Removing valve bases held by rivets

[jennings]

I've got a Sencor tube tester, and it's in great nick.  I've just replaced the original electrolytics in it too for good measure.  Only thing now is that the two valve bases I use the most for testing my ECC83 type and EL34 type valves are a bit worn.  They don't always make great contact, and you sometimes have to wiggle the valves to get it to work.  The bases are riveted on, rather than held with nuts and bolts, which is irritating.  How do I remove them easily so I can solder new bases in?!?!

[jhadhar65]

Rivets with the holes in the center?  Not seeing what you're seeing, I'd guess you could carefully drill out the center until the rivets give way.  I'd start with a bit just barely bigger than the hole and progressively select a larger bit until the job's done.  Then, go back in with screws.

You could do the same thing with the brad-type rivets, but be careful to get the exact center.  A drill bit starter or a fine center punch would help a lot.

A quick pic might tell if I'm giving you bad advice or not.

[Dynaflow]

 Yup what he said, drill them out. If you get the diameter right it'll just detach the rivet head from the rivet and will be easy to drive out (or fall out).

Regards,

Dyna

[PRNDL]

Have you tried to tighten the metal clips?

That might be a lot easier than replacing the socket.

[FUNK]

brass rivets use a sharp wood chisel and slice the head off, steel rivets drill'em, if the rivet starts spinning when you drill them out use high speed and tilt the bit back and forth slightly while drilling, the bit will go through suddenly so be ready for it.

[supro66]

I have used a Dremal tool and ground the head off

MY SITE TUBE AMPS

http://www.geocities.com/insp/SUPRO6420.html

[birt]

that's what i do too. with a dremel cutting wheel you can just cut of the part of the rivet sticking out above the chassis. and then push the rest of the rivet out of the hole. very clean and easy.