Rivet Selection:

The following rules should govern your selection and use of rivets:

1. Replacements must not be made with rivets of lower strength material unless they
are larger than those removed. For example, a rivet of 2024 aluminum alloy
should not be replaced by one made of 2017 aluminum alloy unless the 2017 rivet
is a size larger. Similarly, when 2117 rivets are used to replace 2017 rivets, the
next larger size should be used.

2. When rivet holes become enlarged, deformed, or otherwise damaged, you should
use the next larger size as replacement.

3. Countersunk-head rivets should be replaced by rivets of the same type and degree
of countersink, either AN426 or MS20426.

4. All protruding-head rivets should be replaced with universal-head rivets,

either AN470 or MS20470.

5. Rivets less than three thirty-seconds of an inch in diameter should not be used for
any structural parts, control parts, wing covering, or similar parts of the aircraft.

6. Minimum rivet diameter is equal to the thickness of the thickest sheet to be

riveted.

7. Maximum rivet diameter is three times the thickness of the thickest sheet to be
riveted.

8. The proper length of rivet is an important part of the repair. If the rivet is too long,
the formed head will be too large, or the rivet may bend or be forced between the
sheets being riveted. If the rivet is too short, the formed head will be too small or
the riveted material will be damaged. The length of the rivet should equal the
sum of the thickness of the metal plus 1 1/2 times the diameter of the rivet, as
shown in figure 13-43.The formula for determining rivet length is as follows:

1 1/2 x D+G=L

D = the rivet diameter

G = the grip (total thickness of material)
L = the total length of the rivet.
Spacing and Edge Distance:

• Rivet spacing, also referred as rivet pitch, is the distance between the rivets in the
same row, and is measured from the rivet center to the rivet center.

• Transverse pitch is the distance between the rows of rivets, and is measured from
the rivet center to rivet center.

• Edge distance is the distance from the center of the rivet to the edge of the
material being riveted.

There are no specific rules that apply to every case or type of riveting. There are,
however, certain general rules that should be followed.

Rivet Spacing:

• Rivet spacing (pitch) depends upon several factors, principally the thickness of
the sheet, the diameter of the rivets, and the manner in which the sheet will be
stressed.

• Rivet spacing should never be less than three times the rivet diameter.
Spacing is seldom less than four times the diameter nor more than eight
times the diameter.

Transverse Pitch:

• When two or more rows of rivets are used in a repair job, the rivets should be
staggered to obtain maximum strength. The distance between the rows of rivets is
called “transverse pitch.” Transverse pitch is normally 75 percent of existing
rivets pitch, but should never be less than 2 1/2 times the diameter.

Edge Distance:

• The edge distance for all rivets, except those with a flush head, should not be less
than twice the diameter of the rivet shank nor more than four times the
diameter of the rivet shank.

• Flush-head rivets require an edge distance of at least 2 1/2 times the diameter. If
rivets are placed to close to the edge of the sheet, the sheet is apt to crack or pull
away from the rivets. If they are placed too far away from the edge, the sheet is
apt to turn up at the edge. NOTE: On most repairs, the general practice is to use
the same rivet spacing and edge distance that the manufacturer used in the
surrounding area, or the structural repair manual for the particular aircraft may be
consulted, Figure and edge distance.