Rivet Spacing

[FracAG1980]

Yes, I am missing the rivet spacing tool from my new kit. Can someone tell me the recommended spacing for the rivets and I'll just do it the old fashion way with a ruler. I looked through a few builds, but did not see the spacing actually listed.

I've got an e-amil into tech at FFR, but don't know when I'll get a response.

Thanks.

Steve

[egchewy79]

I did 2" for panel to panel, 3” for panel to frame. Get a cheap aluminum yard stick from HF and drill holes into it to make your own tool

[cgundermann]

Aircraft Spruce sells several different sliding/self adjusting rivet spacers that pivot and automatically equally spaces all your holes. Ilike it a lot!

163756

Chris

[JohnK]

I did 2" for panel to panel, 3” for panel to frame.

^^ This.

If you want to get really fancy, you can get one of these rivet fan spacers (https://www.amazon.com/Aircraft-Tool-Supply-Rivet-Spacer/dp/B005VR2D7K/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=rivet+spacer&qid=1646959128&sr=8-3). I used this in places where the rivets would be visible and I wanted to get uniform spacing from end to end. I fanned the tool out until I got the spacing close to 2" but even across the length of rivets. I know, I know... super-OCD but it works nicely.

Edit: Gah! cgundermann beat me to it. ;)

[lance corsi]

I spaced out my rivets 3” c-c except in certain circumstances where a 3” spacing might leave too large of margins. Also beware of locating rivets where your rivet tool will not fit.

[John Dol]

FFR recommends 3” in the manual if I remember correctly, but I used 2” as I liked the look better

John

[JohnK]

No, FFR recommends the following:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=163763&d=1646967840

[edwardb]

Right out of the manual: "In most cases we use a 3” rivet spacing when mounting aluminum panels to the chassis and a 2” spacing when mounting panel to panel. The rivet spacing tool has this hole spacing marked." I've used this on all my builds. Just watch, as several have mentioned, that you place the rivets where accessible to drill and pull.

The rivet spacing tool looks like a ruler and is typically included in the loose aluminum parts box. Should be on your manifest for that box and checked off when you did your inventory. If you're supposed to have it and don't (Missing In Kit) or it's not listed or found, let FFR know. They should supply it. It's handy to use.

Edit: JohnK, you beat me to the same quote. :p

[FracAG1980]

Thanks everyone! Great advice from all. I looked though the loose aluminum box and no tool. I do own a ruler though, so I'm gonna be OK. I appreciate everyone taking time to respond.

Steve

[lance corsi]

I used a rivet fan for my rivet spacing but it was a pain in the a$$. I eventually went back to using just a scale and scribe.

[JeffP]

I considered getting a fan, glad is skipped it - the holes they drill for shipping are never in a convenient place and seem to mess up any nice symmetry I could go for.