Jon Boat Maintenance: Replacing Rivets For Safety

Jon boat rivets can be replaced in several ways. One method is to use a sharp chisel to pop off the rivet heads and then tap them out from the other side of the hole. Another method is to drill out the rivets, but this must be done carefully to avoid enlarging the holes in the boat. A center punch can be used to mark the center of the rivet head before drilling, and it is important to use a drill bit that is smaller than the rivet shank to avoid drilling through the rivet completely. After the rivets have been removed, new ones can be installed using a rivet gun or by hand with a hammer and bucking tool. It is important to use the correct size of rivets and to ensure that they are installed properly to create a watertight seal.

Drill out the rivets

Drilling out the rivets is a common method for removing rivets from a Jon boat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it effectively:

First, it is important to determine the type of rivets you are dealing with. In the case of Jon boats, they are typically made of aluminium or steel, and can be sealed, solid, or open rivets. Identifying the type of rivet will help you choose the appropriate tools and techniques for removal.

Next, gather the necessary tools. You will need a drill, drill bits in various sizes, a centre punch, and possibly a hammer and punch. It is recommended to use heavy-duty snips and a punch with a hammer for this process. You may also want to wear safety gear such as eye protection and gloves to ensure your safety during the drilling process.

Before you begin drilling, use the centre punch to mark the centre of the rivet head. This will help you keep the drill bit aligned and prevent it from wandering. Place the centre punch in the middle of the rivet and strike it with a hammer to create a small indentation.

Now you can start drilling. Choose a drill bit that is the same size or slightly larger than the rivet (typically around 3/16"). Start drilling at a slight angle, applying light pressure and letting the bit do the cutting. Drill around the head of the rivet until it pops off or can be easily knocked off. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid damaging the surrounding material.

Once the head is removed, use a punch that fits into the drilled hole and knock out the rest of the rivet with a hammer. This should leave a clean hole with minimal damage to the surrounding area. If necessary, you can fill or enlarge the hole to accommodate a new rivet.

It is important to take your time and work carefully when drilling out rivets to avoid enlarging the holes or causing unnecessary damage to your Jon boat. Always measure the diameter of the rivets and choose the appropriate drill bit size to ensure a precise fit. With the right tools and techniques, drilling out rivets can be an effective way to remove them from your Jon boat.

Use a grinder to remove the rivets

When removing rivets from a Jon boat, one of the methods you can use is a grinder. This is a good way to remove solid rivets. First, use the grinder to grind the rounded head off the rivet. Then, use a punch to drive the core out. However, this method does have some drawbacks. Firstly, it can take a while to carefully grind the head down. Secondly, it can be difficult to see where the core hole is to hit with a punch once the head is ground down. Finally, it is easy to accidentally grind a little bit of the boat when using a grinder.

To avoid these issues, it is recommended to use a centre punch on the centre of the rivet head first. This will help to keep the drill aligned when you start drilling. You can also try using heavy-duty snips to cut off the flat interior side of the rivet and then punch it out with a hammer.

Another method is to use a sharp chisel to pop the heads off the rivets and then tap them out through the other side of the hole. This technique may require some careful grinding as well.

If you do use a grinder, make sure to use a metal grinding wheel as it will chew through the aluminium quickly. Go lightly and use a punch or a small drift to remove the rest of the rivet.

Overall, while using a grinder can be an effective way to remove rivets from a Jon boat, it is important to be careful and patient to avoid damaging the boat or the rivets themselves.

Buck the rivets

Bucking rivets is a process used to repair leaky rivets in a Jon boat. It involves tightening the rivets by holding a large hammer against one side of the rivet and hitting the other side with another hammer. This method can be used to fix leaky rivets without having to replace them.

To begin the process of bucking rivets, you will need to identify the leaky rivets in your Jon boat. This can be done by filling the boat with water and locating the rivets that are leaking. Once you have identified the leaky rivets, gather your tools, which include an air hammer and a rivet setting tool or bit. You may also need a heavy piece of steel or a "bucking bar" to hold on the other side of the rivet while you work. These tools can be purchased from hardware stores or online.

When bucking rivets, it is important to use the right amount of pressure. Set your air compressor to a low pressure so that it does not damage the rivet or the aluminium boat. Test the pressure on a scrap piece of wood or aluminium before starting the repair. This will help you find the right pressure that will set the rivet without marring the rivet head or the boat.

