Fastener question...

Re: Fastener question...

Garthfromsandiego

Definitely rivets. Maybe even hand made. You are correct in that the easiest way to remove them is to dill them out using a bit slightly smaller than the rivet diameter. Then punch them out and redrill the hole as necessary for your preferred fastener size.

Re: Fastener question...

Tom Dunlap

Find a blacksmith.

I’m guessing a blacksmith built it years ago it makes sense to heat and drive out the rivets.

Seeing their skills put to use is amazing.

Re: Fastener question...

johnv

They are rivets. Grind them off at the surface and they can be punched out.

Re: Fastener question...

johnv

PS rivets of this size are available from several sources including Hardware stores with a good bolt & screw section. The Farm & Home store where I worked carried them.

Re: Fastener question...

Dale Stansbery

I'd first take pair of vise grips on the rivet heads and twist to see if you can loosen them. then punch them through. I'd also hit on the head to start driving them through before cutting them off. It's possible the rivet is swollen in the hole from peening. Once that area is through, the rest should come right out.

Thanks everyone!

Scott in Douglassville

I appreciate all the information. I'll see if I can budge these first, try driving them back though, and if not I'll cut them off the back side and drive them out. Hopefully the holes aren't deformed, as I'd like to keep from having to drill them out to a larger size. The plan for now is to tap the holes and thread the new bolts directly into the ring so they can be kept pretty much flush to the surface.

And this press is being restored for use. I want it to be nicely done, but this press is going to be put back into use, hopefully for the Chilean harvest in the spring. The new staves will be QS WO from Talarico's. Most likely I'll fume the oak, too, and finish with pure tung oil. Unnecessary, but will be fun.

Thanks again for all the help.

Scott

Update

Scott in Douglassville

Went out and bought a set of punches today. Got home, cut off the back of the rivet, went after it with one of the punches to force the rest through the front. Nada. Did not budge. Decided to go after it with a drill. Started with something smallish, stepped up in size, trying to punch the waste through each time. Eventually landed at 1/4". Only a sliver of metal left, but still some waste bulging over on the back of the strap. Clamped it solid in a vise and went after it with the punch. With some persuasion, the waste folded over, then punched through. Left with a nice, clean, round hole:

(It's the one on the left)

One down, seven to go.

Thanks for all the help.

Scott