some rivets have center push pins that can be removed, allowing the rivet to be twisted out. It is important to note that certain rivets are designed to be used once and may require replacement if they become distorted during removal. When installing plastic fender rivets, it is crucial to ensure a tight and secure fit to avoid any issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Installation tools | Needle-nose pliers, vise grips, rubber hammer, rivet tool, rivet gun, small object or pick |
| Installation method | Push in with thumb, tap with hammer, insert into hole, pull stem, break off stem, use tool to flare inside open, twist, pry with pliers, drill |
| Ease of installation | Varies; some rivets are brittle, some tools are frustrating or break easily |
| Reusable | Sometimes; some rivets are reusable, some get distorted and need to be replaced |
| Where to buy | Dealership, Amazon, Harbor Freight, The Clip Link, sjdiscounttools.com, W&E line, Quadratec, AutoFans |
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What You'll Learn
Using a rubber hammer to tap them in
Plastic fender rivets can be installed using a rubber hammer. This method is useful when the rivets cannot be pushed in with your thumb. When using a rubber hammer, it is important to tap them in very gently, as applying too much force can cause the rivets to break.
To begin the installation process, ensure that the plastic rivets are correctly positioned in the fender hole. Hold them in place with one hand, and use the rubber hammer with the other hand to gently tap the rivets into the hole. It is important to apply light pressure and avoid excessive force.
The rubber hammer provides a gentle tapping action that prevents damage to the plastic rivets. Its soft and flexible nature makes it ideal for this task, reducing the risk of breakage or deformation. The rubber material absorbs some of the impact forces, resulting in a softer blow compared to a traditional metal hammer.
When tapping the rivets, aim for the centre of the rivet head. This will ensure that the force is evenly distributed, allowing the rivet to be securely locked in place. By gently tapping the rivets, you can gradually increase their depth in the hole until they are firmly seated.
Using a rubber hammer to install plastic fender rivets is a straightforward process. It requires a gentle touch and attention to detail. With careful execution, you can successfully install the rivets without causing any damage.
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Using a tool to install them
There are several tools available to install plastic fender rivets. One option is to use a rivet gun, which can be purchased as part of a kit that includes various sizes of nylon blind rivets and a fastener removal tool. These kits are available from brands such as Mardatt, Swpeet, and Rexka on Amazon.
Another tool that can be used is the Tool Aid S&G 19400 Rivet Tool for Plastic Rivet, also available on Amazon. This tool is made of metal and can be used to pop off the stems of plastic rivets. To use this tool, first place the rivet in the fender trim hole, then push the tool on and squeeze. While some users report that this process is easy and can be done with one hand, others have noted that it sometimes takes two pulls to break the rivet shaft, leaving a small nub behind.
If you do not have access to a specialized tool, it may be possible to install plastic fender rivets using a rubber hammer. Simply tap the rivets into place, being careful not to use too much force as they may break. Alternatively, you can try inserting them with your thumb.
For some types of plastic rivets, there are special tools required. It is recommended to consult with professionals at a body shop to understand the specific installation process for your rivets.
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Removing old rivets with pliers
First, use a punch or a hammer and chisel to create a small dent or divot in the head of the rivet. This will help your drill bit grip onto the rivet securely. Make sure the divot is deep enough by striking the punch multiple times if needed. You can also use a grinder to approach the rivet's head, being careful to keep the wheel parallel to the surface and only touching the rivet head.
Next, attach a drill bit that fits neatly into the divot you created. Choose a bit that is long enough to penetrate all the way through the rivet. Tighten the chuck securely. Before drilling, add a few drops of cutting fluid or lubricant to the end of the drill bit to reduce friction and heat. This will help the bit pierce through the rivet without overheating or getting damaged.
Now, start drilling through the rivet slowly and maintain a steady, low speed while applying firm pressure. Keep the drill bit centred on the rivet and be careful not to press too hard, as the drill bit could slip or bend. Continue drilling until the rivet is completely removed from the surface.
Finally, use pliers to remove any remaining pieces of the rivet. You can also use the pliers to hold the rivet in place while pulling with vise grips if you are installing a new plastic fender rivet. Remember to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from sparks and metal fragments during the drilling process.
With these steps and the right tools, you can safely and effectively remove old rivets with pliers.
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Using a rivet gun
To install plastic fender rivets using a rivet gun, first place the rivet in the fender trim hole. Then, push the rivet gun onto the rivet and squeeze the trigger. This will cause the rivet to pop into place, and the stem will fall out when you turn the tool over. It may take two pulls of the rivet gun to break the rivet shaft, and you may need to cut off any remaining nub with a pair of wire cutters.
You can also use a rivet gun to remove rivets. To do this, place the rivet in the gun and squeeze the trigger twice. This will cause the rivet shaft to pop off, allowing you to remove the rivet.
Some people may prefer to install plastic fender rivets manually, without the use of a rivet gun. This can be done by breaking or trimming off the long part of the rivet, pushing the remaining bit of plastic out of the rivet with a small object, pushing the rivet into the fender hole, and then inserting the long piece back into the rivet. However, this method may require more force than using a rivet gun.
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Buying rivets from Amazon
If you're looking to install plastic fender rivets, you may need to purchase a special tool to do so. Some plastic rivets can be pushed in with your thumb, but others require a specific tool.
Amazon offers a wide selection of rivets and related tools with free shipping and returns on Prime eligible items. For example, one user on a Jeep Wrangler forum reported finding a rivet tool on Amazon that worked "like a charm" and arrived the next day.
When buying rivets from Amazon, it's important to consider the type of rivet you need for your specific application. Different types of rivets may include pop rivets, plastic rivets, or rivets made from other materials. Additionally, you may need to consider the size and length of the rivets to ensure they fit your project.
It's also worth noting that some rivets may be more brittle than others, which can be beneficial as they will give way when hit, potentially saving the bumper or surrounding areas from damage. This is an important consideration when choosing the right rivet for your needs.
By browsing Amazon's selection of rivets and tools, you can find the right products for your plastic fender rivet installation project. Be sure to read reviews and product details carefully to ensure you have everything you need for a successful installation.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy a rivet tool, such as a rivet gun, from a hardware store or online. Some plastic rivets come with a special tool included. You can also try inserting the rivet with your thumb or tapping it in gently with a rubber hammer.
There are several brands of plastic fender rivets, including Marson, which makes a line of plastic rivets and the tools to install them. You can also buy generic plastic rivets from Amazon.
Some rivets use a centre push pin to flare the inside open. Pull the centre pin out and then twist the rivet out. For the non-centre pin version, use needle-nose pliers to pry them out.
Some rivets can be removed with a rivet tool, but others need to be broken to be removed. You can also try using a pick or a very small object to push the remaining plastic out of the rivet.
You can buy plastic fender rivets from hardware stores, such as Harbor Freight, or online from Amazon.
