Do you use a punch for rivets/screws?

[Tony Rome]

I prefer the RollePro and finish with rivet brush, but I see some people use a punch kit.
The cons I can think of for a punch is now that it is not sealed can they separate piece you make eventually come off?
The cons in not using it is over time it will bubble a little.

Now, is the answer different if we are talking screws (like on a smaller trailer) compared to rivets?

I have been reading through this forum for a few days as I was also seeing if anyone removes the screws (not rivets), it seems some do but most of the seasoned guys say absolutely not, I am siding with them.

I am all riveted out but I am curious to this last question, to punch or not to punch.

Thanks!

 

[Jeff]

I remove the screws. I don't understand why you wouldn't...it is a much easier install. If you go over them they always end up "tenting" back up.

Many, many years of lettering trailers with the removal technique and I am yet to have a customer bothered by the raw screw put back in over the lettering.

 

[tbullo]

We remove the screws too. Sometimes on large graphics or letters we just paint the screws with one shot to blend in.

 

[Tony Rome]

interesting, but I am more curious about rivets or when you leave the screws in...do you cut relief cuts or use a punch?
I dont want to start another thread on should you remove screws, lol...

 

[Jeff]

I don't do a lot of trailers that have rivets...but when I do I try to use 3M air egress vinyl...most of the time you can just work out the air around the rivet or I poke a small hole at the bottom of the rivet and work it down with a felt and/or regular squeegee.

I found the RollePro useless..but I know many swear by them...I swore at mine!!!

I am not familiar with the punch kit you are speaking of.

 

[Mosh]

I found the RollePro useless..but I know many swear by them...I swore at mine!!!

I have watched so many videos where it works like magic, I always get wrinkles....

 

[Tony Rome]

Well if you use the RollePro exactly as they say it does work pretty great.
I just wonder if a punch/relief cut is still warranted.
Here is the punch...

[video=youtube;iq8ylkM6zjY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq8ylkM6zjY[/video]

 

[Mr. Sign Pro]

I have watched so many videos where it works like magic, I always get wrinkles....

+1, never have been able to make that thing work without the chance of ruining a panel

 

[formanek]

Rollepro and a knife tip. On refrigerated units with rivets I have learned to cut a relief hole under the rivet as well to allow moisture that builds up inside the walls and weeps out to escape without making a water filled bubble.

If you can't figure out the Rollepro, I have a hard time believing that. Simplest tool I have used on trailers with rivets or screws as well as corrugated trailers where there is NO flat spots. If you get wrinkles between rivets with the Rollepro it means you are tenting too high or in other words having too much material between the rivets. Also too much heat will create a wrinkle.

Using a punch like in that video is stupid. You loose too much contact with the vehicle and those rivets will loose their vinyl in time.