Removing copper rivets from newer Bauer Skates

[AHF 1]

Is there an easy way to do this? Is it just me or the copper rivets on newer Bauer skates harder to remove than in previous years? The washer they use seems to be thicker/stronger than before...

I'm talking specifically about copper rivets on Flexlite 4's. I had to change a holder on 'em tonight, and I really struggled. I got it done, but it wasn't without a lot of 'elbow grease' and a fair bit of swearing. ;)

Perhaps I'm not using the right tool, but there has to be an easy way to remove them...

(I ran into the same problem on Supreme One75's a couple months ago.)

[ZombieAttack27 1]

When I used to do odd jobs around my lhs, removing rivets was always challenging.... maybe since they're new and aren't all rusted out its harder

[DarkStar50 679]

The washer is thicker and therefore more difficult to get a grip on. I use a good pair of heavy duty diagonal pliers(check craftsman.com to get an idea what I'm talking about) to get under the washer. Now with these thicker washers I often get out a flathead screw driver and the hammer to smash away at loosening up the washer. You might damage the holder a bit but this will give you the leverage to go after the washer and then rip it away.

[AHF 1]

Now with these thicker washers I often get out a flathead screw driver and the hammer to smash away at loosening up the washer. You might damage the holder a bit but this will give you the leverage to go after the washer and then rip it away.

That's exactly what I did. I was hammering like a madman with seemingly very little success. <_<

Damaging the holder was the least of my worries though; it was cracked and needed to be replaced.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Another way that works if you have a bit of the rivet exposed is to cut it off with a hacksaw, then chip off the washer.

[Point Man For The Devil 0]

just get a decent metal file, file off the little "nub" on the end of the rivet and tap a punch in the centre. takes about 1 min tops.

[TheMagnificen7 0]

I would suggest using a chisel or something with a thin edge, then maneuvering it under the washer. Lightly tap on the chisel with a hammer until you see the washer start to bend. Pry the washer up a bit more with the chisel, screwdriver, pliers etc. When you have bent it away from the holder enough, use a pair of pliers to twist the washer until it breaks off. If that won't work, try cutting the washer with some snips. After that, snip off the top part of the rivet if it won't just pull through the footbed and it will slide right out. Nice and easy. I do this a lot and find it to be the best method so that you can avoid damage to the holder.

And yes, the new Bauer rivets are a pain, but they hold really well. Ordered some like them for my shop and they make a big difference.

[Bravada 442 0]

The washer is thicker and therefore more difficult to get a grip on. I use a good pair of heavy duty diagonal pliers(check craftsman.com to get an idea what I'm talking about) to get under the washer. Now with these thicker washers I often get out a flathead screw driver and the hammer to smash away at loosening up the washer. You might damage the holder a bit but this will give you the leverage to go after the washer and then rip it away.

If you go into a hardware store you might get further by letting an old timer know you're looking for a pair of dykes. I've heard the diagonal cutting pliers called that many a time. Usually looking for the ones with the blue handles, they are the smaller sized that will cut the best. You can maybe get away with yellow handled as well.

[JR Boucicaut 3804]

Ha, I still refer to them as dykes.

I have the long-handle ones because of my arthritic hands. Need as much leverage as I can get.

[vaporboy12 0]

In my 8 or 9 years of doing rivets on skates I have learned a little tlc with a flathead screwdriver and a hammer will get them off in no time.

[Bravada 442 0]

Ha, I still refer to them as dykes.

I have the long-handle ones because of my arthritic hands. Need as much leverage as I can get.

Haha so do I. I never even really knew their real name until a guy younger than me at Home Depot had no idea what I was talking about.

[t27j9s 0]

Use a hand-held hacksaw with a 10" 32T blade