17.4.1

Rivets shall be heated uniformly throughout their length, without burning or excessive scaling, and shall be of sufficient length to provide a head of standard dimensions. These shall, when driven, completely fill the holes and, if countersunk, the countersinking shall be fully filled by the rivet. If required, any protrusion of the countersunk head shall be dressed off flush.

17.4.2

Riveted member shall have all parts firmly drawn and held together before and during riveting, and special care shall be taken in this respect for all single-riveted connections. For multiple riveted connections, a service bolt shall be provided in every third or fourth hole.

17.4.3

Wherever practicable, machine riveting shall be carried out by using machines of the steady pressure type.

17.4.4

All loose, burned or otherwise defective rivets shall be cut out and replaced before the structure is loaded, and special care shall be taken to inspect all single riveted connections.

17.4.5

Special care shall be taken in heating and driving long rivets.