Rivet Removal on a WSM Pre-2009


 

Richard Garcia

TVWBB All-Star
What is the best way to remove the Rivits holding the Four(4) Vent Dampers on my WSM "Classic" that I bought new in the year 2008 as I want to replace them with new Vent Dampers??
 
The problem with drilling out rivets is that they tend to spin. I think I would try using a small grindstone in a drill (or a Dremel tool) , and grind off the rivet from the inside, being careful not to damage the porcelain. Or, if you can press the head of the rivet against a wood block (or something similar) hard enough to keep it from spinning, you may be able to drill them out.
 


 
not to hijack the thread but I used a metal spike and ballpeen hammer on the rivets to tighten my vents, however it also caused the vent to flare out away from the body of the cooker a little bit....I may replace mine with new ones and bolt-nut
 
Last time I did this on a 14" WSM, I did what Larry suggests. I used a Dremel tool to grind off the rivets from the inside until I could push them out. I nicked the porcelain, but nothing I couldn't live with.

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In the past, I drilled them out but did have the problem of them spinning around. I tried pushing them against a block of wood which helped...sometimes.

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Aluminum rivets are so much easier to drill out compared to mild steel ones like on the WSM.
 
The problem with drilling out rivets is that they tend to spin. I think I would try using a small grindstone in a drill (or a Dremel tool) , a
I have a "SKILL" Power Drill but no Dremel. Please excuse my ignorance but what is a "Small Grindstone" attachment to a Power Drill??
 
In
Harbor Freight has one (including 80 piece set) for $9.99. Look for "rotary tool".


I don't know the "best" light duty but this is likely the least costly.

here is a coupon that drops the price to $6.99

Coupon 67262888. Exp: 03/03/22 Use In-Store or Online.

 
Nope but I guess you can order online.
I would think the shipping cost would just about kill a $6.99 purchase. I have a Dremel and a couple of Wen tools...the Dremel has a lot of accessories like a plunge router base and drill press base and because of the shape not many of them will work with other brands, but if all you are looking for is a hand-held tool it may not be important. I do like the flex shaft that came with the Wen and use it quite a bit...one of my Wen tools is permanently mounted on my workbench with the flex shaft attached. It would be ideal for something like grinding off a rivet. Are you limited to what you can buy online?
 
Fellow Forum Members: Which Dremel Model do you recommend for very light use?

I'd go with the 4000 or 3000 if you want a little smaller unit. There's lots of different kits and bit assortments.

Look for bits under the Grinding &. Sharpening category of course.
 
Since you have a drill I would at least try that first.
If the rivet spins use a needle nose pliers/vice grips /or whatever, on the side you can grab a hold on.
 

 

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