In some cases, you may need to remove the rivets completely and replace them with new ones. This can be done by grinding off the rounded head of the rivet and then using a punch to drive out the core. Alternatively, you can use heavy-duty snips to cut off the flat interior side and then punch out the core with a hammer and punch. Drilling out the rivets is another option, but it is important to use a drill bit that is the same size as the hole in the boat to avoid enlarging the hole.

Overall, bucking rivets is a useful technique for repairing leaky rivets in a Jon boat. By following the steps outlined above and using the right tools and techniques, you can fix leaky rivets and prevent further water leakage in your boat.

Seal the rivets with a product like Gluvit

Sealing your rivets with a product like Gluvit is an important step in maintaining the integrity of your jon boat. Here are some detailed instructions to help you through the process:

Surface Preparation:

Before applying Gluvit, it is essential to prepare the surface of your boat. This includes removing any contaminants such as grease, oil, or dirt from the area to be sealed. You can use a solvent or a strong detergent cleaner for this step. Once the surface is clean, sand the area with 80-100 grit sandpaper to provide a suitable profile for adhesion. Remove any remaining dust or grit with a solvent after sanding. If you're working with an aluminum surface, consider using an Aluminum Prep Wash to scarify (i.e., roughen) the surface further.

Filling Deep Holes:

If there are any deep holes (more than 1/8" in depth) in the area to be sealed, fill them with Marine-Tex Epoxy Putty before applying Gluvit. This will create a smoother surface and ensure that the Gluvit adheres properly.

Mixing Gluvit:

Gluvit is a two-part epoxy, meaning it consists of a resin and a hardener that must be mixed together before application. The mix ratio by volume is 5 parts resin to 1 part hardener. If you're using the entire kit at once, add the entire contents of the hardener to the resin and mix thoroughly for 3-4 minutes to ensure complete blending. Be mindful of the working time or pot life of the mixture, as it will start to harden after a certain period (typically around 60 minutes at 72°F).

Applying Gluvit:

You can apply Gluvit with a brush or roller. Aim for a film thickness of 6-8 mils. If you want an extra smooth finish, lightly drag a foam brush in long, even strokes over the freshly applied coating. It is recommended to apply two coats of Gluvit for optimum performance. Allow the first coat to cure for at least 12 hours at 72°F before applying the second coat.

Curing and Overcoating:

Gluvit typically hardens overnight, but it's best to allow 48 hours at 72°F for maximum strength. The curing time will vary depending on the temperature, with lower temperatures prolonging the curing process and higher temperatures speeding it up. Once the Gluvit has fully cured, you can overcoat it with marine paint or another coating compatible with epoxies. However, be sure to check with your paint supplier to ensure the coating you choose is epoxy-friendly and suitable for your specific application.

Coverage:

A 2-pound unit of Gluvit should cover 25-35 square feet when applied at 6-8 mils thickness. If you need to cover a larger area, Gluvit is also available in 8-pound kits, which can cover 100-130 square feet at the same thickness.

By following these steps and allowing adequate curing time, you can effectively seal your jon boat's rivets with Gluvit, ensuring a strong and watertight barrier that will protect your boat for years to come.

Replace the rivets

Firstly, you need to identify the type of rivets you are dealing with. If they are pop rivets, you will need to knock out the core and locking ring before drilling. Solid rivets are more straightforward to remove.

There are several methods for removing rivets. One is to drill them out, ensuring that you go slowly and keep the drill straight up and down. Another is to use a grinder to remove the head of the rivet, and then use a punch to drive the core out. However, this can be time-consuming and may result in grinding a bit of the boat. A third method is to use a chisel to pop off the head of the rivet, and then tap out the rest.

Once the rivets have been removed, you can start to replace them. Clean the aluminium well and prime it with a zinc chromate or epoxy primer. You will also need to use some form of sealant to keep out moisture and debris. Ensure that the holes for the rivets are round and a nice slide fit. Stop drill any cracks you find.

When replacing the rivets, it is a two-person job. One person inserts the new rivet from the outside of the boat, while the other person uses a bucking bar to push the rivet back out. This process is repeated several times until the rivet head is caulked and properly formed, and the inside is upset properly.

Make sure that you do not overdrive the rivets and that you use the correct size of the replacement rivet. It is also important to wear good ear protection during this process.

Frequently asked questions