Why Do I Need a Centralising Tool to Help Me Install My Rivets?
Rainscreen panel manufacturers recommend the use of ‘fixed’ and ‘sliding point’ holes when installing their panels to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the panels in relation to the substrate which will be different.
The fixed point ensures the panel remains in place whereas the sliding point allows thermal movement. To allow this movement and to prevent damage to the panel from being restricted by a poorly placed rivet, the rivet needs to be installed perfectly central in the sliding point hole.
Incorrect placement of a rivet will result in restricted movement, causing the panel to distort or bow, resulting in potential long-term problems with your façade such as noise, cracking of the panels and the heads of the rivets shearing off due to the stress being forced upon them possibly leading to panels coming away from the building.
What does a Centralising Tool do?
A centralising tool will keep the hole you drill through the substrate perfectly central to the sliding point hole in the panel:
Without a centralising tool, a drill bit may wander inside the oversized hole and reduce the amount of movement the panel has left. A centralising tool will help you to:
- Ensure that you drill accurately through the sliding point holes.
- Maintain concentricity (the same circle) between the panel and substrate.
- Properly install your rivets in your rainscreen cladding.
What equipment should I use for accurate rivet installation to a rainscreen system?
To have an accurate rivet installation, selecting the right tools is important.
Size of the Centralising Tool Nose:
• The size of the centralising tool nose should be .5mm less than the size of the sliding point hole to provide a good fit and maintain accuracy.
Size of the Drill Bit:
• You should select a drill bit that is .1mm greater than the rivet body diameter. This provides enough clearance during the installation process to avoid any excessive play.
Example: Installing a 5mm Rivet in a 10mm Sliding Point Hole
• Rivet diameter = 5.0mm
• Sliding point hole diameter = 10.0mm
• Size of the centralising tool nose = 9.5mm
• Size of the drill bit = 5.1mm
By inserting the centralising tool into the slide point hole of the rainscreen panel, the centralising tool is placed at the exact centre of the hole. As the centralising tool is removed after drilling, the hole drilled in the substrate is accurately centred to the panel's sliding point hole.
Steps to install a Rivet in a Sliding Point Hole using our Centralising Tool
- Locate the sliding point hole in the rainscreen panel.
- Insert the Centralising Tool into the pre-drilled hole.
- Drill through the substrate using the centralising tool with the correct drill bit - if the right tool is used, the specially engineered drill bit will fit properly.
- Remove the Centralising Tool and clear all swarf from the area.
- Install the rivet using a rivet space nosepiece in the hole.
Following these steps will provide you with the most efficient method to meet the manufacturer's requirements for the installation of their rainscreen panels and ensure you have performed a quality installation.
Why is proper rivet installation important?
Proper rivet installation in rainscreen panels will preserve the ability for thermal movement in your rainscreen cladding and protect the appearance and longevity of your building envelope. Incorrect rivet installation can cause damage to the panel and ultimately lead to failure of the rainscreen system.
