How to Get a Rivet Out of a Metal Cabinet
What You’ll Need
- Safety glasses
- Drill
- Drill bits (3/16″, 5/32″, 1/8″)
- Center punch
- Hammer
- Drift pin
- Pliers
- Lubricant (WD-40 or similar)
Step 1: Drill Out the Rivet Head
Put on your safety glasses before starting. Locate the rivet you want to remove and center the punch on top of it. Use the hammer to tap the punch and make an indentation on the rivet head. This will help keep the drill bit from walking across the surface when you start drilling.
Use a 3/16″ drill bit to drill into the rivet head to a depth of about 1/8″. The indent from the punch should help guide the drill. Apply firm pressure, but don’t push too hard.
Step 2: Drill Out the Rivet Body
Switch to a 5/32″ drill bit and continue drilling to remove the remainder of the rivet head. Keep the bit as centered as possible.
Once the head is removed, swap to a 1/8″ bit to drill into the rivet body, removing the inner pin. Drill slowly and carefully so you don’t accidentally drill all the way through the cabinet material.
Step 3: Knock Out the Rivet Remnants
Put a few drops of lubricant around the drilled rivet to help it come out easily. Place the drift pin into the hole and use the hammer to tap it in, driving out the rivet shaft.
Rotate the drift pin while tapping to ensure the rivet remnants come out cleanly. Remove any remaining pieces with pliers.
Step 4: Clean Up the Hole
Use a round file to smooth and deburr the drilled rivet hole so there are no rough edges. Wipe away any metal shavings or lubricant. The hole can now be repaired or filled as needed.
Tips for Removing Rivets
- If the drill bit starts to wander, re-center with the punch.
- Apply pressure when drilling, but don’t push too hard.
- Use cutting oil or lubricant to keep drill bits from overheating.
- For stubborn rivets, use an impact driver to help knock them out.
- Always wear eye protection in case the rivet pops out suddenly.
Removing rivets takes patience, but with the proper technique, you can drill them out without too much trouble. Just remember to work slowly and carefully. The result will be a smooth, clean hole once the rivet is out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Rivets from Metal Cabinets
What size drill bit should I use to remove a rivet?
Start with a 3/16″ bit to drill out the head, then use a 5/32″ bit to remove the remainder of the head. Finish with a 1/8″ bit to drill out the rivet body.
What can I use if I don’t have a center punch?
A nail or awl can substitute for the center punch. The goal is to make an indentation that will keep the drill bit from walking.
What should I do if the drill bit keeps slipping off the rivet?
Re-center the drill bit in the punched indentation. Consider using a bit with a guide tip to help stay on target. Lightly lubricating the rivet can also help.
Can I just drill all the way through the rivet and cabinet in one step?
It’s best to drill just deep enough to remove each section of the rivet sequentially. Drilling through increases the risk of damaging the surrounding cabinet material.
What can I use if I don’t have a drift pin for knocking out rivets?
A punch, small screwdriver, or even a sturdy nail can work instead of a drift pin to knock out the rivet remnants.
How can I fill the hole after removing the rivet?
For a permanent repair, use a rivet nut, screw, or bolt. For a removable fix, insert a rubber grommet or plug. Epoxy or wood putty also works for filling holes.
What should I do if I can’t get the rivet out after drilling?
Apply penetrating oil or lubricant and let it soak in for maximum effect. Tapping gently with a hammer to loosen it. Worst case, you may need to drill out the entire rivet shank with a 1/8″ bit.
What’s the best way to remove a large number of rivets?
An electric or pneumatic drill with the correct bits makes quicker work of drilling out multiple rivets. An impact wrench can also help knock them out faster.
Conclusion
Removing rivets from a metal cabinet might seem challenging, but is completely doable with basic tools and the proper technique. Following the steps to drill out the rivet head and shank, then knocking out the remnants, will allow you to successfully remove rivets without damage. Just be sure to work slowly, re-center the drill as needed, and use lubricant to aid removal. With some patience and care, those unwanted rivets will be out in no time.
