Which tool is used to inspect the driven head gap of a rivet?

The use of a gap inspection shim is essential when inspecting the driven head gap of a rivet. This tool is specifically designed to measure the precise gap created by the rivet head after it has been driven. The shim effectively allows the technician to assess whether the gap falls within the specified tolerance necessary for ensuring the integrity and strength of the rivet joint.

Using a gap inspection shim provides a direct means of visual and tactile confirmation of the rivet placement and effectiveness. The shim's thickness can range based on industry standards, and it serves to determine if the head of the rivet is fully seated against the material or if there is an unacceptable gap that could lead to structural weaknesses.

Although other tools like calipers, micrometers, and rivet gauges can measure dimensions and ensure components are within specifications, they are not specifically designed for assessing the driven head gap of rivets in the same way that gap inspection shims are. This specificity makes the use of a gap inspection shim the best choice for this task.