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3/32 Clecos Do Not Hold due to Deburring

 

Home Catalog On-Line Contact Aircraft Builder & Mechanic Library Site Map Over-deburring a hole before countersinking may result in the hole being enlarged to the point that a cleco will not grip the parts. Isham Inc. recommends that holes in thin aluminum NOT BE DEBURRED with a deburring tool.  Deburring of rivet holes is over-emphasized in the homebuilt aircraft industry.  Deburring and reaming of fastener holes is important if you are building a pressurized airplane.  Isham Inc. recommends that you do “chip removal” which may be done with a glove and rubbing over the holes to make sure chips left from the drilling process are removed.  If you are going to paint your airplane you may use a ScotchBrite pad down the row of rivet holes to remove any burrs without removing material that will result in an enlarged hole after countersinking.  If your airplane will be polished aluminum you will not want to do this on the outside surfaces. When a rivet is installed in the hole the shank of the rivet will expand and fill the hole as part of the riveting process.  There is no need to have a “perfect” hole.             Isham Inc. 2007