Riveter

I have recently been commissioned to build a master model which required many, many rivets. I would usually slice plastic rod, but this project would be cast in resin and the rivets would have to be perfect.

I have this Hinchcliffe/Historex plastic card riveter or hole punch which I have used many times before, but with the number of small plastic rivets I would need for this model I built this simple jig.

Photo One - The Historex Hole Punch as you purchase it.

Photo Two - The jig, the base (an MDF miniature base), and the plastic card jig which was built from 3mm thick Plastic card and superglued in place.

Photo Three - The jig and hole punch in use.

Photo Four - A plastic or resin rocker arm which I use as a hammer. It is strong enough to hammer in the metal punch and hard enough not to show any marks, without being too heavy.

Photo Five - The finished rivets.

When I use the hole punch I use the rod that is one size smaller than the hole I am using in the die. I find that it can be worked quicker (and easier) if this is done.

I hope this helps other with their hole punch.

Tony