What is the tool for flattening eyelets? (PCB through hole repair) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: TheSwartz
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 23, 2021, 01:48:09 am
content: HelloI have repaired a torn PCB through hole, but it seems the tools I purchased to finish the job are not correct.What do you suggest I purchase to flatten an eyelet after re-inserting into a PCB? Like at 1:44 in this video?I've gone back and looked atthe "staking tools" on Digikey, and I really don't think I'm understanding which is the appropriate tool. I don't mind spending money, but not for wrong things :(Thanks!BTW, this is the eyelet I am using:https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/keystone-electronics/34/315992

author: TimNJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2021, 03:00:11 am
content: This is officially a "swaging" operation, I believe:https://www.industrial-electronics.com/et-4e_14.htmlI looked briefly through your Digikey list. Not sure mainly because I'm not sure exactly how big the hole is. You may find some luck searching for "eyelet flaring tool" or "eyelet flaring die" and find one which matches the size of the hole you are trying to replace/repair. I don't know if they make them that small, to be honest.

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2021, 03:16:00 am
content: I've also heard them called "eyelet punches". That might not be the proper term though. Similar tools used by blacksmiths are often called "rivet sets" or "setting tools".Maybe those terms will help.Quote from: TimNJ on July 23, 2021, 03:00:11 am

author: TimNJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2021, 04:41:51 am
content: By the way, if you open the datasheet for the rivet you are using, the Keystone tool is #3076. Here's the datasheet.https://www.keyelco.com/product-pdf.cfm?p=14015So, a 1/16" eyelet set/flaring tool would probably work in a pinch, if you can find one.

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2021, 06:22:23 am
content: I use eyelets and tools from CircuitMedic (https://www.circuitmedic.com/). The tools are #115-3120 and 115-3122. The eyelets I use are copper plated with tin and are quite soft and easy to form. A typical part # is 115-7206-25.Generally, I use a small hand arbor press and the flair looks nice. I stopped using them for through-hole DIY PCB's several years ago. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any pictures of the eyelet before soldering.

author: TheSwartz
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 23, 2021, 10:01:56 am
content: Quote from: TimNJ on July 23, 2021, 03:00:11 amThat's nice info, thanks!Quote from: TimNJ on July 23, 2021, 04:41:51 amI was afraid that was the correct thing.... it is $676!! And, in the future probably need the slightly smaller and larger diameter eyelets in the future, which is another $1352 :(And I'm further confused if that goes into one of these presses, or if it's something meant to be used by hand?I should have mentioned, I purchased1721 "Basic" Staking Kitbased on "This kit provides the basic components needed to stake a majority of our most popular sizes of eyelets, rivets and terminals. The unskilled operator can produce professional looking assemblies quickly and with minimal training."in this datasheet. And, in the Individual Tools section, the1714and1715parts match the diameters of the eyelets I'm using.That Basic Staking Kit shows up in the "You May Also Be Interested In" section for all theireyelets.Now that I look back, I'm not sure what convinced me that was the proper thing... the pictures don't make sense to me at all, but this was a fraction of the cost and I assumed that once I got it in my hands I'd figure it out.Quote from: jpanhalt on July 23, 2021, 06:22:23 amI wish I'd seen this first.Looks like these are the parts from the couple videos I've seen to do this by hand:115-3120 Setting Tool, Small(which I think you need two of these, one for the base, and one for the hand tool)115-3122 Tool Base115-3139 Tool GripOtherwise, the201-3140 Plated Hole Repair Kithas all those parts plus tons of eyelets and matching drill bits, and for $299 it's discounted from $436.85 if added individually.Quote from: jpanhalt on July 23, 2021, 06:22:23 amIn the future, I suppose this gives me a reason to find a second hand press and learn how to use one :)Thanks for the info!I am having a hard time reading these part listings, looking at little pictures, and then visualizing how they fit together and work.. If I get this working, I should make a "For Dummies" version of instructions LOL!

author: mazurov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2021, 05:14:47 pm
content: I use a small automatic center punch to set these rivets, down to 0.5 mm ID. If you can perform this op on a granite counter top or something similar the result will be cleaner. I'm using a reference surface (granite as well), other people were using machinist 123 blocks with success.