How to remove rivets from security screens?

[KimDIY]

Hi, I have a couple of windows with security screens that are attached with rivets. I’ve removed the rivet heads and managed to get the screen off but need advice on how to remove the rivet body from the holes so I can screw the screen back on. The rivot body is soft metal so pliers aren’t working.  I’d appreciate any suggestions, thanks. 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @KimDIY. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about removing rivets.

For rivets that are stuck after removing the heads, a common method is to use a thin, sharp tool, such as a nail or small punch, placed at the end of the rivet body and tapped gently with a hammer. This usually drives the remainder of the rivet down into the frame where it’s out of the way.

Another approach is to continue drilling through the shaft of the rivet after the head is gone. The drill bit will gradually cut through the soft metal, and once it’s mostly disintegrated, any remaining pieces can be tapped into the frame.

If you can take a photo of the rivet body in the hole, that would help us see exactly what’s going on and give more tailored advice. Let me know if you need a hand uploading images.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[KimDIY]

Thanks so much Mitchell. I thought that would be the case but wanted to see if there was any way of removing it from the frame. Kim