No, you generally cannot reuse copper rivets. Rivets are permanent fasteners that are intentionally deformed during installation to create a tight, locked joint. The removal process damages the rivet, making it unsuitable for reuse.
Why copper rivets cannot be reused
- Permanent deformation: To "set" a copper rivet, its end is hammered and compressed to form a new head, or a washer (burr) is pounded down and the shank is peened over. This process permanently changes the metal's shape, and it cannot be reversed without damaging the rivet.
- Structural compromise: The metal of the rivet may be weakened, cracked, or fatigued during the removal process. Reusing a compromised rivet would result in a joint that is significantly weaker and could fail under load.
- Damage during removal: The methods for removing rivets—such as drilling, grinding, or cutting—all cause damage to the rivet and often the original hole as well. The removed pieces of the rivet are not in a condition to be set again.
What to do with removed copper rivets
While a removed rivet can't be used again as a structural fastener, you can still find uses for the material:
- Recycle the metal: Collect the old copper for scrap recycling. Copper is a valuable and highly recyclable metal.
- Salvage components for craft: If the rivet has a decorative head, some crafters may attempt to salvage it for other projects, such as soldering it onto a threaded screw. However, this is a creative workaround rather than a true reuse of the rivet as a fastener.
- Prepare for a new rivet: When replacing a rivet, the best practice is to always use a new one. Any minor damage that occurred to the original hole during removal can typically be covered by the new rivet and its burr.
