When driving rivets, what should you align with the rivet shaft?

Aligning the rivet shaft with the flat die is crucial because this configuration allows for an even distribution of force when the rivet is driven. The flat surface on the die ensures that the force exerted during the riveting process applies evenly over the surface of the rivet head. This uniform force is essential for properly forming the rivet and ensuring a secure bond between the materials being joined. An improperly aligned die could lead to irregular deformation of the rivet, resulting in a weak joint or potential failure of the assembly.

While other die shapes, such as curved, round, or angular dies, can be used in specific applications, they are not optimal for the general process of driving rivets due to their inability to provide the same level of force distribution. The flat die is specifically designed for max efficiency and effectiveness in this scenario.