Rivets loosening!! Standard blind, closed or SS??

I started the frame work today using 1 in aluminum angle. I have a standard rivet gun with 1/2 in × 3/16 rivets joining 2 peices of 1/8 in angle. I also messed around with 1/4 in × 3/16 rivets for the project. View attachment 1

By the way they are all aluminum. My issue is that after the rivets are squeezed together it has a very tight bond but easily is almost separating apart with just barely trying to rock the angle on the rib. I've seen other builds with standard blind rivets used successfully ! Is it the home depot rivet gun? A cheap grade of aluminum? Maybe I should go with a stainless steel mandrel? I don't have much faith so far in how these are loosening on me.View attachment 2View attachment 3

Aluminum rivets are pretty weak, I'd only use them for sheer, non-structural forces.
In your case, use steel.
Steel however, reacts with Aluminum. To get around this and at least minimize corrosion, I coated mine with 3M 5200 Marine Epoxy. It serves a dual purpose, water-tight seal around the rivet and reaction barrier between the steel and aluminum.

Matt
https://forum.tinboats.net/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=35874

I used the same ones on my build, but haven't noticed any problems. I used a lot of rivets, but haven't tried to pull anything apart. I used 1 1/4 x 1/8 and cut clips to tie all my right angle connections in. I don't know how to link you there, but you can check it out on the next page. Lowe 1648MV makeover.

looks like you only used 1 rivet per connection, that could be the problem. I used 3-4 per connection in my build.

Silverad04 said:

looks like you only used 1 rivet per connection, that could be the problem. I used 3-4 per connection in my build.

Click to expand...

I agree with this and was the first thing I thought of. You may need 2 or 3 rivets in each connection. I couldnt really see from the pictures what you have there. Maybe some more cross angle support also to really beef it up.

Im not an artist, but the red lines are what I would add, Plus the more rivet statement.

1. You need to use #11 drill bit for 3/16 rivets - NOT a 3/16" bit
2. The rivet grip range has to match the material thickness.

1/2" grip rivet will not hold 1/4" thick material.

Use more rivets