What does a rivet shaver do?

A rivet shaver is specifically designed to remove excess rivet head material, allowing for a smooth and flush surface once the rivet is installed. This process is essential in aerospace applications, where the aerodynamic properties of the structure must be maintained. A smooth surface minimizes drag and potential areas where moisture could accumulate, which can lead to corrosion.

While shaping the rivet head is related to its overall installation process, the rivet shaver focuses primarily on smoothing the head after the rivet has been set, ensuring it meets the required specifications. The application of a sealing compound is unrelated to the function of a rivet shaver, as that pertains to sealing joints and preventing leaks, which is a distinct process in assembly. Similarly, aligning rivets before installation is performed using different tools or methods, and is not a function of the rivet shaver. Thus, the function of removing excess material is the key aspect that defines the role of the rivet shaver in ensuring a proper and efficient assembly in aerospace structures.