brake rivet tool alternative

[boeing]

Hi guys, have a new set of brake shoes and rivets coming. is it possible to do this job without the brake rivet tool? if so what are my options?

[Nathan K. Hammond]

I had a (Cleveland) pad fail on the road once. Luckly had a spare but no tool. Ended up using a punch to set the new rivets, but they looked awful. When I got back to the shop, I knocked out those rivets and set new ones useing the tool.

The tool curls the end over rather than splitting and flattening when using a puch.

Ask the local shop if you could borrow their tool. If you've got the brake and pad in hand, it only takes about 10 minutes too knock out the old and drive the new.

nkh

[boeing]

thanks for the info Nathan. Think i may wait to borrow the tool.

[joea]

Have had much the same experience that Nathan has.

Its worth having the tool around IMHO, if nothing else because the results look so professional using the right tool.

[Mnflyer]

Hi Boeing have to agree with the guys the tool makes the job look soooo much better and the rivets and linings will be tight. If there is and antique car restoration shop near by they could rivet it for you or if you are thinking of getting a tool heres a link (I have the older type that you use a hammer to rivet with, the newer screw type is really nice imho)
http://www.sacskyranch.com/acatalog/Sac ... ol_92.html

[Captgrumps]

Aircraft Spruce has the tool also--but mine doesn't have the fancy red plastic slip on ends. Works fine--still have my old hammer model too.

Doug