A Rivet Set Used To Drive Ms20470 Rivets Should

The MS20470 rivet, aubiquitous pop rivet commonly found in automotive, aerospace, and construction applications, demands a specific tool for its installation: the rivet set. And this seemingly simple component is the critical interface between the power source (typically a rivet gun or hand squeezer) and the rivet itself, ensuring a clean, efficient, and secure fastening. And understanding its design, function, and proper use is fundamental for anyone working with these versatile fasteners. This guide gets into the world of the MS20470 rivet set, explaining its importance, operation, and best practices.

Introduction: The Unsung Hero of Riveting

Pop rivets like the MS20470 are marvels of engineering simplicity. They consist of a smooth cylindrical shaft with a mandrel running through its center. So when installed correctly using the appropriate rivet set, the mandrel is pulled into the rivet body, expanding the tail against the back side of the material, locking the rivet in place. So the rivet set is the specialized tool that grips the rivet's head and channels the force from the power tool to pull the mandrel. Also, using the wrong tool or a damaged set can lead to catastrophic failures: the rivet might not set properly, the head could distort, the mandrel could break off inside the rivet, or the tool could slip, damaging the rivet gun or the workpiece. That's why, selecting the correct rivet set for the specific MS20470 rivet size and material is not just a convenience; it's a critical safety and quality requirement. This article focuses on the essential rivet set designed explicitly for driving MS20470 rivets, detailing its components, operation, and best practices for reliable performance.

Components of the MS20470 Rivet Set

A standard rivet set for MS20470 rivets is a relatively simple but highly engineered tool. Its primary components are:

1. The Set (Head): This is the business end. It's typically a cylindrical or hexagonal-shaped piece, often made from hardened steel to withstand the high forces involved. The critical feature is the set cup or set sleeve at the end. This cup is precisely machined to match the diameter of the MS20470 rivet head. Its purpose is to securely grip the rivet head during the installation process, preventing slippage and ensuring the force is applied directly to the rivet.
2. The Handle: Attached to the other end of the set is a handle, usually made from steel or a durable plastic composite. The handle provides the user with a comfortable grip and put to work when using a hand squeezer. When used with a rivet gun, the set is often attached to the gun's nosepiece via a shank or a quick-release mechanism.
3. The Shank: This is the part connecting the set cup to the handle. It's designed to fit securely into the rivet gun's nosepiece or into a hand tool's chuck. The shank must be perfectly straight and true to ensure smooth operation and prevent the set from wobbling or binding in the tool.
4. The Set Cup Material: High-quality rivet sets use hardened steel cups. This hardness is crucial for several reasons:
   • Durability: It resists deformation (mushrooming) when struck by the rivet gun's punch.
   • Grip: A hard cup provides a firmer grip on the softer aluminum or steel rivet head, reducing the chance of slippage.
   • Surface Finish: A well-finished, hardened cup minimizes marring or scratching the surface of the rivet head.

Operating the MS20470 Rivet Set with a Rivet Gun

Using a rivet gun with the correct MS20470 rivet set is the most common and efficient method for installing these rivets:

1. Preparation: Ensure the rivet gun is properly powered (air pressure, battery charge) and that the correct size MS20470 rivet is selected for the hole diameter and material thickness. The rivet set must be securely attached to the gun's nosepiece according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Positioning: Place the rivet head firmly into the set cup on the gun's nosepiece. Ensure the rivet is perfectly aligned with the hole in the workpieces.
3. Positioning the Gun: Position the nosepiece of the rivet gun squarely against the rivet head, ensuring full contact with the set cup.
4. Activating the Gun: Pull the gun's trigger or lever smoothly and steadily. The impact force drives the punch into the set cup.
5. The Set Action: The punch forces the set cup downward onto the rivet head. The hardened cup securely grips the rivet head, transmitting the force directly.
6. Mandrel Pulling: Simultaneously, the force applied to the rivet head pulls the mandrel into the rivet body. As the mandrel is pulled, it expands the rivet body against the back side of the workpieces, forming the second head and locking the joint.
7. Completion: The rivet gun's mechanism continues to pull the mandrel until it breaks off at the predetermined break-off point (usually flush with the rivet head). The set cup releases its grip on the broken mandrel, and the installation is complete. The set cup is now ready to grip the next rivet head.

