Rivet Spacing Tool

[gbranham]

For those new to building a Factory Five Roadster (or any of their vehicles), get yourself one of these rivet spacing tools. Far better than the strip of aluminum FFR supplies with the kit, because the tool they provide isn't long enough for all your rivet runs. I have used this tool on two builds, both my MkIII and my MkIV. I recently purchased one as a gift for a new builder near me (TrackDay17), and to my surprise, some of our local guys didn't know what this is. Absolutely genius! It ensures your rivets are spaced evenly on any rivet run. Not that it's that essential that they're spaced evenly, but this makes it really easy to mark you rivet holes before you drill. Popular with folks who build aircraft (looking at you Paul).

Amazon.com: Aircraft Tool Supply Rivet Fan Spacing Tool : Automotive (https://www.amazon.com/Aircraft-Tool-Supply-Rivet-Spacing/dp/B005VR2DJ8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=XRL8BS9ULJ9K&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Owpk93M4ePIZQ6HkxKs1UYI39Wj5r6CmX vmUGUJvR0r6rnT3g2I55haMwqX8bwkq3wM2M7PdMgZMm6NOryW-BaB06ii0gYUyr5H3RVkNBPHBSx43yYBddYevH6ixwdY_xK4Wti FZrwtWk3GSxePBv_WE3A3tGWbeQ_2_gqqGH51EkBrNB4LuaUVk Isdj8KFWgUR3OEBo1PN4-ttkdyQBvcjc3kEPE3DBC2azL7KLGM-6Uh4ZewPNV12DvLrJyBpboAWluuEPLA6pDnbx8UenSwrD7x-G6tq8xu2galziqBU.bg89CAFSuowVha654Hpxwrphs3osDJYS_ J6OPBWUM4s&dib_tag=se&keywords=rivet+spacing+tool&qid=1762115023&sprefix=rivet+spacing+too%2Caps%2C223&sr=8-4)

Greg

[GoDadGo]

Since this thread isn't specifically for the Roadster, consider moving it to OT discussion.

[gbranham]

Since this thread isn't specifically for the Roadster, consider moving it to OT discussion.

It's not off topic. It's about tools to make the Roadster build easier. Also works for other builds. OT, by definition, is for things not related to builds.

[Shamilton289]

For those new to building a Factory Five Roadster (or any of their vehicles), get yourself one of these rivet spacing tools. Far better than the strip of aluminum FFR supplies with the kit, because the tool they provide isn't long enough for all your rivet runs. I have used this tool on two builds, both my MkIII and my MkIV. I recently purchased one as a gift for a new builder near me (TrackDay17), and to my surprise, some of our local guys didn't know what this is. Absolutely genius! It ensures your rivets are spaced evenly on any rivet run. Not that it's that essential that they're spaced evenly, but this makes it really easy to mark you rivet holes before you drill. Popular with folks who build aircraft (looking at you Paul).

Amazon.com: Aircraft Tool Supply Rivet Fan Spacing Tool : Automotive (https://www.amazon.com/Aircraft-Tool-Supply-Rivet-Spacing/dp/B005VR2DJ8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=XRL8BS9ULJ9K&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Owpk93M4ePIZQ6HkxKs1UYI39Wj5r6CmX vmUGUJvR0r6rnT3g2I55haMwqX8bwkq3wM2M7PdMgZMm6NOryW-BaB06ii0gYUyr5H3RVkNBPHBSx43yYBddYevH6ixwdY_xK4Wti FZrwtWk3GSxePBv_WE3A3tGWbeQ_2_gqqGH51EkBrNB4LuaUVk Isdj8KFWgUR3OEBo1PN4-ttkdyQBvcjc3kEPE3DBC2azL7KLGM-6Uh4ZewPNV12DvLrJyBpboAWluuEPLA6pDnbx8UenSwrD7x-G6tq8xu2galziqBU.bg89CAFSuowVha654Hpxwrphs3osDJYS_ J6OPBWUM4s&dib_tag=se&keywords=rivet+spacing+tool&qid=1762115023&sprefix=rivet+spacing+too%2Caps%2C223&sr=8-4)

Greg
In Sept I ordered it off Amazon, and after the third shipping delay they cancelled the order and issued me a refund. Your mileage may vary ;)

[gbranham]

In Sept I ordered it off Amazon, and after the third shipping delay they cancelled the order and issued me a refund. Your mileage may vary ;)

Dang. I ordered one two days ago on Amazon, and got it today.

[GoDadGo]

It's not off topic. It's about tools to make the Roadster build easier. Also works for other builds. OT, by definition, is for things not related to builds.

I just did it to Jerk Your Chain and as expected you responded.

Funny How Humor Is Often One Sided!

Love You Brother Gbranham!

It's A F-5 Family Thing!

8-)

[rich grsc]

:confused::( I used a tape measure I've had for years---free. I just don't see why I would need a $42 tool to space out a line of rivets, at most 10-15 holes, can almost do that in my head.

[gbranham]

Tough crowd tonight. Sheesh.

[GoDadGo]

Tough crowd tonight. Sheesh.

Come down for next year's Cruising The Coast!
We'll put you up and feed you well.
2026 is the 30th anniversary.

https://cruisinthecoast.com/

221003

[JimStone]

I have one. Love it. Use it all the time to space anything. Rivets, sure, but also an easy way to quickly mark the middle between two points without having to measure.

[MaxVmo]

I think I’m going to have to do this event. Wife is from Laurel, MS with family in Hammond, LA. Better figure out my trailer situation coming from southern central TN. Thanks for the reminder!

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Just a thought, I had no issues using the one that came with the kit.

[cv2065]

Just a thought, I had no issues using the one that came with the kit.

Same. I used the money saved to buy a leaky designer radiator cap. :rolleyes:

[John Ibele]

Just a thought, I had no issues using the one that came with the kit.

Likewise. I had an adjustable spacer, but decided a consistent spacing with all my rivets would look better.

[Rebostar]

I've been an Airframe and Powerplant mech for 45 years. The ATS rivit spacing fan was in my tool box as soon as I graduated A&P School in 1978. I would not attempt any sheetmetal/riviting operations without it. These cleco side clamps are really handy as well.
Happy Trails
Allyn
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/sideClamps.php

221084

[JsMoose]

The only missing part in my entire kit was the rivet spacing tool (at least I haven't found it yet or found other missing things I didn't catch at inventory).

SO, I made one on my 3D printer. It has holes for 1 and 1.5" spacing. The holes are the diamter of the tip of a Fine Point Sharpie. There's a ridge on top that allows centering on the 3/4" tubing. I have only used it on my front F panels so far but hopefully I'll be assembling my firewall and front pedal box sheets today so it will get some more use.

If someone can tell me how to attach a non-picture file (it will be a .STL) I will attach it to this thread for others to use!

221205221204

Jay