Side Rail Removal

[millsy]

Any tips on removing side rail rivets before i wreck it with my long screwdriver & hammer  - havent removed or refitted one yet.
Millsy

Begun to remove my siderails today - Found it easier to drill them out like rivets.
1. First using a centre punch - centre punch centre of nail.
2. Start with small drill bit (around 5/64) - drill a fraction in so large drill wont slip and damage rail.
3. Keep drilling with 5/32 drill bit till past nail head.
4. Pull out rail using thin ruler or screwdriver - Nail head will fall out.
5. Do all nails then side rail will come off.
6. 1/2 the nails will be sticking out minus their heads - grab the pliers and srew em out.
All done - hope this makes sense.
Millsy

[ajlaird]

Nice tip, looks like you have removed those rails safely!

[Strangeways]

Any tips on removing side rail rivets before i wreck it with my long screwdriver & hammer  - havent removed or refitted one yet.
Millsy

Begun to remove my siderails today - Found it easier to drill them out like rivets.
1. First using a centre punch - centre punch centre of nail.
2. Start with small drill bit (around 5/64) - drill a fraction in so large drill wont slip and damage rail.
3. Keep drilling with 5/32 drill bit till past nail head.
4. Pull out rail using thin ruler or screwdriver - Nail head will fall out.
5. Do all nails then side rail will come off.
6. 1/2 the nails will be sticking out minus their heads - grab the pliers and srew em out.
All done - hope this makes sense.
Millsy

Good one Kev !

I tried this once, but my hand is obviously not as stable as yours. I was concerned that I would apply too much pressure with the drill and have it scream across the side rail like a skater on ice !

I might give it another go. Great tip !

[millsy]

Important.
Use good centre punch.
Use sharp drill bits and drill on slow speed.
Kev