Drill appropriately sized holes for blind rivets if the rivet holes are not already present. The holes should be slightly larger than the rivet diameters, since the rivet shanks will expand as they are installed.
Countersink the holes if needed using a countersink bit that attaches to your drill. Use the correct size countersink bit. Bits that are too small will wobble and cause an uneven countersink. Don't countersink too deep. The interiors of the rivet holes should not be knife-edged.
Deburr the holes to remove any rough edges. A small, hand deburring tool works well.
Select the correct rivets. Rivet diameter must closely match hole diameter. The rivet grip length, which is measured in sixteenths of an inch, must match the total material thickness of the pieces being riveted.
Push the rivet completely into the rivet hole with the rivet's stem protruding toward you.
Position the rivet puller so the rivet stem fits inside of the hole at the end of the rivet puller and press the rivet pull firmly down. The rivet head must lie flat to install the rivet properly.
Squeeze the handles of a manual rivet puller while keeping the puller pressed down against the rivet, so the rivet remains firmly seated in its hole. Pull the trigger of a pneumatic rivet puller. This causes the puller to grip the stem and pull it up, expanding the rivet and securing it.
