Jorran Posted July 6, 2011 Report Share Posted July 6, 2011 (edited) Hey troopers! I was just getting ready to install the six rivets on the ab and kidney plates and decided to look over the requirements one last time. The official Centurion requirements only say the following about these rivets: "Rivets on the left side of the ab plate: a total of three rivets equally spaced out along the depth of the armor and about 10mm from the edge. They may be painted white, or not." There's no mention of whether they can be pop rivets or solid capped. But then I checked the - that's linked from the official Tutorials section, and it includes the following: "The six rivets are 9mm. Split rivets including jeans rivets can be used, please note they are not regular pop rivets and have solid caps" (emphasis mine). So my question is: are regular pop rivets allowed for EIB/Centurion? It seems like, based on the requirements, they're OK, but that tutorial comment gave me pause. I'm going for Centurion, but at the same time The Boss (a.k.a., my wife) would REALLY appreciate it if I would just use the hardware I have now (e.g., pop rivets) instead of running back to the store and buying something else! Edited December 4, 2020 by gmrhodes13 link not working, removed gmrhodes13 2020 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkrestonva[TK] Posted July 6, 2011 Report Share Posted July 6, 2011 (edited) Side rivets are not required at all for Expert Infantry. Centurion allows for pop rivets, but better to do it right and just go with brads or split rivets. Personally, I've not been able to find split (bifurcated) rivets except via web stores that sell them in bulk for industrial purposes. Brads (i.e. paper clips), on the other hand, are cheap and readily available. You can pick up a pack of 100 for less than $5 at Staples or Office Depot. - Edited December 4, 2020 by gmrhodes13 link not working, removed gmrhodes13 2020 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jorran Posted July 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 6, 2011 I actually have a box of brads (used them on the knee ammo box), but if you use those what does the strapping look like on the inside to hold the left side together? Maybe just six snap tabs on the inside in positions where the brads aren't? I've been zeroed in on the pop rivet + snap tab combo that I've seen in other, older builds and I'm having trouble visualizing how the interior would work with brads. (Thanks for the help!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkrestonva[TK] Posted July 6, 2011 Report Share Posted July 6, 2011 Maybe just six snap tabs on the inside in positions where the brads aren't? That's essentially how I did mine. Furthermore, I took the additional step and made my brads functional in that they are part of the strapping system but reinforced with snap tabs. Split rivets can probably do the job by themselves, but brads (being merely paper clips) aren't strong enough to hold the side together, hence the need for reinforcement with snap plates or some other method. Right now, this is the best photo I have - you can sort of see the brads on the right side of the photo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sskunky Posted July 6, 2011 Report Share Posted July 6, 2011 I have a load of flower daisy rivets. I could sell you a few if you like? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troopermaster Posted July 6, 2011 Report Share Posted July 6, 2011 I wouldn't use paper clips personally. I have tried them and they are too weak to hold the armour together. If you are set on using them, best to glue the strap to the armour as well. At least it will have a stronger grip and take some pressure away from the paper clip. I have some correct rivets on there way to me. I'll let you know what they are like once they arrive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sskunky Posted July 6, 2011 Report Share Posted July 6, 2011 These are the ones I have..... Sorry for the crappy phone pics... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troopermaster Posted July 6, 2011 Report Share Posted July 6, 2011 Those look pretty good. What is the head size and length of the tabs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sskunky Posted July 6, 2011 Report Share Posted July 6, 2011 (edited) The head size is 7mm and the overall length is 12mm. the split tabs are also 7mm. I think they are a little small but they are about as good as I can find and the place I got these say that's as big as they can get. Edited July 6, 2011 by sskunky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troopermaster Posted July 6, 2011 Report Share Posted July 6, 2011 My rivets just came in. They look good from the outside but the tabs are too long for my liking. I'm going to have to keep looking <_< Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sskunky Posted July 6, 2011 Report Share Posted July 6, 2011 are they the same as mine? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troopermaster Posted July 6, 2011 Report Share Posted July 6, 2011 No mate. They have a 8mm smooth head and 9mm shank. The tabs fold past the end of the washer which is not how they are on the original armour. Luckily though, I think I have just found the right size. I'll let you know in a day or two when the new rivets arrive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john danter Posted July 6, 2011 Report Share Posted July 6, 2011 I did mine like this Combination of different types just smacked flat to form the bond Paint them white, they start to look 'ok' I like Mark's flower rivets though. I just mimicked the pattern with the back end of a small Jean rivet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troopermaster Posted July 8, 2011 Report Share Posted July 8, 2011 My new rivets just came in and they are PERFECT! They match the original brass rivets in SiMan's original ANH armour. At last, I have finally got them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sskunky Posted July 8, 2011 Report Share Posted July 8, 2011 Nice find Paul. What size head did you go for in the end? 8mm? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sonnenschein Posted July 8, 2011 Report Share Posted July 8, 2011 Awesome! Another mystery solved! Congrats, Paul! Do you plan selling them? If so, I'm the first in line! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkrestonva[TK] Posted July 8, 2011 Report Share Posted July 8, 2011 Also, what sort of tool do you use to bend the shanks into place? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troopermaster Posted July 8, 2011 Report Share Posted July 8, 2011 Yes, 8mm heads. I will offer these soon. I bought a bag of 200 and you need 7 for the torso, so I should be able to supply a few sets. I also have the matching brass washers too which will be supplied. I used a chisel to split the lugs and it worked just fine, but it is still tricky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sonnenschein Posted July 8, 2011 Report Share Posted July 8, 2011 Yes, 8mm heads. ... you need 7 for the torso... Isn't one of them used one the knee ammo bolt or am Imistaken`? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLACKDREAD13 Posted July 8, 2011 Report Share Posted July 8, 2011 Put me in for a set please Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sskunky Posted July 8, 2011 Report Share Posted July 8, 2011 Well, I also have a bag of flower head rivets. So as both were used, make your choice. Pauls plain heads or my flower heads. That sounds a bit strange when I read it back!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troopermaster Posted July 8, 2011 Report Share Posted July 8, 2011 Isn't one of them used one the knee ammo bolt or am Imistaken`? Your mistaken They used a different kind of rivet there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seantrooper[TK] Posted July 10, 2011 Report Share Posted July 10, 2011 wow! Great find Paul! Pending price, I'd like a set Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stormsurge Posted July 10, 2011 Report Share Posted July 10, 2011 Brilliant, Very interested in a set of these Paul! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Locitus[Admin] Posted July 10, 2011 Report Share Posted July 10, 2011 Nice catch Paul! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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