How to remove riveted buckles
Short Answer:
To remove riveted buckles from your inline skates, you need a drill and the right drill bit. Unlike regular buckles that are bolted on, riveted buckles require careful drilling to detach them from the skate. After removal, you can replace the buckle with a new one using buckle bolts and T-nuts.
Inline skates often come with buckles that are either bolted or riveted. While bolted buckles are simple to remove with a screwdriver, riveted buckles need a more hands-on approach involving a drill. This guide will walk you through the steps of removing riveted buckles and replacing them with new ones.
Why are some buckles riveted?
Buckles are often riveted on children’s skates, budget models, or older skates for extra durability and security. While rivets hold the buckle firmly in place, they are much harder to remove compared to bolts. The only way to detach a riveted buckle is to drill it out.
How to remove riveted buckles
To remove a riveted buckle, you will need a drill and the correct drill bit. Follow these steps for a smooth process:
-
Prepare the skate: First, open the buckle and remove the skate’s liner to access the rivets from the inside. You’ll see the rivets holding the buckle in place.
-
Choose the right drill bit: Use a metal drill bit—usually around 6-7 mm in diameter. Avoid using bits for wood or concrete, as they won’t work as effectively on metal rivets. A metal bit has a pointed tip, perfect for cutting through the rivet’s head.
-
Drill out the rivet: Secure the skate in your hand or on a stable surface. Drill into the rivet from the inside of the skate, applying firm pressure. As you drill, small metal pieces will fly off, which is normal. Continue drilling until you feel the rivet pop out.
-
Remove the rivet: Once you hear a pop or see the rivet head detach, it should be easy to remove. Clear out the metal debris and proceed to the second rivet if there is one.
Replacing the buckle
After removing the riveted buckle, you’ll need to replace it with a new one using buckle bolts and T-nuts.
-
Re-drill the holes: Rivets create smaller holes than T-nuts, so you’ll need to re-drill the holes slightly larger using a 5 mm drill bit. This ensures the T-nut fits securely into the plastic of the skate.
-
Install the new buckle: Place the T-nut behind the drilled hole and line it up with the buckle. Hold the buckle in place with your fingers while securing the T-nut with your thumb. Insert the buckle bolt through the hole and tighten it with a screwdriver.
-
Repeat for the second rivet: If the buckle has two bolts, repeat the process for the second hole. Once both bolts are in place, your new buckle should be securely attached.
Where to get buckle bolts
If you don’t have buckle bolts or a replacement buckle, you can find them at thisissoul.com. They stock all the parts you need to customize or repair your skates, including buckles, bolts, and T-nuts.
What if you don't want to DIY?
If drilling out rivets sounds intimidating, or if you're unsure about performing this operation at home, don’t worry! You can always bring your skates to the This Is Soul Skate Shop in Amsterdam, and the team will be happy to handle the buckle replacement for you.
Conclusion
Removing and replacing riveted buckles is a relatively simple process once you have the right tools. All it takes is a drill, the proper drill bit, and a bit of patience. Once the rivet is out, replacing the buckle with bolts is straightforward, making your skates ready for action again. If you're unsure about doing it yourself, visit our shop, and we’ll take care of it for you.
For more skate repair tips and tutorials, check out our YouTube channel, where we post new videos every week. Don't forget to subscribe for the latest updates!