What is the process to form the tail of a rivet during hand riveting?

The process involved in forming the tail of a rivet during hand riveting is best achieved by employing a large pin punch and hammer. This method allows for effective deformation of the rivet's tail, which is critical for creating a secure mechanical joint. The punch is used to apply focused force on the tail of the rivet, causing it to spread and grip the material being joined, thus providing a strong and reliable connection.

In hand riveting, careful control of the hammering action is essential to achieve the desired tail shape without damaging the surrounding materials. This technique is particularly useful in applications where precision and control are required, making it the preferred choice for forming the rivet tail effectively.

Other methods, such as using a drill bit, compression tool, or shear cutter, do not appropriately address the needs of tail formation in this context. A drill bit would remove material rather than form it, a compression tool is typically used in different processes like pop riveting, and a shear cutter would cut rather than deform the rivet tail. Therefore, the correct and practical choice for tail formation during hand riveting is the use of a large pin punch and hammer.