Riveting tool (dolly)

[Pekka Huhta]

Is this sort of a riveting tool familiar to you?

http://www.puuvene.net/apu/niittausrauta.jpg

(there is a small "dimple" on the end of the tool to accommodate the rosehead nail, it can be used for countersunk rivets and the curved bit fits over your leg so that you have both hands free for riveting)

Long story short: I had four sets of these and decided to sell the extra two. People were fighting about the tools and frankly, I could have sold all of them and a dozen more.

I started wondering wether someone would manufacture these or do I start building my own little dolly business :cool:

I was very surprised that none of the internet shops for any kind of boatbuilding tools had these available. The closest that I found was Duck Trap's dolly http://www.duck-trap.com/hardware.html but even that has to be hand held. Even a search here didn't find anything.

I can't believe that this would be only a local tool around here, it's so simple. Every builder has his own variation of the theme - or do they?

And no, I'm not trying to sell these - at least yet ;)

Pekka

[Bob Smalser]

Neat idea, Pekka....thanks, I'll make one and try it, if you don't mind.

I'm thinking of adding a strap to the back to hold it to the thigh, saving the step of setting it aside to reach for something out of reach or do something else that requires both hands.

Love your website, too:

http://www.puuvene.net/

http://www.puuvene.net/kuvat/Veistajattausta-2.jpg

[ 12-09-2004, 11:11 AM: Message edited by: Bob Smalser ]

[nedL]

I like that idea. I've also got a couple of things I've made up for single person riveting which I will be trying out soon. I'm doing some re-ribbing so I've got to be able to buck the rivets under the bottom of the boat while I'm inside trimming & peening. We'll see how it works out. ;)

[Pekka Huhta]

Bob, a strap might be a good idea on flush rivets, but on countersunk ones you should be able to hit the nail all the way in with the dolly so you should be able to take it off your thigh. On the other hand you find it pretty simple to hold the tool against the planking at all times, an if you have all necessary tools on hand, you almost never have to put the dolly aside for reaching something.

I also built one of these with a screw-on "handle" for repairs on bigger boats where you need two men for riveting anyway. You could smack all of the nails in and screw the hande on after that. The handle would make it much nicer and easier to hold the dolly in place.

Thanks for your comments about the pages. The site Puuvene.net is the web version of Finnish "WoodenBoat" magazine (and I am the un-paid editor of it smile.gif ). My personal pages are at http://www.puuvene.net/phuhta/english.htm

And as I'm at it, I'm glad if the tool proves handy to you, in exchange of all your great articles I have enjoyed reading.

Pekka

[Jack Heinlen]

Contemplating a strap. Nah, ya move the tool into place with your hands, and then hold it with your knee. A strap would be an extraneous bother. And the idea falls down, stumbles at least, when re-riveting an old boat.

Looks to me like you've got a better moustrap there Pekka. You realize you've just given it to the whole world for free? Doesn't mean you couldn't make and sell a few, but don't plan a second home just yet. Not to worry, all thirty you'd sell a year wouldn't pay the light bill.

Thanks for posting it.