How to Install Split Rivets on a Gerstner Chest

How to Install Split Rivets on a Gerstner Chest. When you replace a lock, hinges or top handle on a Gerstner Chest the hardware is attached to the chest with split rivets. Watch as an H. Gerstner & Sons veteran employee demonstrates how to install split rivets when replacing hardware on a Gerstner Chest. The demonstration will cover installing hinges, the chest lock and attaching the top of the chest to the lower section of the chest.

[ronmcdonald]

At last!!! An informative how-to video that gets right to the point without the unnecessary and all too common wordy preface. Blah blah blah this is what it looks like blah blah it cost me blah blah!!! Well done!

[Subgunman]

I have found a special anvil in the past that is used to set the split rivets. Think of it as a special base for the rivets similar to the base end of a stapler that sets a curve in the staple to bind properly. They are used extensivly in the building of "roadie" cases for theatrical equipment. The anvil actually curves the ends of the rivets and allows the tail to dig into the wood. Now as for adding a thin felt liner this might cause issues in creating minor bulges in te felt.

[Oldtimeytools]

Awesome! Question: my top is misaligned from staying open and age, I need to get it aligned forward, so do I remove the hinges and re-pin? Use clamps to force it into place? Thanks

[yorkazuna]

How do you accomplish this when replacing the handle on a case?

[davidcondrey]

When refinishing a chest like this one I noticed in the video you hadnt reupholstered the exterior.  Do you do that later or not at all?  I'm working on the exact same chest right now and just finished sanding it down.  Am trying to decide whether or not I was to reupholster it or leave it bare..  I just got some really pretty dark cherry wood stain that I might just use and be done with it.

[MyPlayfulPlans]

In my view this method is incorrect. The (widely available) tools curl the rivet's ends onto the wood surface, neatly seating the rivet in place rather than hammering them flat. And a thin felt or other cloth should be inserted between the hinge and the anvil (whatever heavy steel piece is used to back up the head of the rivet) to eliminate scratches on the hinge.