I tried searching for a long time with no luck. it probably doesn't help that I can't remember the name of the part. Anyway, I'm wanting to unbend the little retainer on my leafs that keep the individual leafs from spreading out too far (and keep them from twisting out of the pack). I want to unbend them straight up and put a bolt through them like i've seen on several occasions. How do I do the bending? It's some thick steel and with all that plastic around it, if I use heat then it just melts the plastic. If I have to take them off, I can't quite see how to do that. thanks!

 

I used a vice when I made my leaf packs.

 

Their held in the upper or lower leaf with a rivet, which is peened over when the packs are assembled.

Drill out the rivet from the bottom with a 1/4" bit, and try to break it free from the leaf.

You may have to go to a larger diameter bit to get the whole rivet out.

Or just grind the head off the rivet, easier, and then pry it off.

Wear safety glasse's/goggles.

 

how do i get it back on if i destroy the rivet?

 

The newly drilled hole with the bolt ontop, will hold it in place. Beat it down towards the axle as far as you can, then tighten the bolt.