Using a Hand Squeezer with an MS20470 Rivet Set

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For smaller-scale operations or in locations without compressed air, a hand squeezer is a viable alternative:

1. Attachment: Secure the correct MS20470 rivet set into the chuck of the hand squeezer.
2. Positioning: Place the rivet head into the set cup on the squeezer's nosepiece, aligning it with the hole.
3. Squeezing: Apply steady, downward pressure on the handles of the squeezer.
4. Force Transmission: The handles squeeze the set cup, transmitting the force directly to the rivet head.
5. Mandrel Pulling: The force causes the mandrel to pull

the mandrel into the rivetshank. As the mandrel travels inward, it forces the rivet’s tubular body to flare outward against the backside of the joined parts, creating a solid shop‑head that clamps the materials together. Continued pressure on the squeezer’s handles drives the mandrel further until it reaches its engineered break‑off point, at which the mandrel snaps cleanly flush with the rivet head. The set cup then releases its grip on the spent mandrel fragment, ready to accept the next rivet.

Advantages of the Hand Squeezer Approach

• Portability: No need for air lines or batteries, making the tool ideal for field repairs, tight spaces, or aircraft interiors where compressors are impractical.
• Controlled Force: The operator can feel the resistance increase as the rivet sets, allowing for a more tactile sense of proper joint formation—particularly useful when working with thin or delicate materials.
• Reduced Noise and Vibration: Compared with pneumatic guns, hand squeezers generate far less acoustic impact, which can be beneficial in noise‑sensitive environments or when working near avionics.

Best Practices for Consistent Results

1. Verify Set Cup Condition: Before each use, inspect the MS20470 cup for nicks, burrs, or excessive wear. A damaged cup can mar the rivet head or slip, leading to incomplete setting.
2. Lubricate Sparingly: A light film of appropriate rivet‑gun oil on the cup’s interior reduces friction without attracting contaminants that could compromise the joint.
3. Maintain Perpendicular Alignment: Ensure the squeezer’s nosepiece remains square to the workpiece; any angle introduces uneven force and may cause the rivet to set off‑center.
4. Apply Smooth, Steady Pressure: Jerky or abrupt squeezes can cause the mandrel to pull unevenly, resulting in a weak shop‑head or premature mandrel break.
5. Check Break‑off Length: After setting, verify that the mandrel fragment is flush with the rivet head. Protruding mandrel indicates insufficient force; a recessed mandrel suggests over‑setting, which can weaken the joint.

Maintenance and Storage

• After each session, wipe the set cup clean of metal chips and debris using a lint‑free cloth.
• Store the MS20470 rivet set in a dry, protected case to prevent corrosion; a light rust‑inhibiting coating can be applied if the tool will be idle for extended periods.
• Periodically check the cup’s hardness with a file or hardness tester; if the surface shows signs of softening, replace the set to maintain gripping integrity.

Safety Considerations - Wear safety glasses to protect against flying mandrel fragments.

• Keep hands clear of the moving parts of the squeezer; the pinch point between the handles can cause injury if not respected.
• When working in confined spaces, ensure adequate ventilation, especially if using lubricants that may emit vapors.

By following these procedures, the MS20470 rivet set—whether driven by a pneumatic rivet gun or a manual hand squeezer—delivers reliable, high‑strength joints that meet the stringent demands of aerospace, automotive, and structural applications. Proper technique, diligent maintenance, and attention to safety check that each rivet forms a secure, flush‑finished fastener, preserving the integrity of the assembled structure for the life of the product.