Removing A Riveted Pan Handle: A Step-By-Step Guide

Removing a riveted pan handle is not as simple as removing screws. To remove a riveted pan handle, you need to drill out the indented side of the rivet using a drill. Once you've drilled through, grab the smooth side of the rivet with a pair of pliers and pull it out. If you have trouble pulling the handle apart, additional force should overcome it as some thick grease may have seeped in over the years.

Drilling out the indented side of the rivet

Preparation:

Firstly, you need to assess the rivet. Identify its type, size, and the material it is securing. This information will guide your selection of the appropriate drill bit and ensure a correct drilling approach. It is also important to wear the necessary safety gear, such as safety goggles and gloves, to protect yourself from any debris or sharp edges.

Drilling Process:

• Prepare the surrounding area: Cover the area around the rivet with a soft cloth or tape to protect the surface from accidental scratches or damage during drilling.
• Mark the center: Use a punch or center punch to create a small indentation at the center of the rivet head. This guide will prevent the drill bit from slipping off target.
• Select the appropriate drill bit: Choose a drill bit that matches the diameter of the rivet shaft. It should be slightly smaller than the rivet head to avoid damaging the surrounding material.
• Start drilling: Place the drill bit in the punch mark and begin drilling at a slow speed. Apply steady pressure and let the drill bit cut through the rivet. Avoid using excessive force as it can distort or damage the surrounding material.
• Drill until the rivet breaks: Continue drilling until the rivet head is removed. If the rivet is not completely broken, use pliers or vice grips to twist and pull it out.
• Clean the area: Once the rivet is removed, inspect the area and use a brush or compressed air to remove any remaining pieces or debris.

Additional Tips:

• Use a corded or cordless drill with a 5/32-inch bit. If you have a drill press, use it for better control. Otherwise, clamp the handle securely in a vice to prevent the drill bit from grabbing the pot and causing it to kick.
• Apply cutting fluid or oil to the drill bit to reduce friction and heat during drilling.
• Work slowly and methodically, ensuring that the drill bit remains aligned with the rivet to avoid damaging the surrounding material.

Using a drill press or clamping the handle in a vice

To remove a riveted pan handle, you will need to separate the handle from the pan by drilling out the rivets. Rivets have two sides, one smooth and one indented. You will be drilling out the indented side.

If you have access to a drill press, you can use this to drill out the rivet. Secure the pan handle in the drill press, ensuring that it is clamped securely to prevent any movement during the drilling process. Use a 5/32-inch drill bit to drill out the rivet. Drill through the rivet completely, taking care to maintain control of the drill press. Once you have drilled through, use a pair of pliers to grab the smooth side of the rivet and pull it out.

If you do not have access to a drill press, you can achieve a similar result by clamping the handle in a vice. Secure the pan handle in the vice, ensuring that it is tightly clamped to prevent movement. Using a corded or cordless drill with a 5/32-inch drill bit, drill out the rivet completely. Again, take care to control the drill and maintain a steady hand. Once you have drilled through, use a pair of pliers to grab the smooth side of the rivet and pull it out.

After removing the rivet, the handle should come apart easily. If you encounter resistance, it may be due to thick grease or residue that has built up over time. In this case, apply additional force to separate the handle.

Removing the rivet with pliers

First, it is important to note that rivets have two sides: one smooth and one indented. You will be drilling out the indented side of the rivet. Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary tools, including a corded or cordless drill and a 5/32-inch drill bit. A drill press is ideal, but if you don't have one, a clamp will also work. You will also need a pair of pliers.

To start, use a pin, center, or prick punch to create a small dent in the head of the rivet. Hold the punch against the top of the rivet and strike it with a hammer. Be careful not to miss and hit your hand. Repeat this process if needed to create a deeper divot for your drill bit to grip onto.

Next, attach your drill bit to the drill and tighten the chuck to secure it in place. Ensure that the drill bit fits snugly into the divot you created. It should be the same size as the rivet or slightly smaller. For example, for a 1/4 inch rivet, use a 1/4 inch or 3/16-inch drill bit.

