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Step 5Using the rivets
You can get 1/8" or 3/16" rivets (this is the size of the mandrel), steel or aluminum. I got a variety pack of 100 1/8" ones for about $5. The diameter nail you use should match the thicker part of the rivet.
You only need plain rivets, but it is possible to get colored ones and ones that plug holes and are water-tight. You can get them at hardware stores and sometimes dollar stores.
Stick the long thin part into the hole on the rivet tool. Pulling the handle yanks on that makes it flare out until the mandrel snaps off. You'll need holes just big enough for the chubby part of the rivet to fit through.
When you make a hole for a rivet, flatten it out with pliers. Otherwise the metal sticks out and the pieces may be loose. The rivet will hold them together, but it won't flatten things.
The part of the rivet that touches the tool is the part that will be flat, so these should go one the outside. You don't need to be able to reach both sides of the things, which makes it nice for this, since you can't reach inside.
If you need to remove a rivet, you can use a file on flat part.
Varied length rivets help because sometimes you'll have several layers of metal.
You only need plain rivets, but it is possible to get colored ones and ones that plug holes and are water-tight. You can get them at hardware stores and sometimes dollar stores.
Stick the long thin part into the hole on the rivet tool. Pulling the handle yanks on that makes it flare out until the mandrel snaps off. You'll need holes just big enough for the chubby part of the rivet to fit through.
When you make a hole for a rivet, flatten it out with pliers. Otherwise the metal sticks out and the pieces may be loose. The rivet will hold them together, but it won't flatten things.
The part of the rivet that touches the tool is the part that will be flat, so these should go one the outside. You don't need to be able to reach both sides of the things, which makes it nice for this, since you can't reach inside.
If you need to remove a rivet, you can use a file on flat part.
Varied length rivets help because sometimes you'll have several layers of metal.
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