Split pin rivet advice

[Philip624]

I am trying to fix a couple of split pin rivets to a helmet I am renovating. The pins are very small and tough do it is hard to bend them through a hole in the helmet, see photos. Does anyone have any advice about how to get the rivets to fold flat? I was wondering if something like a G clamp might work as I don’t want to damage the rim of the helmet

 

[Tigercubrider]

If you have a wedge shaped metal part like a cold chisel, fit it into the gap then either use a G clamp or a hammer. If hammering, you need a solid surface as an anvil. Pushing the wedge between the prongs will make them separate.

 

[Burnerman]

A bifurcated rivet! See if you can find a wedge to squeeze between the prongs.
Is that a WW1 helmet?
John

 

[lostinthelight]

If you can get a clamp to both sides then placing something like the smooth shank of a drill bit that is of similar diameter between the legs of the rivit will spread them when pressure is applied....Once youve opened them use a larger diameter to spread further .
Bit flat at 90° to rivit