[TheForge] Rivet question

[Bob Ehrenberger]

From: TheForge [mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Peter
Fels & Phoebe Palmer
Sent: Sunday, March 1, 2015 2:20 PM
To: Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA
Subject: Re: [TheForge] Test

OK.BS question:
I was assembling one of my  jointed bottle openers ( one that i had to take
back apart and forge on some more to get the parts to work right), and after
i'd set down and headed the 1/4" brass rivet, i had to spend 15 minutes
wiggling it back and forth to free it up.
Both holes were hot punched and the mating surfaces were hand forged so
nothing was accurately aligned.
What's the best, quickest way to keep the parts moving freely after the
rivet is set down?

-- Reply---
The best thing is to prevent the rivet from getting too tight in the first place.
If you put a piece of card stock between the parts before riveting you can remove
it after riveting and there should be some clearance.  Also when setting the rivet
the lighter the hammer you use the easier it is to keep the upset at the very end.

Bob Ehrenberger
Shelbyville, MO