Before drilling, it is important to add some lubricant to the end of the drill bit. This will help to reduce friction and heat during the drilling process. You can find drilling lubricant at hardware stores or online. Spread the lubricant evenly over the end of the drill bit with your fingers.

Now, put on safety glasses to protect your eyes from any sparks or fragments that may fly off during drilling. Standard eyeglasses will not provide adequate protection, so make sure to use safety glasses rated for drilling or cutting metal.

With your safety gear in place, you can begin drilling. Place the drill bit against the divot in the center of the rivet and apply pressure to hold it in place. Start the drill slowly, maintaining a steady pace and firm pressure. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this could cause the drill to slip or the bit to scratch the surface.

Continue drilling at a low but steady speed until you have completely drilled through the rivet. Once you have drilled all the way through, grab the smooth side of the rivet with your pliers and pull it out. With the rivet removed, the handle should come apart easily. If you encounter any resistance, there may be some thick grease holding the parts together, so you may need to apply additional force.

And that's it! You have successfully removed the riveted pan handle using pliers and a few other tools.

Pulling the handle apart

Once you have drilled out the rivet, the next step is to pull the handle apart. If the handle comes apart easily, then you are good to go. However, if you are having trouble pulling the handle apart, there could be some thick grease that has built up over the years, holding the parts together. In this case, you will need to apply some additional force to separate the handle.

If you are unable to separate the handle by hand, you can try using a pair of pliers. Clamp the pliers onto the handle and use them to leverage the parts apart. Be careful not to slip and scratch or damage the pan during this process. You could also try using a hammer to gently tap the handle, which may help to loosen the connection and dislodge any built-up grease.

If the handle still won't come apart, you may need to use a stronger tool, such as a vice grip. Again, be very careful when using this tool, as too much force can damage the pan. You could also try applying some heat to the connection, which may help to soften any grease or debris that is holding the parts together.

In some cases, the handle may be seized due to rust or corrosion. If this is the case, you will need to use a rust penetrant or a similar product to help break down the rust and free the parts. Apply the penetrant to the connection and allow it to soak for several minutes before attempting to separate the handle again.

Applying additional force to overcome thick grease

If you're struggling to remove a riveted pan handle, it could be due to thick grease that has built up over the years. To overcome this, you can apply additional force by using a combination of baking soda, vinegar, salt, and ketchup, along with some heavy-duty commercial cleaners such as oven cleaner or Bar Keeper's Friend. Here's a detailed guide:

• Prepare a mixture of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and a few drops of dish soap, such as Blue Dawn.
• Apply the mixture to the greasy area and use a scrubbing pad to work it in a circular motion.
• Allow the mixture to dry for 30 minutes to an hour.
• Use a toothbrush and scrubbing pad to vigorously scrub the area, removing the dried paste.
• If the grease is caked on, pre-soak the pan in vinegar for about 30 minutes before applying the baking soda mixture.
• Alternatively, you can use straight vinegar to remove light brown grease stains. Simply pour vinegar into your sink, fully submerging the bottom of the pan, and let it soak for about an hour.
• For a more abrasive approach, create a vinegar and salt mixture. Soak the pan in white vinegar for an hour, then sprinkle salt on the bottom of the pan. Add a small amount of dish soap to a scrubbing pad and scrub the pan vigorously, applying more salt and soap as needed.
• For deeper grease removal, combine vinegar, salt, and baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda and sea salt on the greasy areas, focusing on the stains. Spritz vinegar on top of the baking soda and let the mixture rest for 5 minutes before scrubbing with a scouring pad.
• If the above methods don't work, you can use oven cleaner, but be cautious as this is less conventional for cookware. Spread the oven cleaner on the bottom of the pan and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, scrub the bottom of the pan with a scrubbing pad and wash it with hot soapy water to remove any residue.
• Another powerful option is to use Bar Keeper's Friend, which can eliminate grease down to the microscopic level. Mix it with water to create a paste, apply it to the greasy area, and scrub in a circular motion with a scouring pad. Finish by rinsing the pan and washing it with hot soapy water.

Remember to always be cautious when handling these chemicals, and if you're unsure, consult a professional or refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your cookware.

Frequently asked questions