Popping pop rivets?

[Timothy Keith-Lucas]

Is there a secret to removing pop rivets?  I want to remove two panels with 48 rivets each and one with 20.  I can drill out some of them, but others spins with the drill bit. I've considered but not tried grinding the tops off, but that would be very delicate work. Thoughts?

 

You wonderful folks are giving me a rapid education in 7 renewal.

[7Westfield]

once they spin...it gets tricky

I've ground some with a dremel

also a narrow wood chisel

[MV8]

Lightly push the head from the side with a flat blade screw driver, tilt the drill to one side, light pressure, high speed.

[fastg]

Try using a smaller drill at an angle. If you get the angle right they will not spin. Go around from a few different sides. Then a sharp tap with the same size punch and you should have success. I have never had to grind off a rivet.

 

Graham

[wdb]

Curious as to what y'all do about all those drilled out rivets jingling around inside the frame tubes.

[MV8]

A little waxoil or straight boiled linseed squirted into each open hole. It gets thick and gels as it dries. Prevents rust too.

[IamScotticus]

2 hours ago, wdb said:

Curious as to what y'all do about all those drilled out rivets jingling around inside the frame tubes.

I don't think they can be heard over all the other running noise.  

Yes, rust proof the frame.