I need to drill out 6 holes in my steel rims to add hubcap clips. Traditionally the clips are riveted on with round head rivets. I have a pop rivet kit, but don’t really like the look…though they will be hidden under the dog dish hubcaps. I see a lot of other rivet tools that I don’t understand, nor do I know how they were able to rivet a tire rim?
Anyway, if you have suggestions for rivet tools or how to put a tradition rivet on a rim please comment.
Thank you, Brad
Edited by - rinemb on 03/28/2026 15:34:37
I would be concerned about rattles developing over time. After all a banjo vibrates for a living.
quote:
Originally posted by martyjoeI would be concerned about rattles developing over time. After all a banjo vibrates for a living.
If that was the only thing that rattled on my 1952 Chevy truck, I would be a happy trucker. ;-). Brad
sickle bar mowers had all their sections fastened with rivets --I pushed them thru --then put a sledge head or similar under the head side then I used a ball peen to mushroom the other side--the industry finally came up with bolts and lock nuts --which I use now
If the clips are hidden by the hub caps, why not use a screw and a nut with a nylon insert, instead of a rivet. Button-head, hex socket cap screws don't look bad.
Sorry I thought you were cobbling up some work On steel banjo rim……. Derrrr!
Probably non-traditional, but ....................................... ??
Maybe not a stick welder, but a wire welder. Plenty expensive gadget for three or four tiny welds.
Are you or have you actually drilled through the rim yet? I thought those were acceptionally hard.
quote:
Originally posted by NopixMaybe not a stick welder, but a wire welder. Plenty expensive gadget for three or four tiny welds.
Are you or have you actually drilled through the rim yet? I thought those were acceptionally hard.
I am sure they are hard. I never tried to drill a rim. I have seen clips that were welded on though. Brad
I would only try to drill it with a small bit I wouldn't mind to loose.
I'm sure factories spot-weld the clips on.
A body shop would probably have a small wire welder, for welding sheet metal.
Four small spots (plug welds) wouldn't take the temper out of the entire rim.
says, among other things that, "...they are not "hard" in the way tool steel or hardened steel is—they are relatively soft, which allows them to bend rather than snap."
[Steve, as it's Brad's money, I have no qualms about making suggestions.... heck if he doesn't already have a welder, he probably should. 
]
Edited by - Owen on 03/15/2026 15:51:22
Could be.
The last rim I played with was chrome plated.
Takes but a minute to come at it with a drill.
I have considered little wire feed welders, but never made the effort to learn any kind of welding. Mt brother does have a welder, and he does small things for me, and won’t let me pay him. With the prior very small welders thing I told home next job I will insist on paying him. He is a super guy and will do any thing for me bro. Brad
huck rivet would hold pretty good .. harbor freight has a 1/4 inch huck gun for 70 dollars and i am sure they may have the hck rivets too.
Edited by - 1935tb-11 on 03/18/2026 08:50:33
quote:
Originally posted by 1935tb-11huck rivet would hold pretty good .. harbor freight has a 1/4 inch huck gun for 70 dollars and i am sure they may have the hck rivets too.
huck rivet, eh....well on to google I go to figure out what that is. It could be the trick...if I can make the holes? Thanks, Brad
My hubcap clips project is done. I ended up drilling the 3/16” holes with no problem or special bits. Itty bitty hole then then drilled out to size. I wish my 3/16” rivets fit my 3/16” holes. My old bit perhaps worn to under size diameter? So I had to do a bit of wallering out of the holes. Anyway to rig up a system to flatten out the back of the aluminum rivets was a pain. Repainted the rims and new clips and put them back on the truck. I grabbed a beer, sat down on the patio and ordered my new dog dishes. Chrome with red Chevrolet lettering. Brad
Lookin' good. 
Re. flattening out the back of the rivet ..... didn't they have a head?
Edit: Ooops! On closer look I think I see the head on the outside.... so can understand the swedging (?) would be down in a bit of a depression/hollow on the backside.
Edited by - Owen on 03/28/2026 15:00:21
quote:
Originally posted by OwenLookin' good.
Re. flattening out the back of the rivet ..... didn't they have a head?
Edit: Ooops! On closer look I think I see the head on the outside.... so can understand the swedging (?) would be down in a bit of a depression/hollow on the backside.
They are solid rivets. Even the aluminum took some pounding. I bought a concave rivet tool and mounted it in vice grips, then rested the head on that while I beat on the other end with a ball peen hammer.
you be ridin in style when the dog dishes arrive !!!
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