Rivets

[lt250rdude]

Do I really need the blind rivets or can I just use a regular rivet on my skidplate, and will it leak? I dont want to wait a week for them and have to pay the same for shipping as the rivets.

[Dan67]

Do I really need the blind rivets or can I just use a regular rivet on my skidplate, and will it leak? I dont want to wait a week for them and have to pay the same for shipping as the rivets.

Regular rivets will not create a seal. Blind sealing rivets leave a portion of the mandrel inside the rivet to create a plug. Make sure you use a rivet washer for the back side of the rivet so that it does not easily pull out through the plastic tub. I learned that the hard way. I set 170 blind rivets and when I turned the tub upright, they started working out through the bottom. The tub thickness can also cause concern. I used an old Hustler 950 tub as a skid plate. That sucker is very thick in some areas.. 3/16"~3/8" in some areas. Most rivets max grip is about 1/2", I have some spots that are thicker then that. I replaced all mine with 18-8 Stainless Steel #10 screws and nylock nuts with bonded neoprene washers to seal it.

[lt250rdude]

Alright, got me some sealed blind rivets on the way. Shipping was as much as the rivets- I hate having to do that, but much easier than trying to find them in town.