How to Remove Rivets Guide 

Rivets are the most popular type of fastener in the market. Professionals know that a pop rivet provides a lasting joint which won’t loosen over time in the same way as a bolt or screw. They are easy to set, extremely strong, and can be used with all sorts of materials from steel to plastics. Removing rivets can be one of those deceptively tricky jobs—especially when they’re worn, corroded, or just plain stubborn. While rivets are designed to be permanent, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with them forever.

Whether you're asking how do I remove rivets from metal trim, how to remove pop rivets in a trailer panel, or how to undo rivets on a bracket that just won’t budge; the right process protects your materials, your tools, and your sanity. Clean removal also makes a big difference when you're reassembling. Damaged holes make it harder to install new rivets—or worse, lead to wobbly fasteners down the line. So before you guess at how to take out pop rivets, follow the method that’s built to work the first time.

Why Removing Rivets the Right Way Matters

Sure, you could grab a drill and hope for the best, but rivets don’t forgive guesswork. Drill off-centre and you could chew out the hole, snap your bit, or wreck the panel underneath. In automotive work, construction, or even DIY furniture, precision matters.

Removing rivets properly also makes replacing them way easier. If the hole stays neat, you won’t be messing around with oversized fasteners or uneven finishes later. Whether you’re figuring out how to undo rivets or just curious about how to take out pop rivets without stuffing it up, the right method makes all the difference.

Tools and Materials Needed for Rivet Removal

Before you dive in, grab what you need. Trust us—hunting for a centre punch halfway through the job is no fun.

Drill (Cordless or Corded)

When it comes to how to undo rivets, your drill is your MVP.  It removes the rivet head cleanly, without damaging the material around it. Go for a variable-speed model with good torque—especially if you’re dealing with tougher materials like steel.

Drill Bits

Match the bit size to the diameter of the rivet shaft. Cobalt or titanium bits are ideal for hard metals, and sharp is always better. A dull bit slips, overheats, and makes everything harder than it needs to be.

Centre Punch

Wondering how to take out pop rivets without your bit dancing around like it’s on ice? Use a centre punch first. It makes a small dimple in the rivet head, helping your drill stay on course from the very first turn.

Safety Gear

It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned pro or just learning how to undo pop rivets—you still need to gear up. Metal shavings and flying bits are no joke. Wear safety glasses, gloves, and maybe even ear protection if you're going in with power tools.

Optional Tools: Punch, Hammer, Dremel, Grinder

For stubborn or recessed rivets, these are your backup crew. A hammer and punch can knock loose shafts. A Dremel or grinder helps when drilling just isn’t cutting it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing a Rivet

Now that you’ve got your tools sorted, let’s get into the actual process. This is how to remove rivets without damaging your project, snapping bits, or making a mess.

1. Identify the Type of Rivet

Not all rivets are created equal. Pop rivets (aka blind rivets) have a hollow core and usually an exposed mandrel. Solid rivets are stronger and need a bit more persuasion. Knowing what you’re working with tells you which tools to use.

2. Secure the Workpiece

Clamp it down or brace it properly. You don’t want the piece shifting mid-drill—that’s how bits snap and surfaces get scratched.

3. Mark the Centre of the Rivet Head

Use your centre punch to make a small divot. This keeps your drill bit steady and helps you drill straight through the head.

4. Drill Through the Rivet Head

Drill slowly, with light pressure, just until the head pops off. Don’t go too deep—you’re not trying to drill through the whole rivet, just remove the cap.

5. Punch Out the Rivet Shaft

Once the head’s gone, grab a hammer and punch. A few firm taps and the shaft should slide through the hole. If it’s being stubborn, a dab of lubricant or penetrating oil can help.

Common Rivet Removal Problems (And How to Solve Them)

The Rivet Head Spins When Drilling

This happens if the rivet’s loose or your bit’s worn out. Try holding the head steady with pliers or increasing friction with masking tape. Or better yet—swap in a sharp bit.

The Rivet Shaft Won’t Budge

Old rivets can seize over time, especially in outdoor applications. Hit it with penetrating oil, wait a few minutes, then try again. A gentle tap with a hammer (not a full swing) often does the trick.

The Rivet Is in a Hard-to-Reach Area

Use a right-angle drill or a rotary tool like a Dremel. Smaller attachments let you get in close without damaging the surrounding material.

Drill Bit Overheats or Snaps

Don’t force it. Drill in short bursts, use cutting fluid if needed, and let the bit cool between holes. Good bits are worth the investment.

When Not to Remove a Rivet

Some rivets are where they are for a reason. If you're looking at a structural joint, a load-bearing bracket, or anything related to safety gear (think trailers, ladders, or machines), don’t remove it unless you know exactly what you're doing. In these cases, it’s best to get advice or call in a pro.

What to Use After the Rivet Is Removed

Rivet’s out, hole’s clean—now what? If you're learning how to undo rivets, it's just as important to know what to replace them with. Here’s a quick breakdown to get you sorted:

• General purpose rivets: Easy to install and great for one-sided access

• Structural rivets: Ideal for load-bearing applications

• Huck Bolts: Strong, secure, and vibration-resistant pin & collar combo

• Nutserts: A good pick if you want to switch to a screw or bolt setup
  

Working with timber or plastic? We’ve got purpose-built options for that too:

• Nutserts for wood

• Inserts for plastic

Pick the fastener based on what you’re securing, how much movement it’ll get, and how easy you want future maintenance to be.

Final Thoughts on Rivet Removal

Learning how to remove pop rivets, or how to undo pop rivets without wrecking the surface underneath, isn’t hard—it just takes the right tools and a bit of know-how.

Use sharp bits. Don’t rush. Work clean, and double-check your replacement fasteners before putting everything back together. And if you’re after the right tools, bits, or replacement rivets? Huck Aerobolt has you covered with gear that actually lasts.