As the subject line indicates...I need to replace a rivet.

Normally I'd just drill the old one out with a bit the same size as the hole/rivet. Maybe slightly smaller.

However, I don't want to damage the kevlar.

Before I proceed, thought I'd check here to see if anyone has advice.

Also - should I throw some silicone around the head of the new rivet before installing, to keep things water tight?

I have drilled out the pop rivets on my Kevlar canoe. Before you start to squeeze the lever on the pop riveter, put a washer on the inside of the canoe to spread the stress. Unless the rivet is in a place that is normally underwater you don't need the silicone but it won't hurt to have it there either. If the original hole is oversize from the rivet wearing, put a washer on the outside of the Kevlar under the head of the rivet.

Thanks!

Good point about the waterline.

I'm mostly concerned about somehow enlarging the hole, or having the bit skip off the rivet & onto the hull & damaging it...

Get a spring loaded steel punch to indent rivet head to hold bit in place. Start with small drill bit, then move up in size.

I like to use a fresh bit to negate wander. I have backing washers here at my place if you need one. Kent

Thanks for the advice!

And Kent, thanks for the offer. I have the washers covered... Up for a St Croix paddle sometime?

If the rivet body sticks out enough for pliers, you can just drill the cap off the rivet with a larger diameter drill--drill only enough to spin the cap, then pull the rivet out the other side. That way you're not increasing the size of the hole in the Kevlar. You can get large flange rivets if the head is against the Kevlar, but they're not necessary. I have standard rivets on a footbrace I installed on a fiberglass boat over 40 years ago--no cracks, etc. I wouldn't worry about sealing rivets. The key to tight rivets is to have a tight setup before you squeeze the rivet.

Job done - used a drill bit equal in size to the hole/rivet and it went smoothly!

Thanks again, all.

sns: "Thanks for the advice!


And Kent, thanks for the offer. I have the washers covered... Up for a St Croix paddle sometime? "

Indeed I am!!